Established in the 1940s and making its debut in the United States in 1984, Hino Trucks is currently celebrating their 40th anniversary in the U.S. As a Toyota Group Company, Hino has been making quality trucks for a long time. Today, Hino operates seven facilities in the U.S. They including Hino assembly plant in Mineral Wells, WV; a components plant in Marion, AR; a national part distribution center in Southaven, MS;, Hino Motors Manufacturing andH ino Motor Sales headquarters as well as national training center in Novi, MI: and a North American sequencing facility, and a California distribution and training center in Ontario, CA.
“Since Hino entered the U.S. market 40 years ago, our success is due to the recognized quality built into Hino trucks as well as the strong relationships we have forged with our dealers and our customers. Looking ahead, we are poised for even greater achievements over the next 40 years,” says Mark Brakeall, director of marketing, dealer operations and connected vehicle, Hino.
Currently, Hino sells a medium-duty L-series (L6 and L7), and a heavy-duty XL-series (XL7 and XL8). As this is our medium-duty showcase, we will focus on the L-series.
The truck comes with a Cummins engine, Allison transmission, selection of safety features, many different configurations, and the ability to customize the truck to what they need for their work truck fleets.
UNDER THE HOOD
The L-series comes equipped with a Cummins B6.7 liter six-cylinder inline, four-cycle, water-cooled diesel turbocharged engine. It outputs 240 to 260 horsepower and 600 to 660 pounds/feet of torque mated to a six-speed automatic Allison transmission with neutral at stop. The truck comes equipped with a 50-gallon fuel tank as standard, with optional 70-gallon, 90-gallon, or dual 50-gallon tanks. Each L-series also comes with a 7.4-gallon DEF tank.
CONFIGURATIONS
L-series comes in three cab sizes, each with differing wheelbases. The biggest is the Crew Cab, which seats six and comes in one wheelbase size. The Extended Cab, seats five, and comes in three wheelbase sizes. Finally, the Day Cab, seats three, and is offered in 10 different wheelbase sizes.
CAPABILITIES
Two L-series models are available, L6 and L7. L6 has a GVWR of between 23,000 and 25,950 lbs, with weight capacities of 8,000 to 12,000 lbs (for front axle range), and 17,500 to 19,000 lbs (for rear axle range). It is available with both engine outputs (240/600 and 260/660). Looking at the L7, the GVWR is 33,000 lbs, with the weight capacities being 10,000 to 14,000 lbs (front axle range), and 21,000 to 23,000 lbs (for rear axle range). The L7 is only available with the higher output Cummins engine (260hp/660lbs/ft).
SAFETY
L-series is available with a radar-based collision mitigation system that offers active braking on any vehicles that are on the road (moving or not). Lane departure warning system is also available using a camera-based system. Another important feature is electronic stability control, which helps to keep the driver in control of the vehicle. Other features include available LED headlights, back-up alarm, programmable speed limit (65/70 mph), 80-degree door opening, available heated mirrors.
Finally, Hino Edge is offered on L-Series, is the company’s connected vehicle solution that provides a digital connection between the customer, Hino’s dealer network, the Hino Ultimate Support center, and telematics service providers.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mario Cywinski is the editor of Modern Work Truck Solutions and has worked in the automotive industry for nearly 20 years, both as an automotive journalist and working for a local dealership. He is a member of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada and has been a judge for the Canadian Truck King Challenge. He can be reached at mario@mwsmag.com.
