Hino Motors, Ltd., the commercial vehicle arm of Toyota Group, has recently introduced an automatic transmission variant to its successful lineup of Hino 500 Series Medium Duty Truck (MDT) range in the Middle East. The latest version of the versatile vehicle is available in Euro 3 (GCC) engine variants and includes multiple features to enhance safety and comfort for drivers and passengers.
Every aspect of the Hino 500 Series MDT’s cabin has been engineered to bring greater convenience, from the two-level steps and large inside door handle grips that give easy access to the driving seat to the brightly illuminated combination meter and an LCD screen that offer a clear view of the vehicle’s instrument readings. The semi-floating cabin structure is mounted using a special bush that greatly reduces the vibration experienced during driving, leading to increased passenger comfort and lessening the need for maintenance.
Occupants are protected by several advanced safety features, including a collapsible steering column, shock-absorbing steering, a steel-plate door impact beam and robust mainframe reinforcement. The chassis incorporates a web frame structure that ensures greater durability levels, while a metal bumper reinforcement is installed behind fibre bumper frame for enhanced collision protection. The full air-brake system provides a high level of initial braking force and features a dual-circuit brake line for improved safety and easier maintenance due to the system's fluidless nature. Under-run protectors have been adopted at the front and rear of some models, and the vehicle is also fitted with large multi-reflected headlights to provide a clear view at night.
Adding to its reputable lineup, Hino has introduced automatic transmission to its well-established 500 Series MDT range for the first time. The automatic transmission is available for Euro 3 engine versions only, which are on sale across the GCC except for the UAE.
The 500 Series MDT range is available in three variants tailored to a diverse range of applications. The FG model can be configured as a road sweeper, municipality vehicle, cargo box, or cargo vehicle with crane; the GH can be used as a garbage compactor or waste management truck, and the FM version can be fitted with a water tanker or 10-ton cargo crane. The GH and FM models benefit from a reduced turning circle radius for improved manoeuvrability, while the FG and GH models offer increased ground clearance and better off-road performance.
All three variants feature an automatic transmission system that ensures smooth and easy acceleration and start-ability and greater agility and speed when travelling in congested zones and narrow roads. The automatic transmission brings the additional benefit of improved fuel efficiency over its manual counterparts and increased vehicle up-time due to reduced engine load.
The Euro 3 engine version of the Hino 500 Series MDT is powered by a J08E-WH engine that, when coupled with automatic transmission, is capable of generating 260 PS and 794 Nm of torque (ISO NET). A speed limiter is also fitted as standard, with maximum speeds of 100 kph (FG and GH) and 90 kph (FM) promoting responsible driving and increased fuel efficiency.
“We are delighted to introduce the all-new automatic transmission variant of the Euro 3 Hino 500 Series MDT to the Middle East market. This versatile vehicle further builds on the success of the 500 Series to bring greater performance, safety and value to our customers in the region,” said Satoshi Matsumoto, Managing Director of Hino Motors Middle East. “Owners will also benefit from the best sales, spare parts, and service solutions thanks to Hino’s ‘total support’ philosophy, which aims to ensure their needs are met throughout the lifecycle of their vehicle.”
The 500 Series MDT range is manufactured in Japan at Hino’s Koga Plant and is available across the GCC (Euro 3 version) and in the UAE (Euro 4 version only). The Hino Motors Middle East (HMME) FZE regional office is located in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ), Dubai. The company also operates a technical training facility in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) and a parts depot in Dubai World Central (DWC), ensuring that customers enjoy comprehensive customized support best-fit products, in line with Hino’s ‘total support’ philosophy.
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