Class action begins against Hino

Gerard Malouf & Partners (GMP Law) has commenced a class action proceeding against Hino Motor Sales Australia Pty Ltd and Hino Motors Limited in the Supreme Court of Victoria on 30 September 2022.

The proceeding seeks compensation on behalf of all purchasers or lessees of affected Hino vehicles in Australia which were the subject of misconduct in relation to the certification in Japan in respect of emissions and fuel economy from as early as 2003.

Compensatory damages are being claimed against both companies with an additional claim for exemplary or punitive damages against the Japanese parent company.

It is claimed that the misconduct in relation to emissions and fuel economy of Hino vehicles has caused not only financial loss to consumers of these vehicles but also environmental damage and damage to human health through excess emissions.

Earlier this year, Hino Motor Sales Australia suspended shipping, orders and sales amid investigations surrounding the emissions falsifications.

As we reported back in March, Hino Motors Limited (HML) has admitted that its executives in Japan had manipulated data prior to some of its engines being certified for use.

Hino Motors Limited voluntarily put on hold the shipment of vehicles fitted with affected engines while it engaged with the relevant authorities in Japan.

Hino Motor Sales Australia has emphasised that the misconduct concerning engine certification does not affect the drivability of the affected vehicles and raises no vehicle safety concerns.

HMSA said it is committed to working with dealers and customers about these issues and is engaging with the relevant authorities in Australia.