Hino goes big on multimedia

Hino Australia has updated its in-cab multimedia system, the unit boasting a larger touchscreen and improved functionality to be phased in across Hino's light-, medium- and heavy-duty models from July 2023.

Announced at the recent Brisbane Truck Show by Hino Australia Vice President, Brand and Franchise Development, Richard Emery, the new system has a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen (up from 6.5 inches), as well as improved Bluetooth connectivity and wireless smartphone connectivity.

Hino Australia has continued its partnership with Melbourne-based Directed Electronics to hone, refine and enhance the new system.

According to Hino Australia’s Department Manager – Product Strategy, Daniel Petrovski, the new unit will make the working week that bit easier for Hino drivers.

“Technology is a key theme at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show, and we are delighted to use the show to display our intuitive new 10.1-inch ultra-high-definition multimedia unit, which is specifically designed and created for fitment in all Hino trucks,” he said.

“The new unit has been designed to integrate into the dash of each of our vehicles, with a particular focus on driver and vehicle ergonomics.

“Simplicity in the ‘driver-machine’ interface design provides enhanced functionality and selection for drivers courtesy of items such as a volume control knob, buttons on the unit and programable control buttons on the steering wheel.

“Significant market research was undertaken before, during and after the design to ensure the final product reflects the needs of our customers.

“We know that drivers’ lives and businesses are progressively more dependent on being connected and contactable, and are undeniably intertwined with their phones, which is why the new multimedia unit features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone compatibility,” said Mr Petrovski.

Other changes to the system include:
• Improved microphone performance
• An easily accessible 2A USB fast charge outlet on the front of the unit
• A new wider-angle standard reverse camera with enhanced rear microphone
• Improved speech to text functionality

Features like the AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio and Wi-Fi continue, while the unit also integrates with Hino Genuine accessories including a Digital Video Recorder, reverse sensors, lane-change assist cameras, and truck-specific satellite navigation that can be tailored to the truck’s height, weight, load and/or dangerous goods classification.

Hino Australia also announced at the Brisbane Truck Show that its optional Hino-Connect business telematics suite, currently available on the brand’s 500 Series and 700 Series models, would also be made available across the 300 Series light-duty range.

“The connectivity of the new multimedia unit and Hino-Connect will provide fleet managers and customers with full fleet connectivity,” said Mr Petrovski.

Designed and built in Australia, the Hino-Connect package gives customers a wealth of real-time performance data tracking, remote vehicle fault diagnosis, dedicated Hino-Connect specialist support and more. The technology even affords direct driver communication via the truck’s multimedia unit.

Fleet operators can monitor driver performance, fuel usage, safety alerts and more via Hino-Connect’s online portal and mobile app, while Hino-Connect Specialists can also keep owners and operators up to date on any repair work.

Hino Australia says Hino-Connect is just one aspect to the brand’s Hino Advantage suite of business solutions designed to drive down the total cost of ownership, and sits alongside other tools such as Hino SmartSafe safety technologies, capped price servicing, Hino Genuine Parts, 24/7 roadside assist, a long standard warranty, and finance options.