Hino 700 Series: Custom Trucks for South Africa's Heavy-Duty Market

Hino South Africa has marked a successful first year in the market with its locally assembled 700 Series extra heavy-duty trucks, now introducing an opportunity for buyers in specific segments to receive trucks customised for their operational needs.

Itumeleng Segage, General Manager of Hino South Africa, explained: "We have identified key segments within the extra heavy market, and our Post Production Operations (PPO) unit is now ready to facilitate the fitment of special equipment to tailor trucks for various applications."

Among the modifications available, Hino SA will oversee the installation of essential components for side tippers, including a power take-off system provided by ZF, along with the hydraulic piping and fluid tank. For those utilising Hino 700 trucks as fuel or Hazchem tankers, the necessary hydraulic pump and piping will be pre-installed before delivery, although customers will need to obtain the appropriate Hazchem compliance kit to meet regulatory standards.

Hino 700 in front of the Toyota GR Racing Academy

Originally aimed at regional haul operators, the Hino 700's cost-effectiveness and impressive fuel efficiency — without the need for AdBlue — has attracted the attention of long-haul operators. However, a limitation for these longer journeys is the single sleeper cab design, which is not ideal for teams of two drivers.

In response, Hino has developed a locally designed sleeper pod that attaches to the cab's roof, enhancing aerodynamics while providing ample sleeping space for an additional driver, complete with lighting and two windows. This solution, inspired by practices in Japan, has already received positive feedback from South African operators trialling the new feature.

Further options available through Hino SA’s PPO unit include aluminium alloy rims and aerodynamic kits designed to improve fuel efficiency. Segage emphasised all PPO modifications are fully compliant with Hino's truck warranty, ensuring peace of mind for operators.

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Hino targets environmental concerns

The move towards carbon neutrality in the transport industry came through strongly with the vehicles on the Hino stand at the recent Tokyo Mobility Show where the company emphasised powertrain options including diesel-electric hybrids, battery electric and hydrogen fuel cells, to meet emissions targets.

The theme at the Hino display was “We make a better world and future by helping people and goods get where they need to go.” The theme was carried through by showing visitors vehicles, videos, and information panels.

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The dominant truck on the Hino display was the heavy-duty Profia (700-Series in South Africa) freight carrier, which uses Toyota and Hino-developed hydrogen fuel cells and a lithium-ion battery to power an AC synchronous electric motor. The hydrogen gas is stored in tanks at a pressure of 70 MPa and can provide a driving range of about 600 km before it needs to be refilled.

Two applications of the battery electric Hino Dutro Z EV were on show. One was a walkthrough van and the other an aluminium van with a side door. The ultra-low floor platform, which is exclusive to Hino’s Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), makes it easier to handle cargo and for the driver to get in and out of the vehicle and to move between the driver’s seat and the cargo area.

These vehicles target ‘last mile’ suppliers who need zero emission transport. Each of these vans can carry a load of 1 000 kg and up to two occupants. A 40-kWh lithium-ion battery provides power to a 50-kW AC synchronous electric motor. The vans have a range of about 150 km between charges and they have a fast-charging mode when required.

Hino also displayed two methods in which the company is already involved to cut emissions and increase productivity.

The first is CUBE-LINX which provides a financial modelling consultancy service to customers about adopting electric vehicles and ancillary equipment such as battery chargers and then offers a management system to ensure the best productivity from the EV vehicles.

The other project is Hino’s partnership with NEXT LOGISTICS Japan which is developing solutions to solve the challenges that the logistics industry is facing, such as a shortage of drivers and lower loading rates. Solutions include using mixed loads from various customers and double-connected trucks. About 40 cargo transport companies are already involved in the project.

Colin Windell

proudly CHANGECARS

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Colin-on-Cars - Hino launches 700 Series

Hino South Africa has completed its truck range for the country with the launch of a new 700 Series that has improved safety systems as well as lower fuel usage.

“Our current ranges of 200 and 300 Series medium trucks are proving very popular as is our 500 series in the heavy truck segment and now we will also have a strong competitor in the high volume, extra-heavy category,” says Anton Falck, Vice President of Hino South Africa. “Minimising downtime for our customers was a prime aim with the redesign of this important model.”

The exterior of the Hino 700 Series has undergone its first major design change in 14 years, with aerodynamic and safety benefits. From the grille, which has a three-dimension appearance, to the headlamps, this truck has a new frontal appearance, while the restyling of the cab has made it more spacious for the driver.

The interior has been completely redone too, with a major focus on improving comfort and ergonomics to cut driver fatigue. It is also easier to get in and out of the new cab.

There is a compact range of four basic models, a tipper, a freight carrier, and two truck tractors, all 6x4 configurations.

Power comes from derivatives of the 13-litre Hino E13C six-cylinder turbo-charged and intercooled diesel engine. The 2841 models are fitted with one version of this engine, developing 302 kW between 1 500 r/min and 1 800 r/min, together with a peak torque of 1 961 Nm between 1 400 r/min and 1 800 r/min.

The high-powered 2845 truck tractor utilises an engine model that produces 331 kW between 1 500 r/min and 1 800 r/min, with a peak torque of 2 157 Nm between 1 050 r/min and 1 400 r/min.

Fuel-saving changes include the switch from a variable nozzle type turbo-charger to a conventional type that facilitates a weight reduction of 13 kg. Significant fuel saving is possible when the standard Eco Mode system is used.

Both engines are mated to a ZF 16-speed Traxon automated manual transmission, offering fully automatic shifting with optional manual override.

The rear suspension has been given a makeover, resulting in a 20% weight reduction while performance is retained. Front and rear suspension are by leaf springs, while the power-assisted, variable ratio rack and pinion steering now has a variable hydraulic pump as a contributor to saving fuel.

Koyo, Goto the Chief engineer for the 700 Series, say: “We, at Hino Motors in Japan, have aimed to enhance safety through the adoption of active driver support systems and preventive safety systems, as well as improving driver comfort with a much quieter cab, and improved ride comfort. The new, high-functionality seats can accommodate a wider range of driver body heights in comfort which will reduce fatigue and improve driving efficiency. I am confident that we have succeeded in developing a truck that provides a safe and comfortable working environment.”

New safety systems include the Pre-Collision System (PCS) which uses a millimetre wave radar and an image-based sensor to predict a vehicle or pedestrian on the road ahead, a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and a Staggering Warning (SW) which alerts the driver if the truck starts weaving over the road.

If the staggering continues without being addressed by the driver, then the PCS prepares to activate quickly.

A further safety feature is the Driver Monitor Camera (DMC) which constantly checks the driver’s posture, face direction, and the state of the eyelids – open or closed. If the system detects insufficient driver focus on the road in front of the truck, then the driver is alerted with a buzzer and a warning message on the dashboard to help prevent a collision.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which uses a millimetre wave radar to detect preceding vehicles to automatically maintain an appropriate vehicle-to-vehicle distance, is fitted as standard.

All models have engine retarders as standard, while the Freight Carrier and TT models have ZF intarders for additional brake assistance fitted as standard. This, together with a crash bag for the driver, anti-lock brakes, seat-mounted seat belts and side impact beams in the doors complete the package.

The new 700 Series is the first Hino in South Africa to feature multi-functional controls on the steering wheel and these include the Bluetooth audio and hands-free operation of the telephone.

Air-conditioning, an AM/FM audio system with CD player, USB, AUX and Bluetooth, power windows, central locking and a transponder immobiliser key are all standard.

The new Hino 700 Series truck range is covered by one of the most comprehensive warranties for extra-heavy trucks in South Africa. The vehicle, powertrain and chassis frame warranties on the tipper are for 24 months, irrespective of distance covered, while the other models have 36-month warranties. There is a 48-month/unlimited distance warranty on cab corrosion.

Service intervals are every 15 000 km / 250 hours for the tipper and every 30 000 km for the other models, although these may change depending on operating conditions.

Hino-Connect, a full fleet management system, is installed as standard fitment on the new 700 Series. This is a joint venture with Cartrack.  

“This comprehensive telematics solution includes a three-year subscription from the date of fitment and will be an important, additional tool to ensure we continue to provide the highest levels of customer satisfaction,” says Falck.

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Shortages crimp truck sales 

Truck sales in South African for 2021 are likely to fall short of their potential due to ongoing stick shortages, according to Leslie Long, Senior Manager – Product Planning and Marketing at Hino SA.

With a potential of around 25 000 units for the year, he expects the shortages to limit that to 24 000 units.

“We have been surprised at the quick recovery of the local truck market after the pandemic-induced lockdowns and stress of 2020 but believe that a realistic growth figure for 2021 over 2020 will be 9%, based on a predicted market of 24 000 units. We are aiming to increase our share of this market to 11,3% by selling 2 700 Hino trucks in 2021, compared to our penetration of 9,7% last year,” explained Long.

Hino suffered from a shortage of medium, trucks towards the end of 2020 and in the first quarter of 2021 as the previous model was being run out. The company believes its revised model line-up, which answers the requirements of specific customers, will provide a significant increase in its 300-Series sales in 2021. Hino is also looking for growth in both the heavy and extra-heavy market segments with its 500- and 700-series models during 2021.

Ernie Trautmann, the Vice President of Hino SA, said he was immensely proud of the quick and efficient way the dealer network reacted to the changes in business practice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the positive attitude of the dealers resulted in Hino retaining its dominant placing in the quarterly DATATrack competitive customer care truck studies.

“We have not lost any of our dealers and none of them are at risk, which is very satisfying and underlines their effective management strategies,” says Trautman. “There were some retrenchments, but it was a case of identifying those employees who could rise to the occasion and those who could not when identifying what was needed to ensure the sustainability of these businesses.

“Our big thrust at Hino is these troubled times since March 2020 has been on training, which we were able to switch quickly from on-site to digital. We were able to provide extensive online training from June and extended this to all our meetings. The dealers have all set up dedicated training facilities and we can have meetings with our dealers whenever necessary, which is usually for an hour on a Friday morning.

“Our important driver training programme is also up to speed in line with the necessary COVID-19 protocols in place. The result of this on-site driver training is well proven in terms of fuel saving and reducing wear and tear on the truck, so we are expanding this service to our customer base.

“We are currently putting all Hino head office and dealer staff through a 12-month qwdsa course in line with our move from just being a truck supplier to becoming an organisation that can offer the best logistics solution to meet the requirements of our customers.

Looking to the future, Trautmann said Hino was globally focused on Challenge 2025 which targeted improving safety, the environment and efficiency through best-fit trucks, Total Support for all Hino stakeholders and engaging in new activities such as electrification, although the Hino SA Vice President said the ultimate future for trucks was the use hydrogen as an energy source and Hino was already involved in projects involving fuel cell technology

In terms of best-fit trucks in the local market, Trautmann said that Hino was now even more competitive as the new 300-Series was a significant step forward in the medium truck market, while the 500-Series underwent a model change recently and the 700-Series will be refreshed towards the end of 2021.

Masaki Yamamoto, the Chief Engineer for medium-duty trucks at Hino Japan, said revised gear ratios and the use of a six-speed transmission in certain models, instead of a five speeder, will contribute to improving fuel consumption in the new 300-Series, while drivers of those models with a manual gearbox will appreciate the benefits of the Easy Drive hill start system, which prevents rollbacks on inclines until the clutch is engaged. The automatic transmission, which has been extended into more models in the revised range, already has this feature.

 The Hino engineer added that another plus feature of the new model was the change made to the chassis to make it easier for truck bodybuilders to mount bodies, while retaining the integrity of the chassis rails.

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