HINO 700 Series Heavy Duty Truck With AMT Now Available In Malaysia
From encouraging feedback of its fleet customers, Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (HMSM) a subsidiary of Hino Motors, Ltd., has launched the new HINO 700 Series heavy-duty trucks with 16-speed Automated-Manual Transmission (AMT) to supplement its current prime mover line-up. The HINO 700 AMT comes in 4×2, 6×2 and 6×4 axle configurations, for various roles mainly in the distribution and construction sectors.
Most heavy duty trucks in the market, especially the Japanese makes, run with manual transmission due to the perception of lower maintenance costs and fuel consumption. That may be true in an ideal setting, but perhaps not in the real world with ever-changing traffic and weather conditions.
Driver fatigue will set in with constant gear and clutch shifting throughout the driving day, especially in stop-and-go traffic. This will eventually affect driving efficiency as well as attention to the road, which could lead to a potential waste of fuel or accident.
Thus, the 16-speed mechanical auto synchromesh ZF Traxon transmission with power assistance and overdrive is made available to provide for a more comfortable drive, making it easier to shift gears. Drivers also have the option to select a sequential manual mode for conditions that required on-demand shifting.
Hino claims that with the AMT, customers will be able to sustain a lower operational cost through lower fuel consumption and clutch replacement cost.
The HINO 700 Series AMT variants are made in Japan and imported as Completely Built-Up (CBU) units and promise genuine Japanese parts with QDR – Quality, Durability, and Reliability. The 700 Series 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 is proud to have a long-standing number 1 position in the market in various segments, including light and medium-heavy commercial vehicles, as well as buses,” said Atsushi Uchiyama, Managing Director of HMSM.
“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,” he added.
In addition to the new AMT feature, 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; anti-lock braking system (ABS) which controls the braking force of each individual wheel to prevent the wheels from locking up; high rigidity door impact beams; new large reflector headlamps to enhance night-time visibility; and front under-run prevention (FUP).
The trucks are also fitted with high-functionality and air suspension seats that provide superior seating comfort. The three-dimensional (3D) seat with a body-cradling form is able to support the driver’s back and reduce fatigue on long road trips.
Other features include an automatic third axle lift with manual switch for driver control, and coupler height adjustment to adapt to different trailer heights.
The HINO 700 Series AMT also comes with a 24-month or 200,000 km free service programme that includes free labour, parts and lubricants (excluding wear & tear items; terms & conditions apply).
At the recent launch, HMSM also showed off optional aftermarket products that enhance the safety and comfort of the 700 Series, such as the Collision Avoidance System provided by Atilze that includes four cameras for increased safety and manouevering in tight spaces, as well as the battery-powered Webasto parking cooler which keeps the driver and cabin cool without the need to leave the engine running thus saving fuel for the operator.
HMSM also stated that although fully developed and manufactured in Japan, Hino trucks can run B10 biodiesel without any changes to components or service intervals, allowing environmentally conscious businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Hino – Total Support for Customers and Drivers
In addition, 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 Center (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. The HTSCC facility is located in Sendayan and offers various training programmes for truck and bus drivers.
Hino’s design philosophy of quality, durability, and reliability permeates every HINO 700 Series AMT model, making them the best-in-class in the prime mover category. Hino has a wide service network across the country, allowing customers to quickly send their vehicles for repairs and maintenance when required. This is Hino’s strong commitment to improve road safety awareness and reduce traffic accidents.
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