Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Hino Malaysia Launches the HINO 700 Series Heavy Duty Truck With 16 Speed AMT


Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (HMSM) launched its new HINO 700 Series heavy-duty trucks with 16-speed Automated-Manual Transmission (AMT). While this refreshed 700 Series was launched early 2019, it did not come with the AMT option then. Now, HMSM has finally brought this into Malaysian and the truck is fully imported from Japan (CBU).

VIDEO PREVIEW OF THE HINO 700 AMT WITH OPTIONAL EXTRAS

The new gearbox is an option that Hino 700 operators can choose. They can opt for the usual, 16 speed manual transmission or this new 16 speed ZF AMT. Made by renowned transmission manufacturer ZF, the 16-speed mechanical auto synchromesh ZF16 transmission with power assistance, makes it easier to shift gears at higher speeds and also makes life a whole lot easier for the driver in heavy traffic, especially in jam packed urban conditions. It also helps to reduce driver fatigue from constant gear and clutch shifting, allowing for a more comfortable drive. 

It benefits allows drivers to focus on the road without shifting gears for fuel-efficient driving. Drivers are also given the option to select a sequential manual transmission for on-demand shifting conditions. The long-awaited feature for this series was finally introduced due to the high demand from fleet customers. Other than that, it also saves fuel costs as the electronically controlled gearshifts are precise, efficient and would actually be better than manual shifting in most conditions. In fact, clutch wear may be lessened significantly as there are no drivers who may ride on the clutch in traffic and keep premature clutch-wear to the minimum. 


Anyway, the launch was quite a memorable event and it was officiated by the Managing Director and Executive Director; Atsushi Uchiyama (left) and Dato’ Johnny Chan (right), Executive Director HMSM. There, the 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 Prime Mover variants were displayed and guests were given the opportunity to feel the comfort of the new truck and got to preview thn new HINO 700 Series AMT models up-close, and to join a networking session with the authorised dealers. 

You can watch the video preview we made on the truck at the launch which is up above - the SR1E truck featured also has some interesting options aside from the new AMT - The A.Til.Ze Collision Alert / Blind Spot System as well as the aftermarket add-on Webasto Cabin Air Cooler system.

HMSM feels that due to land routes and ground transportation being the main distribution mechanism for most logistics companies in Malaysia, the new HINO 700 Series AMT make them ideal long haul delivery (in terms of Malaysian standards) and heavy construction vehicles.

Since the Total Industry Volume (TIV) of heavy-duty Prime Mover trucks in the Malaysian market is approximately 1,500 units yearly, and the increased demand for heavy-duty trucks with some kind of automatic transmission is up to 50% more than manual transmission, HMSM has finally decided to bring this model in. It makes a lot of sense as these days, operators have to entice drivers to stop them from changing companies and one of the way is to provide them with trucks that are easy to operate and drive. Since the market of heavy duty haulers are with automatics, especially at the very high end where the European Prime Movers rule, the need to innovate and keep up with the current trends has led Hino to come up with this solution for its customers.

“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.”

A summary of the new HINO 700 Series AMT & Other Hino Related Matters
AMT - Improving Fuel Efficiency and Driver Safety
An ultimate combination of Japanese engineering and build, the three new models are a
Complete Built-Up (CBU) truck made in Japan and promises genuine Japanese parts with
QDR; Quality, Durability, and Reliability.

The new AMT function is designed to ensure driver comfort and ease of use with high safety
elements. Likewise, the HINO 700 Series AMT 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 products are always on the frontline and comply with the standard conditions by the
Malaysia Government. Although fully developed and manufactured in Japan, Hino vehicles
can run B10 Biodiesel without any changes to components or service intervals, allowing
environmentally conscious businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Unprecedented Safety and Comfort
In addition to its new AMT technology, 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; antilock
braking system (ABS) which controls the braking force of each individual wheel to prevent
the wheels from locking; 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.

All these and more make the HINO 700 Series more than a truck - they are highly reliable,
dependable business partners that customers can count on.

Hino - Total Support for Customers and Drivers
On top of that, 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.

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.

Since the establishment of HMSM in 1977, the company has manufactured and provided the
best-fit trucks and buses for the local industry and put on priority to customer feedback and
explores diverse business fields. As Hino has safety as its main policy, through their
extensive partnerships that training programmes are available to all truck and bus drivers at
HTSCC.
(c) 2019 Motoring Malaysia

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