It was also an important launch in that two derivatives in the new 700 range were the first Hino models in South Africa to be offered with Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) financing.

During the period July 2022 to June 2023, Hino’s sales in the extra heavy segment totalled 239 units, which were largely top-end models of its 500 Series range, with the previous Hino 700 adding 24 units to sales in the 12-month period. Sales of the new 700 in the following 12 months amounted to 295 units and lifted Hino’s sales in the extra-heavy market to 513 trucks between July 2023 and the end of June this year.

“The new 700 Series trucks have been well received by our customers,” commented Hino SA General Manager, Itumeleng Segage. “They say the truck is comfortable and ideal for regional hauls while it’s powerful yet stable on the road, and its fuel-consumption figures are considered exceptionally good when compared to local competitors.

“This was the first full model change for the 700 Series in South Africa in the past seven years, and we are pleased that the new, much-improved model is being so well accepted by customers, many of whom are new, as we are now better equipped to tackle the extra-heavy segment of our market.

“It is the first Hino on the local market that offers the driver a choice of three driving modes – Eco to save fuel, Power for passing other traffic or climbing steep gradients, and then Normal, which provides a balance between the two aforementioned modes.

“Hino’s excellent after-sales service is another factor that is attractive to 700 Series customers. These models can operate up to 30 000 km between services depending on operating conditions. The standard warranty can be extended at reasonable cost while competitively priced service and maintenance plans are available, together with the standard Hino Connect management system to provide transport operators with informed fixed operating costs,” concluded the Hino General Manager.