Hino tech in Tokyo

There was a firm focus on technology at the Hino stand at the recent Tokyo Motor Show, with the manufacturer showcasing environmental and safety technologies.

The 44th Tokyo Motor Show (October 30 to November 8) saw the Hino display six vehicles, including the hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus it has co-developed with Toyota.

The bus achieves zero carbon-dioxide emissions and has been undergoing evaluation on Tokyo's streets.

Hino Motors Australia Chairman and CEO, Steve Lotter, said the vehicle underlined the company's commitment to an environmentally conscious and sustainable future.

"The Hino Fuel Cell Bus shares technology with Toyota's Mirai fuel cell vehicle recently exhibited at the World Hydrogen Technologies Convention in Sydney," he said.

"The Fuel Cell Bus represents Toyota Group's determination to develop hydrogen fuel technology for the next generation, while still serving its core values of quality, durability and reliability."

Also on show in Tokyo was a hybrid heavy-duty (700 Series) Hino Profia with a revised low-consumption A09C engine, while the A05C engine for medium-duty trucks was also revealed.

A light-duty (300 Series) Hino Dutro Hybrid was fitted with autonomous emergency braking, with radar-based system able to apply braking force to prevent low-speed collisions.

More safety tech was on show in Hino's S'elega tour bus, which was fitted with a Driver Monitor. The system detects driver fatigue and inattention by monitoring the driver's eyes and facial orientation.

Rounding out the display was the 500 Series race truck driven to victory in the under 10-litre class in the Dakar Rally by Teruhito Sugawara, the vehicle highlighting Hino's passion for motorsport.