Hino expands FE 1426 Auto range

Hino customers now have even more choice within the brand's medium-duty range, with its 500 Series FE 1426 Auto now available in new longer-wheelbase variants.

Previously only available in a short-wheelbase (3750mm) guise for primarily street-sweeper applications, the FE 1426 Auto now comes in medium (4250mm), long (4850mm) and extra-long (5500mm) wheelbase formats, opening up the model's scope considerably.

Add in the convenience of an Allison automatic transmission and the grunt of a 6.4-litre five-cylinder engine, and Hino says the capability of the FE 1426 Auto can now be harnessed by a broad range of drivers for myriad applications, while its 14-tonne GVM means it can handle work usually only associated with larger trucks.

Hino claims its JO7E-TN engine produces 191kW and 794Nm from 1500rpm, while the Allison 2500 series transmission is a true auto with torque converter and lock-up clutch.

Hino Australia Chairman, Steve Lotter, says the expansion of Hino's auto range is good news for drivers and operators.

"The market has been demanding more 'two pedal' options in light- and medium-duty truck lines, and Hino has responded with an increased number of automatic transmission choices," he says.

"The 500 Series FE Auto brings a very well-rounded package to the market and allows fleets access to a larger pool of drivers thanks to its automatic transmission.

"It also has the potential to cut down on gearbox maintenance that may be required with drivers who are less experienced with a manual transmission."

Available in a single-cab format, the FE 1426 Auto comes bristling with safety and comfort features, including an ISRI 6860 driver's seat, an ECE-R29 crash-tested cab, antilock brakes and a driver's airbag.

Mr Lotter says the model punches well above its weight in the medium-duty segment.

"The 500 Series FE Auto is what we like to call a 'smart truck' as it is capable of carrying payloads usually reserved for our FG and GH models, but in a lighter, more nimble and cost-effective package," he says.

"We believe it is the right truck for this sector of the Australian truck market and we expect it to do great things for Hino and our customers."

Hino Australia is off to a stellar start in 2015, its 985 new registrations recorded until the end of March (TIC T-Mark data) equating with growth of 11.0 per cent and giving it an outright market share of 14.9 per cent.

The brand also posted impressive growth of 24.6 per cent in the light-duty segment, a figure helped along by the introduction of the 300 Series 920 and 921 High Horsepower models last year, along with growth of 4.9 per cent in the medium-duty segment – the latter a figure it will be hoping to improve upon with the expanded 500 Series FE 1426 Auto range.