2008 HINO 500 RANGE

04 March 2008

1. HINO REPLACES RANGER PRO WITH 500
2. EVOLUTION OF A CLASS FAVOURITE
3. NEW ENGINES GIVE HINO 500 INCREASED POWER AND REDUCED EMISSIONS
4. NEW HINO 500 HAS NINE-SPEED EATON TRANSMISSION
5. ABS GIVES HINO 500 IMPRESSIVE BRAKING PERFORMANCE
6. 500 SPECIFICATION PRESENTS VALUE FOR MONEY
7. CREW CAB VITAL TO 500 RANGE
8. HINO OFFERS DRIVERS BETTER VISION
9. HINO 500 HAS EASY-TO-USE PARKING BRAKE
10. EASY START FOR SMOOTH, STRESS-FREE TAKE-OFFS
11. LOADACE RETURNS WITH 500
12. HINO 500 SPECIFICATIONS

HINO REPLACES RANGER PRO WITH 500

Hino has replaced its widely popular Ranger Pro medium duty truck range with the new Hino 500.

The Ranger Pro has vied for market leadership in the medium duty truck segment since its introduction in March 2003, achieving dominance in a number of segments within the medium duty truck market.

The introduction of the 500 will mean an alignment of the Hino line-up, where it will sit between the 300 light duty truck and the 700 heavy duty truck.

The 500 also increases in power and torque compared with its predecessor. It has improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, a new nine-speed gearbox, higher specification and the renewal of outstanding braking performance and increased external vision.

The 500 provides 41 direct replacements of the Ranger Pro model range. An additional three FG (15,100kg GVM) variants have been added with nine-speed Eaton transmissions.

Common-rail fuel injection, cruise control, ABS anti-skid brakes (on all variants except for 4x4 models) and other significant updates will help reinforce the new Hino 500 at the top of the medium duty truck segment in Australia.

"The Hino 500 represents a major step forward for Hino, and also brings our medium duty offering into line with the latest technology used throughout the rest of the Hino line-up - such as EGR, common-rail injection and variable nozzle turbocharger, as used in the popular Hino 300," said Hino divisional manager - Marketing, Alex Stewart.

"Hino has not just unified model designation by introducing the new Hino 500 to sit between the 300 and 700. It has also standardised the latest engine technology across the three models."

Mr Stewart said the addition of cruise control and ABS on 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 Hino 500 variants would find favour with a market demanding increasing levels of standard equipment.

"From an operational perspective, cruise control is a very big selling point with drivers," he said.

"Including it as standard equipment across the entire 500 range (except for the 4x4 and crew models) is a major customer benefit, as is the introduction of ABS for all 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 models."

The new Hino 500 is powered by common-rail, variable nozzle turbocharged and intercooled diesel "J" Series engines with four different power ratings: 129kW, 152kW, 168kW and 190kW (ISO NET). All meet ADR 80/02 - producing more power and torque, improved fuel economy and lower emissions than those fitted to Ranger Pro.

The new Hino 500 offers common-rail fuel injection for the first time. It also has cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a variable-nozzle turbocharger which helps boost performance. It provides improved driveability, engine response, reduced emissions and, most importantly, improved fuel economy.

"The Hino 500 offers a high level of standard specification throughout the range, which means additional value for money in a truck that provides fuel efficiency, clean engine technology and high active and passive safety," Mr Stewart said.

...ends/

back to top 

EVOLUTION OF A CLASS FAVOURITE

The Hino Ranger Pro has been a class favourite in the medium duty truck segment since its introduction in early 2003.

The new 500 represents an evolution of the popular Ranger Pro series.

It carries all of the inherent qualities that have made its predecessor so successful - such as vertical cabin design and impressive cabin comfort and ergonomics.

Ranger Pro pioneered the vertical cabin design in the medium duty segment to allow for greater cabin space and visibility.

In the 500 these qualities have been enhanced, with improved engine performance, a new nine-speed transmission in FG models and higher specification levels across the entire range.

Hino believes the 500 is the truck to continue the Ranger Pro's strong position across medium and heavy duty segments.

In 2004, Ranger Pro's first full year on sale, Hino improved its sales in the medium duty segment by nearly 500 units over the previous year to claim a market share of 32.7 per cent.

The following year Hino sales grew by just under 200 units in the medium segment, and similar growth in 2006 led Hino to make 2931 new truck deliveries in the medium duty segment.

The 2006 result saw Hino claim an impressive 34.2 per cent of the medium duty market - neck and neck with the market leader, which pipped Hino by just by one per cent of market share.

In 2007 the buoyancy of the commercial vehicle market led to Hino's strongest growth in medium duty sales since 2004, with a further 400 trucks being delivered.

The 3324 new vehicles represented Hino's highest ever sales figure for the medium duty segment, and came amid supply difficulties towards the end of the year.

"We could not get anywhere near enough Ranger Pros out to the dealers at the end of 2007," said Hino's divisional manager - Sales, Enzo Magistro.

"We were less than two per cent away from market leadership, and the supply issues as the Ranger Pro was being run-out probably cost us a real shot at reaching number one in that sector.

"The 500s are arriving thick and fast now, and we are looking forward to an enthusiastic fight in the medium duty segment throughout the year."

...ends/

back to top 

NEW ENGINES GIVE HINO 500 INCREASED POWER AND REDUCED EMISSIONS

The new Hino 500 range has more power and torque - with improved fuel economy and lower emissions.

The 500-range engines deliver increased power and torque at lower maximum revolutions than the superseded Ranger Pro series, allowing Hino to specify taller gearing.

All 44 models in the 500 range have Hino's latest-generation "J" Series engines.

The engines are electronic direct-injection (common rail), variable-nozzle turbocharged and intercooled.

Hino has updated the "J" Series engines to produce more power and torque, achieving better fuel economy and lower emissions than the engines fitted to Ranger Pro.

The engines represent an evolution of front-line technology introduced on Ranger Pro.

There are four different power ratings for Hino 500 - 129kW, 152kW, 168kW and 190kW - all ISO NET.

Hino pioneered the commercial application of common-rail fuel injection in mid-sized trucks - with benefits such as reduced noise and vibration, and hence reduced driver fatigue.

Hino has added more key features in the new 500 range.

All models have a water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, designed to reduce combustion temperature and reduce emissions.

This technology helps the new-generation Hino engines achieve more complete combustion, reducing both harmful emissions and black smoke.

As the EGR acronym suggests, some of the exhaust gas is recirculated back into the combustion chamber via a water-cooled heat exchanger.

Recirculated exhaust gas reduces combustion temperature which in turn reduces emissions.

The "J" Series engines also have an electronically controlled variable-nozzle turbocharger.

The variable nozzle adjusts the pitch of the turbocharger intake fins, achieving precise control of turbine speed and hence optimising turbo boost pressure. This produces a cleaner, more efficient and complete combustion process from "idle" through to maximum RPM.

The variable-nozzle turbocharger also controls the amount of exhaust gas fed to the EGR system.

In addition, the 500 range engines have a combined muffler/oxidation catalyst where particulate matter (PM) is oxidised by the catalyst and decomposed into H₂O and CO₂. This results in clean exhaust gases that meet ADR 80/02 emissions standards.

The ADR 80/02 standard specifies tougher benchmarks for emissions of nitrides of oxygen (NOx) and particulate matter than the previous ADR 80. It was mandated for new heavy vehicles on 1 January 2007 and for heavy vehicles on 1 January this year.

The durable stainless steel catalyst requires no additives or maintenance, enabling maximum vehicle uptime.

These improvements are designed to boost performance and help meet ADR 80/02.

Hino Australia marketing manager Alex Stewart said the new engines have raised the bar in three key areas, delivering a win-win for operators and the environment.

"We're offering the market cleaner medium duty truck engines that have more power and increased fuel economy," he said.

"The improved fuel economy translates directly to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, because less fuel used equals less CO₂ produced.

"Hino has achieved these improvements through a combination of the water-cooled EGR systems, variable geometry turbochargers and high-pressure direct injection."

The J08E series is the most widely used engine in the Hino 500 range. It has a capacity of 7.684 litres, an 18.5:1 compression ratio, and four valves per cylinder, with a central injector nozzle and swirl-type inlet ports.

It has under-square bore and stroke dimensions of 112 x 130mm to maximise torque.

The new Hino 500 FC models feature the 4.728-litre J05D TG engine, with bore and stroke dimensions of 112 x 120mm.

The performance ratings in ISO NET for the Hino 500 engines are:

• J05D TG - 129kW @ 2500rpm and 608Nm @ 1500rpm
  
• J08E UA - 152kW @ 2500rpm and 608Nm @ 1500rpm
  
• J08E TE - 168kW @ 2500rpm and 686Nm @ 1500rpm
  
• J08E TB - 190kW @ 2500rpm and 794Nm @ 1500rpm
  

back to top 

NEW HINO 500 HAS NINE-SPEED EATON TRANSMISSION

Hino's 500 range offers the latest-generation all-synchromesh Eaton transmissions in four model types - FG, GH, FL and FM.

Two nine-speed direct-drive synchromesh Eaton transmissions are offered - the FS6109 and FS8209BBE.

The two transmissions share the same ratios but vary in input torque.

Both have a deep-reduction 12.637:1 first gear.

A direct-drive top gear is used to optimise economy, by reducing the amount of torque required to drive the transmission.

The Eaton FS6109 and FS8209BBE transmissions have ratios of: first, 12.637; second, 8.806; third, 6.550; fourth, 4.768; fifth, 3.548; sixth, 2.481; seventh, 1.845; eighth, 1.343; ninth, 1.000; and reverse, 13.210.

...ends/

back to top 

ABS GIVES HINO 500 IMPRESSIVE BRAKING PERFORMANCE

The new Hino 500 range has the additional active safety feature of ABS anti-skid brakes as standard equipment on all 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 models.

It is the first time Hino has offered ABS as standard equipment on these models.

ABS was previously an optional fitment on Hino medium duty trucks.

Hino Australia divisional manager - Marketing Alex Stewart said Hino was a pioneer in introducing ABS technology availability in Australia.

"Hino debuted ABS as optional equipment in 2003 in Ranger Pro series," he said.

"The combination of ABS and Easy Start means the Hino 500 range has a comprehensive braking package as standard equipment.

"Our aim with Hino 500 is to provide a well designed, highly specified vehicle that lifts driver and road-user safety to a new level.

"The clear trend in Occupational Health and Safety is that operators will increasingly specify key safety features like ABS for all their motor vehicles," he said.

All Hino 500 models, except the 4x4 FT and GT models, have ABS anti-skid brakes.

...ends/

back to top 

500 SPECIFICATION PRESENTS VALUE FOR MONEY

Hino is confident that its new 500 medium and heavy duty range of trucks provides customers significant value for money.

Hino has done away with offering variations of standard equipment and has now established a higher set of standard features across the range.

This means that ABS, cruise control, the Easy Start system^*, CD players, electric windows, air conditioning and keyless entry are all standard across the range.

Despite the increase in specification, the introduction of the new 500 has entailed only negligible price increases over the previous Ranger Pro.

The recommended retail price (RRP) of the new entry-level FC model has risen by just $343 from $72,017 to $72,360.40.

Towards the other end of the range, the GT 4x4 Crew Cab's RRP has dropped by $6,613 to $157,370, compared with the equivalent Ranger Pro's RRP of $163,983.

"Customers will get more 'bang for their buck' in terms of specification with the new 500," said Hino's divisional manager - Sales, Enzo Magistro.

"In addition, they will experience the efficiency and greater power of the new variable-nozzle turbocharged and common-rail injection diesel engines."
^*4x2 models only.

back to top 

CREW CAB VITAL TO 500 RANGE

The crew cabin will remain an integral part of the new 500 range, with four models to choose from.

Hino is directly replacing the FD and FG crew cab models from the Ranger Pro line-up, as well as the FT and GT 4x4 variants.

The Hino 500 crew cabin range seats seven people. It has electric windows on all four doors and easy start on the FD and FG variants.

Access to the engine bay is achieved by using an electro-hydraulic cab tilt mechanism with twin-tilt cylinders, for Occupational Health and Safety purposes.

The crew cabin also receives the benefits of the 500's new and improved engine performance, emissions figures and specification level.

...ends/

back to top 

HINO OFFERS DRIVERS BETTER VISION

The new Hino 500 gives drivers better vision from the cabin, thanks to its new rear-view mirror set-up fitted to both sides of the vehicle.

The 500 features a two-piece external rear-view mirror arrangement.

The upper segment is a standard flat-type mirror, giving normal and distant field of view rearwards.

The wide, lower convex spotter mirror lets drivers minimise the size of their blind spot by adjusting it to a position that allows easy viewing of objects closer to the vehicle - objects that may not normally be visible with a conventional square convex spotter mirror.

Each mirror is individually adjustable to allow drivers to find their most comfortable rear-view set-up.

In addition, the continuation of the vertical cabin design from the Ranger Pro to the 500 helps create a glasshouse-style cabin.

This style results in a large windscreen and electrically adjustable side windows to offer a large field of vision to the front and sides.

...ends/

back to top 

HINO 500 HAS EASY-TO-USE PARKING BRAKE

Hino 500 models have an ergonomic car-style parking brake lever, to improve ease of use and make the driver feel more at home in the cabin.

The unique Hino lever pulls forward and up, like a car handbrake lever.

Hino Australia divisional manager - Marketing Alex Stewart said the car-type lever has the benefit of suiting newer drivers who were entering the transport industry from a background of light-commercial vehicle driving.

"Many drivers who are new to medium duty trucks are more familiar with a car-type handbrake than a traditional brake release lever," he said.

"In addition, the 500 medium duty range has the Hino Easy Start feature, for smoother starting on hills."

All Hino 500 models from FD and above have an air-spring parking brake that acts on the rear drum brakes.

Hino FC has a tail-shaft mounted drum parking brake. It has a unique brake lock feature which can lock all four service brakes - offering unparalleled safety during the operation of an engine or transmission Power Take Off.

...ends/

back to top 

EASY START FOR SMOOTH, STRESS-FREE TAKE-OFFS

All manual 4x2 variants of the new Hino 500 range are fitted with Easy Start, another standard Hino feature that provides smooth take-offs on hills.

Easy Start is a well-established feature in the Hino range, designed to automatically prevent the truck from rolling backwards when starting off on steep inclines.

The vehicle maintains the braking force when the driver's foot is lifted off the brake pedal.

Easy Start automatically releases the brake as the clutch is engaged for take-off.

Easy Start operates on forward and reverse gears.

To match the brake release timing to their own driving habits, drivers can select Easy Start release speeds via a dash-mounted toggle switch.

...ends/

back to top 

LOADACE RETURNS WITH 500

Hino's factory-built bodies were a major success story for the company in 2007, with both the 300 TradeAce and Ranger Pro LoadAce contributing to impressive sales figures.

The LoadAce features a factory-built body with curtain sides. It will return to the market in 2008 in 500-appearance, and Hino expects it to continue its success.

"The LoadAce and the TradeAce were huge successes in 2007," said Hino divisional manager - Marketing, Alex Stewart.

"Our customers obviously like the convenience of being able to buy a ready- made truck straight off the dealer and not have to worry about organising a body.

"It also indicates that the LoadAce fits the applications that our customers are looking for.

"Plenty of our dealers could not get enough of either the LoadAce or the TradeAce last year," he said.

...ends/

back to top 

HINO 500 SPECIFICATIONS

Click here to download the specifications sheet.

back to top