HINO Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (HMSM), a subsidiary of Hino Motors Ltd, officially launched its new Hino 700 Series heavy-duty lorries with 16-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) technology, this morning.
The long-awaited feature for this series was finally introduced due to the high demand from fleet customers.
At the launch in Subang Jaya, HMSM announced that the new 700 Series focuses on its new variants – 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 Prime Movers.
“Due to land routes and ground transportation being the main distribution mechanism for most logistics companies in Malaysia, the new Hino 700 Series AMT make them ideal delivery and heavy construction vehicles.
“The Total Industry Volume (TIV) of heavy-duty prime mover lorries in the Malaysian market is approximately 1,200-1,700 units yearly, and the demand for heavy-duty lorries with AMT is up to 50% more than manual transmission, as AMT offers more advantages in terms of reduction of fuel consumption, improvement of driving comfort, and shifting quality.”
HMSM managing director Atsushi Uchiyama said: “Hino is proud to have a long-standing number one position in the market in various segments, including light and medium-heavy commercial vehicles, as well as buses.”
“We are the only brand that produces a full line-up of commercial vehicles, and our flagship Hino 700 Series is now better than ever before with AMT technology, making them smarter, safer trucks for our customers. This launch marks a milestone in the company’s history as we widen our range and challenge new business areas.”
AMT – Improving fuel-efficiency and driver safety
An ultimate combination of Japanese engineering and build, the three new models are complete built-up (CBU) lorries made in Japan and promise genuine Japanese parts with quality, durability and reliability.
The new Hino new 700 Series AMT heavy-duty lorries are fitted to the 16-speed mechanical auto synchromesh ZF16 transmission with power assistance, making it easier to shift gears at higher speeds.
It also helps to reduce driver fatigue from constant gear and clutch shifting, allowing for a more comfortable drive. This allows drivers to focus on the road without shifting gears for fuel-efficient driving.
Drivers are also given the option to select a sequential manual transmission for on-demand shifting conditions.
With AMT, customers will also be able to sustain a lower operational cost through lower fuel consumption and clutch replacement cost, as the trucks manoeuvre through heavy traffic roads.
The new AMT is designed to ensure driver comfort and ease of use with high safety elements. Likewise, the Hino 700 Series AMT is equipped with a powerful Euro 3 common-rail engine with turbo-charged intercooler and features a full-air brake system that improves braking responsiveness.
Hino products are always on the frontline and comply with the standard conditions by the Malaysian government.
Although fully developed and manufactured in Japan, Hino vehicles can run on B10 biodiesel without any changes to components or service intervals, allowing environmentally conscious businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Unprecedented safety and comfort
In addition to its new AMT technology, the Hino 700 Series comes with safety compliance and comfort features such as an optimised cab space for better visibility and operability, improved cab accessibility with the first step now connected directly to the chassis, antilock braking system (ABS) which controls the braking force of each individual wheel to prevent the wheels from locking, high rigidity door impact beams, new large reflector headlamps to enhance night-time visibility, and front under-run prevention (FUP).
The lorries are also fitted with high-functionality and air suspension seats that provide superior seating comfort.
The three-dimensional seat with a body-cradling form is able to support the driver’s back and reduce fatigue on long road trips.
All these and more make the Hino 700 Series more than a lorry – it is highly reliable and a dependable business partner that customers can count on.
Total support for customers and drivers
On top of all those, the new Hino 700 Series AMT also promises longer maintenance lifecycle and better fuel consumption when its drivers are properly trained and certified at the Hino Total Support Customer Centre (HTSCC).
This is part of the company’s total support concept, which aims to provide total support in after-sales for customers, maximise vehicle uptime, and minimise vehicle lifetime cost.
