Hino Motors Canada are introducing their 2011 medium-duty truck (MDT) line-up in September. The 268, 338 and 358 models feature a bold new design and functional improvements that improve the trucks’ flexibility and driver comfort, efficiency and safety. The MDTs will also boast significant technological improvements to meet new emissions regulations. All 2011 Hino MDTs will employ Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to fully comply with 2010 EPA emissions requirements. Hino’s application of the technology is also expected to reduce fuel consumption by three to five percent.
Driver safety and efficiency is improved with the addition of a Bluetooth-enabled GPS stereo and a new easy-to-read driver information display.
The 2011 Hino 338 will receive a boost to 260 hp while the torque on the Hino 358 increases to 660 lb-ft. The changes will improve the throttle response and driveability of both models. Front-axle capacity on the Hino 358 also increases to 14,000 pounds.
A ‘clean chassis’ option will be available for the Hino 268, 338 and 358. Parts that were previously mounted on the outside of the frame rails have been moved to behind the cab.
Eric Smith, national sales manager, said, “The launch of these new trucks is a milestone for Hino. The trucks have been redesigned virtually from the ground up. Drivers will notice the bold new styling in addition to chassis and power train refinements.
“New chassis configurations and power improvements will open up new market opportunities for our products.”
The all-new, light-duty, Class 5 Hino 198 truck for 2011 is built on a 19,500-pound GVWR truck chassis coupled to a 220-hp, 7.6-litre turbocharged Hino diesel engine.
According to Smith, “the new Hino 198 will have the extra power and performance requested of our light-duty trucks by Canadian customers.”
