Key Facts:
- Hino Australia has updated its 300 Series diesel trucks with increased torque, higher towing capacity of at least 3.5 tonnes across the range, and a Gross Combined Mass of up to 11,500kg on selected models.
- The six-speed automatic transmission works with the N04C four-litre diesel engine to deliver 440Nm of torque, with a sequential shifter added to allow drivers to manually select gears or engage automatic drive mode.
- Hino’s Built to Go drive-away range will expand in 2027 to include additional body types across the 300, 500, and 700 Series, with steel tray and van body prototypes currently being finalised with body-building partner Alltruck Bodies.
- All 300 Series trucks include the Hino SmartSafe package featuring Autonomous Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Vehicle Stability Control, LED headlamps, and a 10.1-inch multimedia unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Every 300 Series customer receives the Hino Advantage programme, which includes a five-year or 250,000km warranty, five years of roadside assistance, capped price servicing using genuine parts, and a three-year unlimited kilometre warranty on genuine accessories.
Hino Australia has announced further updates to its Euro 6-compliant range of proven 300 Series diesel trucks, with more torque now available and an increase in the towing capacity and Gross Combined Mass (GCM).
“These are important steps to further increase the appeal of the 300 Series to our customers across all light-duty applications,” said Daniel Petrovski, Department Manager of Product Strategy for Hino Australia.
Increased GCM and towing
Speaking at the Australian drive program for the 300 Series on the Gold Coast, Mr Petrovski said:
“Over the years, our six-speed automatic transmission in its various generational updates has been the most desired transmission for light-duty drivers and operators alike.
“It has proven itself to be an outstanding performer and is arguably the most trusted, robust and reliable two-pedal transmission in the Australian light-duty truck market.
“The strength and reliability of the Hino true automatic transmission combined with the increase in engine torque of the Euro 6 Hino N04C engine allows us to now offer a minimum of 3.5 tonne towing across the range and a GCM of up to 11,500kg on selected 300 Series diesel models.
“For operators driving the car-licenced 616 Standard or Wide Cab models which have a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 4,499kg, this equates to a towing capacity of 3,500kg and GCM of 7,999kg GCM.
“This will particularly suit tradespeople and/or municipal or local government operators who prefer the ease of a true automatic transmission combined with a need for strong towing capabilities,” he said.
The 300 Series 716 with a 6.5 tonne GVM now has a GCM of 10 tonne while 300 Series 816 customers receive the greatest increase with the 8 tonne GVM models delivering an 11.5 tonne GCM.
The six-speed true automatic transmission works seamlessly with the Hino N04C four-litre diesel engine to deliver an increased 440Nm of uninterrupted torque between gear changes, delivering an ideal level of power and efficiency for customers across a range of industries including city and urban deliveries, trades and regional freight.
Built to Go Range expansion
“Our Built to Go range of drive-away trucks is already extensive and includes a range of tray and tipper models,” continued Mr Petrovski.
“Following a customer and dealer feedback process we are currently finalising a number of 300 Series prototypes including Steel Tray and van bodies from one of our Australian body building partners, Alltruck Bodies.
“In 2027, the range of Built to Go products across our 300 Series light-duty, 500 Series medium-duty and 700 Series heavy-duty trucks will further expand to cover applications and industries that we are not currently providing turnkey solutions for,” he said.
Hino 300 Series Safety and Comfort
All Hino 300 Series trucks are built and designed with the safety and comfort of drivers, passengers and other road users in mind.
The standard Hino SmartSafe safety package includes a Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection (PD) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).
This is in addition to Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), reverse camera, dual SRS airbags, four-wheel disc brakes and a UN ECE R29 crash test strength certified cab.
“A recent addition to the automatic transmission controls is a sequential shifter that allows drivers to manually select gears or simply engage “D” for Automatic Drive mode, with the truck doing all the work of changing gears, making the operation of the vehicle easier which, in turn, reduces driver fatigue,” continued Mr Petrovski.
The 300 Series is now equipped with LED headlamps and fog lamps that deliver enhanced visibility and control, helping operators enjoy a safer and more confident drive, regardless of the light or weather conditions.
“Drivers can be in the cab for long periods of time – the cab is their office so it’s essential that it’s comfortable to reduce driver fatigue.” continued Mr Petrovski.
The 300 Series delivers superior cab comfort through an ergonomically-designed driving environment which features a full-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt and telescopically adjustable steering wheel, easy-to-reach controls, a driver instrument panel with large, centralised speedometer and tachometer plus a 4.2 inch TFT LCD Multi Information Display.
It also features a 10.1-inch ultra-high-definition Multimedia Unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Hino Advantage
All Hino 300 Series customers benefit from Hino Advantage, a total support customer care program designed to maximise business uptime.
Hino Advantage includes a 5 Years or 250,000 kilometre Standard Warranty (whichever comes first), 5 Years Roadside Assist and Capped Price Servicing, which only uses Hino Genuine Parts.
“Customers can also explore finance options from Hino Financial Services, who are experienced in the unique demands of truck and transport businesses,” said Mr Petrovski.
“Hino Genuine Accessories are purpose-built for Hino trucks and backed by a 3 Years Unlimited Kilometre Warranty,” he concluded.
