Hino South Africa has extended its Hino 300 Hybrids undergoing local field trials with selected customers.
The idea is to study their performance and research customer interest in acquiring new energy vehicles. The Hino 300 hybrid vehicles use a 4-litre Euro 6 turbo-diesel engine working in combination with an electric motor to lower harmful emissions and improve fuel economy.
The first three eco-friendly Hino 300 Hybrids that came to South Africa have been on trial with Namlog Logistics since 2023, operating out of the Toyota Africa Parts Centre in Ekurhuleni as part of Toyota South Africa Motors’ New Energy Vehicle (NEV) strategy.
Hino Motors of Japan has been involved for many years in programmes to cut emissions and lower fuel consumption as part of its commitment to a cleaner environment in both the manufacturing of its trucks and in their operation.
This multi-pathway move towards carbon neutrality has resulted in Hino developing and testing a variety of power-train solutions, ranging from compressed natural gas to hydrogen to diesel-electric hybrids and battery electric vehicles.
“The balance between cost, range, payload, maintenance and resale is a critical measure when determining what technology works best for specific applications and that is why we are trialling several Hino 300 Hybrid trucks with customers to evaluate these factors locally,” said Itumeleng Segage, General Manager of Hino SA.
In Australia, which faces the challenge of Euro VI emission legislation being imposed from November this year, at a recent 300km test on the Bathurst race circuit and surrounding streets, replicating the conditions for a local delivery operation, it showed fuel savings of up to 24% for the Wide Cab variants and 22% for the Standard Cab.
Unlike many hybrid passenger cars, which downsize engine capacity, Hino keeps the full-size diesel engine for the 300 Hybrid to ensure a long working life and under-stressed powertrain.
An electric motor is nestled between the clutch and gearbox, working in parallel with the diesel engine to offer assistance that leads to improved efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The diesel engine and electric motor combined produce 111kW of power and 470Nm of torque, with maximum torque delivered as low as 1 200r/min. The Hino 300 Hybrid uses a six-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), which can be manually overridden by the driver if required.
“We are very enthusiastic about the value of hybrid technology in many of the operations that suit the 300 Series, such as urban and city-to-city deliveries. We are therefore keenly looking forward to the results of these local trials and the feedback from the customers who have them on loan,” Itumeleng concludes.
ZF Aftermarket has named Maic Dressen as Managing Director of ZF Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Sub-regional Head for Sub-Saharan Africa and the DomTom regions. He will lead the company’s South African operations and support its growth across the continent.
Volkswagen has marked 75 years of vehicle production and sales in South Africa with a gala event in Kariega attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, while also revealing the new Volkswagen Tengo, the third model to be built at the local plant. The Tengo will be produced for the South African and wider markets.
BAIC South Africa used the Festival of Motoring 2026 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to highlight both its established range and new energy vehicle ambitions. The event marked the first public appearance of ARCFOX in South Africa, alongside the unveiling of BAIC’s X55 Plug‑in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Cars are the ultimate symbol of freedom, independence and individualism. They offer the freedom to ‘go anywhere,’ whenever it suits and with whom one chooses.
Sarah Redshaw
BAIC South Africa used the Festival of Motoring 2026 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to highlight both its established range and new energy vehicle ambitions. The event marked the first public appearance of ARCFOX in South Africa, alongside the unveiling of BAIC’s X55 Plug‑in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
When Volvo introduced the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric to South Africa in late 2021, the timing raised eyebrows. The country was enduring a severe power crisis, with loadshedding recorded on 200 days that year.
Three months after launching its off-grid, solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging network on the N3 corridor, Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) has confirmed plans to double charging capacity at both Charge hubs.
