Hino—No, Not THAT Heino—Unveils New Line of Work Trucks

No, we're not talking about that Heino (left). We're talking

about Hino trucks. Photo credits Usien (left), posted in
Wikimedia Commons. Right: Hino Trucks website.

Ever heard of Hino? No, not Heino the German pop singer, who we have heard of. Ever heard of Hino Trucks?

Neither had we, until we ran across the recent announcement of the new 2018 lineup of work trucks from Hino Trucks, a Toyota division.

Hino Trucks unveiled its new line of trucks in a ‘big’ way at the 2018 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, IN.  Carrying the name Hino XL Series, this all-new lineup rounds out Hino Trucks Class 7 product offering and launches them into the Class 8 market for the first time in the U.S. The Hino XL7 and XL8 models are powered by Hino’s legendary A09 turbo diesel 8.9-liter inline 6-cylinder engine boasting a B10 life of 1,000,000 miles. 

The Hino XL Series adds capability and new advantages to Hino Trucks product portfolio while holding true to the brand’s core advantages of industry-leading standard features, durability, reliability, and ownership experience. “Considering our remarkable success in Class 4-7 in North America, and our growing global presence in the Class 8 market, entering the North American heavy duty segment makes for the next logical step.  Not to mention our customers and our dealer network have been asking for this for some time,” said Yoshinori Noguchi, President and CEO of Hino Trucks North America.

The Hino XL Series will be offered in a host of straight truck and tractor configurations ranging from a GVWR of 33,000 to 60,000 lbs. and GCWR up to 66,000 lbs. with max performance of 360 horsepower and 1,150 lb.-ft. torque. Available wheel base selections of up to 304 inches, and tandem axle and fifth wheel configurations make this a versatile truck for many vocational applications.

The lineup features new active safety solutions with electronic stability control (standard on tractor) and collision mitigation systems, innovative payload management suspension options, and a body builder friendly optimized design that was also engineered for maximum ease of serviceability.

Hino Trucks set out to create a vehicle with best-in-class styling, ergonomics, and valued amenities. “Both drivers and owners are going to love this truck!” remarked Glenn Ellis, VP of Customer Experience.  “The first thing you notice is the styling -- the aerodynamic yet bold design could proudly represent any business.  Then you open the door to a wide, easy-access entry and an automotive grade finished interior ready to provide the best service possible to drivers and teams.”  Air-ride cab and driver’s seat, hands-free Bluetooth audio/calling, steering wheel controls, LED headlights, cruise control, and air conditioning are a few of the distinguished features that will be standard equipment on every 2020 model year Hino XL7 and XL8.

As with everything Hino Trucks does, the Hino XL Series is more than a product, it is about providing Hino customers an ultimate ownership experience.  The benefits current Hino customers receive -- from HinoWatch 24/7 roadside assistance and HinoCare maintenance programs to the industry’s leading fully integrated connected vehicle solution, Hino Insight – will be benefits for Hino XL Series customers.  Hino Insight Telematics carries a one-year complimentary subscription, while Insight Remote Diagnostics and Insight Case Management are complimentary for five-years.

 Production of the new Hino XL7 and XL8 will start in early 2019. The new lineup will be assembled in Mineral Wells, West Virginia at the fully renovated one million square foot state-of-the-art production facility that Hino acquired in 2017.

Hino Trucks, a Toyota Group Company, assembles, sells, and services a lineup of Class 4-8 diesel commercial trucks in the United States. Hino Trucks is the premier heavy & medium duty nameplate in the United States with a product lineup that offers fully connected vehicles with low total cost of ownership, superior fuel economy, unmatched reliability and maneuverability and the most comprehensive bundle of standard features in the market. Headquartered in Novi, Michigan, Hino has a network of over 230 dealers nationwide.