Canadian Hino dealers gear up for the launch of Models 155, 195

www.chinatrucks.com: Hino's much anticipated return to the cabover in the North American market has kicked into high gear with a series of tour stops to show off the company's soon-to-be-released Classes 4 and 5 155 and 195 models.

The two new models - and hybrid-electric versions of the same - made a big splash when they were first introduced at this year's Work Truck Show in March - marking the first time the truck maker has launched a new model outside of the Japanese market first.

In mid-July, the Canadian leg of the tour made a stop at Creditstone Motors in Concord, Ont. - the oldest serving Hino dealer in Canada - where the dealer hosted an open house to showcase the trucks. Mechanics and Hino technicians from Japan were also on-hand for a customer care clinic to conduct free truck inspections for current customers.

The reaction to the new models has been overwhelmingly positive thus far, says Joe Loizzo, truck sales consultant at Creditstone.

"The reaction is a lot of people saying, 'Welcome back; it's about time'," he told Truck News at the event. "They are great little trucks for downtown runs - the increased GVW, the increased horsepower, the GPS navigation system, the air seat for driver comfort, and the power heated mirrors - just all the little bells and whistles that we have put into them to make them a lot better than they were, and a lot better than the competition is offering."

The hype generated by the 155 and 195 has continued since the initial March unveiling, Loizzo says, and from a sales perspective, he says he can't wait for the trucks to hit the showroom floor in late September.
"With the 185 being discontinued, we are just waiting to put these things out there. It is a good little truck for the Class 5, and outdoes the competition in my opinion hands down," he says. "To me, nothing compares with durability, dependability and fuel. They are great trucks."

The hybrid version of the Class 5 195h is slated for release in December, and sales manager Tory Termini says companies running city applications stand to benefit the most.

"If you are running downtown and it is a stop-and-go application, it is always going to be running 90% on the electrical power so that you are going to get the benefits of being green and having the name and standing behind it," he told Truck News.

The 155 and 195 models come with a five-year, 280,000 kilometre warranty, three-year roadside assistance and one-year, 50,000 kilometres free maintenance, "So the first year is basically just a turn-key," Loizzo says. "You just start the truck and drive it off and don't have to worry about any maintenance whatsoever."

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