Hino Canada celebrates No. 10,000

TORONTO (Nov. 25, 2002) — Hino Diesel Trucks Canada recently sold its 10,000th truck, and celebrated the occasion — along with the mother company’s 60th anniversary — with a recent dinner in Toronto. It was attended by senior Hino officials from Japan and others from Toyota Canada, as well as dealers and customers from across Canada. David Moore, president of General Cartage in Mississauga, Ont., accepted the keys to truck #10,000.

Hino Canada is riding something of a wave, having seen sales of more than 500 trucks — an increase of 10% over 2001 — through the first half of the year. That’s a record. The company sold its first truck in Canada in 1975.

As well, J.D. Power and Associates announced that Hino has been ranked highest overall in customer satisfaction amongst buyers of class-5, 6, and 7 medium-duty trucks for 2002, the second year in a row it’s won the honor. Last year, Hino ranked “well above the industry average” in several categories, including performance, downtime, drivetrain design, and styling, as well as warranty in the cabover segment.

Hino trucks are manufactured in Japan, but a rumor — which the company will neither confirm nor deny — has been circulating recently suggesting  that it has bought the former Western Star plant in Kelowna, B.C. It is known that Hino has explored the possibility.

Last year a 50.1 per cent share of Hino was bought by Toyota, but the two firms have had a working relationship for many years. Hino has built Toyota pickup trucks for some time. Earlier this year, Hino also signed a long-term strategic co-operation agreement with Scania AB, the Swedish manufacturer of heavy trucks and buses. It’s Hino’s stated ambition to be one the world’s top five truck makers.