Hino pushes electrified trucks in tough market

Hino says it is well positioned to offer more fuel-efficient options as a fuel crisis grips the nation.

Speaking at a business briefing this week, Hino Australia President and CEO Richard Emery said the Japanese manufacturer's 300 Series Hybrid Electric light-duty truck remains a strong focus for the brand, claiming its hybrid-diesel powertrain helps reduces fuel costs by as much as 24% in Wide Cab variants and 22% in Standard Cab models.

“Higher diesel prices have further highlighted the strong value proposition of our 300 Series Hybrid Electric versus its diesel equivalent – it will compound further when we introduce our Euro 6 diesels in the middle of the year as they will have an associated price increase,” Emery said.
 
“2025 was a record year for Hino Hybrid Electric with a 24% increase compared to 2024 – we expect 2026 to be even stronger.

He said a new 300 Series Hybrid Electric Tipper will go on sale in Hino dealerships around the country from June, as part of an expansion of Hino's Built to Go products over the next 18 months.

Emery expressed confidence in the Japanese manufacturer’s future in Australia, despite the ongoing Middle East conflict which has seen fuel prices skyrocket across the land.
 
“Despite the obvious short-term global uncertainty, we believe the Australian economic outlook remains positive with steady long-term growth through to 2030 – having said that, market conditions are likely to remain subdued through 2026, with growth now likely delayed until early 2027,” he said.
 
"While there was some initial momentum earlier in the year, recent global factors have tempered this outlook, with the market forecast to remain relatively flat this year before returning to steady, long-term growth."

Emery expects Hino Australia’s core market (trucks under 500hp) to stabilise in 2026 before returning to steady, sustainable growth by 2030, following COVID-driven peaks and subsequent Euro 6 supply-driven troughs.
 
“Our 700 Series heavy-duty range is gaining strong momentum driven by improved supply, a compelling value proposition and an expanded model range,” he said.
 
“Hino is well-positioned with our Euro 6 emissions-compliant 300 Series 150hp diesel light-duty models available to order now, and the high horsepower and crew cab options arriving in the middle of 2027.
 
“Completing our range is our 500 Series medium-duty trucks which will be on sale from July, and arriving in dealerships in early 2027."

The Hino Australia boss who took over the role in early-2024, also used the business briefing to call on the Government to provide more support for the trucking and transport industry
 
“Recent shortages and increased prices of diesel have acutely highlighted the importance of the trucking industry to the Australian public," he said.
 
“I remain frustrated at the lack of genuine understanding, care, dialogue and focus on this industry at a federal Government level, and to some extent, at the state level as well."
 
Emery called for the appointment of a dedicated Transport Minister within Cabinet, to enable more support for the trucking industry.
 
“This is not a criticism of the current Minister Catherine King MP, who is Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government of Australia, and, ironically, my local Member," he explained.
 
“Catherine has a huge portfolio and an expectation that any minister can be across the intricacies of such a diverse portfolio – and give Transport the focus it deserves and requires - is unrealistic.
                                              
“A dedicated Transport Minister would help facilitate a more streamlined approach to the safety, emissions, efficiency and productivity issues facing the industry including the aging truck fleet, lack of drivers and a practical and balanced regulatory transition to low and zero emissions vehicles."