Automatics becoming the transmission of choice

Hino South Africa has released some interesting statistics regarding sales of vehicles fitted with automatic transmissions.

So far this year, more than 60 percent of 300-Series models sold have been fitted with automatic gearboxes, while dealer orders for 500-Series Wide Cab automatic models are commanding 80 percent of the order books.

“We are delighted with the uptake of our models fitted with automatic transmissions. Customers are enjoying benefits in terms of lower fuel consumption, no clutch replacement and subsequent downtime, as well as having a driver that is less stressed, which results in less vehicle damage and fewer accidents,” explains Ernie Trautmann, vice president of Hino South Africa.

Hino South Africa’s overall market performance this year has proved positive, with its market share up in all categories of the local truck market during the first three quarters.

Hino SA’s share of the medium commercial vehicle market was 24,2 percent year-to-date; the heavy commercial vehicle market was 21,1 percent year-to-date, while Hino’s total market share stood at 12,7 percent year-to-date.

The company expects its local truck sales to grow by 22,3 percent in 2018, going from 3 681 units (including Toyota Dyna) in 2017 to 4 500 units this year, despite a predicted flat overall market for the South African truck and bus industry.