Hino halts sales and imports

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

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

Hino Motor Sales Australia (HMSA), as the distributor of Hino vehicles in Australia, said in a press statement this week that it will also suspend imports and deliveries to dealers. HMSA said it will also not accept any new orders for the affected vehicles pending the outcome of HML’s engagement with the authorities in Japan.

The investigation was commissioned in March, following HML identifying past misconduct in relation to its applications for certification concerning the emissions and fuel economy performance of its engine for the Japanese market.

The SIC report has identified misconduct in relation to Japanese emissions certification tests that have been relied on for the sale of a number of engine variants in Hino 500 Series Standard Cab FC, FD and FE medium-duty trucks and Hino Poncho buses sold in Australia.

Hino 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 engaging with the relevant authorities in Australia.

Related reading:
Hino strives to build on Hybrid success
Hino embarks on National Roadshow
Hino continues international tech search