Hino South Africa has outlined its multi-faceted strategy for new energy vehicles. Itumeleng Segage, General Manager of Hino South Africa, explained the company is pursuing a multipath approach, developing a range of power units to suit different operator requirements.
This strategy includes the continued refinement of internal combustion diesel engines, alongside the offering of diesel-electric hybrids and battery electric trucks in certain markets. The company is also advancing the development of hydrogen as an emission-free power source, with global trials currently underway. Segage noted green hydrogen is considered a suitable energy source for long-haul trucks that operate from depots equipped with refuelling infrastructure.
In South Africa, a trial involving 38 Hino 300 diesel-electric hybrid models is in progress. These vehicles are being operated by customers on a non-ownership basis, with initial data indicating fuel consumption savings in the region of 20%. To facilitate the trial, Hino South Africa is subsidising the acquisition cost. In partnership with Toyota’s mobility brand, KINTO, a low-risk, all-inclusive leasing solution will be provided to selected customers over a four to five-year period.
The Hino 300 Hybrid is designed for urban operations, and five dedicated dealers have been appointed to maintain the vehicles during the trial. The media event also featured a display of the Hino Dutro Z EV, a battery-electric walk-through van already operational in other markets. The van has a one-ton payload and a driving range of 150 km, making it suitable for final mile deliveries. Its 40 kWh lithium-ion battery can be fully recharged in eight hours using a domestic socket.
Satoshi Ogiso, President and CEO of Hino Motors Limited in Japan, addressed the ongoing integration of Hino, Fuso and Daimler into a new global truck entity. Anton Falck, Vice President of Hino South Africa, assured the Hino distribution network and retail model in South Africa will remain unchanged, with a continued focus on the ‘Hino Total Support’ strategy.
Falck highlighted the brand’s long-standing presence in the local market, spanning more than 50 years through its parent company, Toyota SA Motors. He attributed the brand’s stability in a competitive market to its reputation for quality, durability and reliability (QDR), which is supported by aftersales service. This is reflected in customer satisfaction surveys; Hino has been ranked first overall in Comparative Customer Satisfaction since March 2020 and has received a Platinum Award in the NADA Dealer Satisfaction Survey for five consecutive years. The loyal client base and committed network of 66 dealers have contributed to an improvement in Hino’s market share, moving from fifth in 2023 to third so far in 2024.
A significant announcement was the introduction of a six-year driveline warranty, provided at no additional cost. This warranty, which is transferable if a truck is sold within its term, is applied retrospectively to vehicles purchased since January 2025.
The warranty is subject to kilometre restrictions dependent on the model and requires adherence to recommended service intervals. Falck described the warranty as an initiative that reflects confidence in Hino’s engineering standards and is supported by its dealer network.
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