Commercial vehicle manufacturer Hino South Africa has launched a six-year driveline warranty applicable to all trucks sold since January 1 this year.

The 72-month warranty covers up to 250 000 km for the 200 Series, 400 000 km for the 300 Series, 600 000 km for the 500 Series, 450 000 km for the 700 Series Tipper and 900 000 km for the 700 Series.

During a media briefing on August 26, Hino South Africa GM Itumeleng Segage noted that this original equipment manufacturer- (OEM-) backed warranty came at no extra cost to the consumer and addressed key points for fleet operators, namely cost predictability, uptime and long-term asset value.

The warranty applies only to the drivetrain, with certain exclusions including wear-and-tear and consumable items, such as clutches, engine-mountings and fluids.

Segage explained that the validity of the warranty depended on adherence to the service schedule as prescribed by Hino, adding that the use of genuine Hino parts and fluids was also necessary.

“This is a game changer for us,” he said.

Hino South Africa VP Anton Falck added that the new warranty would also be a major factor in reducing the cost of ownership, minimising unplanned downtime, enhancing residual value and extending operational confidence.

“We believe it's a truck industry leading warranty and, more than that, we believe it's an initiative that is not just an increase in the warranty cover, it’s actually a statement from our side  – a vote of confidence in Hino’s engineering and manufacturing standards,” he said.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Meanwhile, Falck noted that Hino was adopting a multi-path approach to new-energy vehicles (NEVs).

Falck explained that the company was continuing with the development of internal combustion diesel engines, while offering diesel electric hybrid trucks.

He noted that the company was also trialling 38 of its Hino 300 Hybrid trucks in South Africa. The Hino 300 hybrid vehicles use a 4 l Euro 6 turbo-diesel engine working in combination with an electric motor to lower harmful emissions and improve fuel economy.

The first three eco-friendly Hino 300 Hybrids that came to South Africa have been on trial with Namlog Logistics since 2023, operating out of the Toyota Africa Parts Centre in Ekurhuleni as part of Toyota South Africa Motors’ NEV strategy.

Falck noted that fuel savings on this vehicle were about 20%.

Additionally, Hino South Africa product planner Themba Mthembu highlighted the company’s Hino Dutro Z electric vehicle (EV).

While not yet for sale in South Africa, Mthembu noted that the car demonstrated to South African customers the capabilities of Hino Motor Limited in the NEV environment.

The Hino Dutro Z EV is a small-sized battery EV with high usability in last-mile delivery.

Key specifications include a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery, as well as a permanent-magnet synchronous motor with a maximum output of 50 kW. The vehicle has a one-tonne payload and a gross vehicle weight of 3.4 t.

The battery can be charged using a normal wall socket – alternating current 5 kW which can charge an empty battery in about eight hours, or quick charge – CHAdeMO of 50 kW – in about an hour.

The Dutro Z EV also includes a pre-collision safety system, erroneous start prevention function, an electric parking brake, an electronic inner mirror and a lane departure warning system.