Hino South Africa (SA) has launched the all-new 700 Series to complete its local truck line-up.

The first 700 Series of extra-heavy trucks was introduced to the local market in 2004, with the range upgraded and enhanced in 2019. 

The 2023 model, however, “takes big steps forward in terms of its technology, with huge benefits regarding active and passive safety systems, as well as improved fuel economy, all of which contribute to a lower total cost of ownership”, promises the local arm of the Japanese truck maker.

“Our current ranges of 200 and 300 Series medium trucks are proving very popular, as is our 500 series in the heavy-truck segment, and now we’ll also have a strong competitor in the high-volume, extra-heavy category,” says new Hino SA VP Anton Falck.

“Minimising downtime for our customers was a prime aim with the redesign of this important model.”

The exterior of the Hino 700 Series has undergone its first major design change in 14 years, while the interior has also been revamped, with a focus on improving comfort and ergonomics to reduce driver fatigue. 

It is also easier to get in and out of the new cab, says Hino SA.

The range has four basic models, including a tipper, freight carrier and two truck-tractors – all 6 x 4 configurations. 

The vehicles are all powered by derivatives of the well-known 13-litre Hino E13C six-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine. 

Several fuel-saving changes have been made across the vehicle, including the switch from a variable nozzle type turbocharger to a conventional type that facilitates a weight reduction of 13 kg.

Significant fuel saving is also possible when the standard Eco Mode driving system is used.

Both engines are mated to a ZF 16-speed Traxon automated manual transmission, offering fully automatic shifting with optional manual override. 

This makes it not only easier on the driver, but also saves fuel with optimised gear selection. 

Another major change has been made in the redesign of the rear suspension, resulting in a 20% weight reduction.

Front and rear suspension is by leaf springs, while the power-assisted, variable ratio rack-and-pinion steering now has a variable hydraulic pump as another contributor to saving fuel.

Despite these fuel-savings enhancements, the big news is the new safety aspects of the 700 Series, says Hino SA.

Firstly, there is the pre-collision system (PCS), which uses a millimetre wave radar and an image-based sensor to predict the presence of a vehicle or pedestrian on the road ahead. 

If the system judges that there is a high risk of a collision, it issues audible and visual warnings to the driver, while also using brake-control support to avoid a collision, or to reduce collision damage. 

The system will assist the driver in using the brake pedal, while the truck will decelerate, even if the driver fails to push the brake pedal. 

Secondly, there is a lane departure warning system that uses an image-based sensor installed on the front windshield to detect the lane markings ahead.

A warning buzzer and dashboard display alert the driver if the truck deviates from its lane.

Thirdly, a staggering warning system alerts the driver if the truck starts weaving across the road. 

If the staggering continues without being addressed by the driver, the PCS will prepare to activate. 

A further safety feature is the driver monitor camera which constantly checks the driver’s posture, face direction and the state of the eyelids – open or closed.

If the system detects insufficient driver focus on the road, the driver will be alerted with a buzzer and a warning message on the dashboard. 

Another standard feature of the new Hino 700 Series is adaptive cruise control, which uses a millimetre wave radar to detect preceding vehicles, and to automatically maintain an appropriate vehicle-to-vehicle distance. 

This reduces the need for accelerating and braking by the driver, contributing to reducing fatigue.  

The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control operates between the speeds of 35 km/h and 90 km/h. 

This system gives a warning if the distance between the vehicles suddenly becomes too short and there is a possibility of a collision, and automatically activates the PCS.

Night-time driving with the Hino 700 is also improved with new halogen-type lights for the low beam.

Service intervals on the 700 Series are every 15 000 km/250 hours for the tipper, and every 30 000 km for the other models, although these may change depending on operating conditions.

Hino-Connect, a full fleet management system, is installed as standard on all new 700 trucks.