Hino unveils new Canadian headquarters

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (July 22, 2004) — Hino Motors of Canada officially unveiled its new sales head office in Mississauga, Ont. this week.

The new 25,000 square-foot facility located at 395 Ambassador Dr. will serve as the Canadian headquarters for the sales and marketing activities as well as house a brand new parts distribution centre for Hino’s 30 Canadian dealers.

Hino Motors Sales of Canada vice-president Alan Masters said the facility will allow the company to better expand Hino’s new product line — a “New Concept” conventional-style straight truck — and handle parts from more North American suppliers than in the past. The new facility will also allow Hino to more aggressively target the Canadian market, says Masters.

“When you spend this kind of money on a new (product), you better make things happen in order to get a return on your investment,” he told Today’s Trucking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony this week.

The new conventional-style vehicle will replace Hino’s venerable line of cabover straight trucks in 2005. The company says the new design matches its past COEs in manoeuvrability, and a broad windscreen and sloping hood maintains line of sight from the driver’s seat.

There are six truck models with chassis weights ranging from 14,050 to 33,000 pounds GVW. The truck will be powered by Hino’s J-Series in-line four- or six-cylinder diesel engine. Transmissions will be available from Eaton (the six-speed UltraShift) and Allison (a five-speed automatic).