Hino maps a multi-path future

September 23, 2025

Hino South Africa is looking firmly towards alternative energy solutions, trialling a diesel-electric hybrid that is already delivering significant fuel savings while also showcasing its battery-electric Dutro Z EV walk-through van. COLIN WINDELL reports that, although there are no immediate plans to launch the latter locally, both vehicles demonstrate the brand’s commitment to giving operators a range of powertrain options suited to specific needs.

Looking towards future energy solutions, Hino South Africa is trialling alternative powertrains, including a diesel-electric hybrid model that has shown fuel savings of up to 20% in local operations. The truck is being monitored in real-world conditions with a number of the company’s clients.

At a recent media event, Hino also unveiled its battery-electric Dutro Z EV walk-through van. While there are no immediate plans for local sales, this multi-path strategy – which also includes hydrogen development – underscores the company’s approach of offering a choice of propulsion systems aligned to operator requirements.

A great deal

A short drive in the Dutro Z EV confirmed its potential. Managed astutely, an electric truck could recoup its higher upfront costs relatively quickly, particularly where in-house charging and efficient scheduling are applied, before going on to contribute directly to the bottom line.

Measuring 4.7m long, 1.7m wide, and 2.3m high, the van benefits from a flat floor just 400mm above the ground thanks to its battery layout, making it a true walk-on, walk-off vehicle ideal for easy loading and stacking. Payload is one tonne with a GVM of 3.4 tonnes, while range is quoted at around 150km from the 40-kWh battery. Charging takes eight hours from a domestic wall plug or about one hour on a 50-kW fast charger, and power output is 50kW.

The two-person cab is comfortable, with modern instrumentation and a prominent battery charge indicator, including regenerative charging feedback under braking or trailing throttle.

The larger hybrid model currently under evaluation is equally seamless to drive, with transitions between diesel and electric power virtually imperceptible. Clear displays keep the driver informed at all times.

Anton Falck, vice-president of Hino South Africa, is optimistic about the merger with Fuso.

Colin Windell (senior writer) and Barend Van Wyk (sales director) represented FOCUS at the event.

Increased market share

Despite South Africa’s declining overall truck market, Hino has increased its market share steadily, climbing from fifth position in 2023 to fourth in 2024, and currently holding third place year-to-date. The growth is attributed to its 66-strong dealer network and a long-standing emphasis on customer support, rooted in Hino’s core brand principles of quality, durability, and reliability. Hino also continues to prove its engineering credentials on the world stage, being the only Japanese truck manufacturer to complete the gruelling Dakar Rally for 34 consecutive years.

“There is excitement about the upcoming merger with Daimler, Fuso, Toyota, and Hino and the opportunities that will flow from that,” says Anton Falck, vice-president of Hino South Africa. “Then, of course, is the even bigger importance for us to differentiate ourselves from other brands by getting even better in terms of total support. Total support has been a theme and an effort that we’ve been working on for decades already, by making sure our customers get the right trucks and that we take good care of those trucks afterwards.”

This customer-first ethos is borne out by Hino’s consistent leadership in DataTrack customer satisfaction surveys since March 2020 and top dealer satisfaction ratings for five consecutive years.

Promising alliance

Globally, Hino is navigating a complex but promising integration with Toyota and Daimler Truck. Hino Motors president and CEO Satoshi Ogiso has reassured partners that the alliance will open access to cutting-edge technologies and new products, while operations in South Africa will remain unchanged. Indeed, he emphasises that total support will become even more important under the new structure.

For South African operators, an enhanced warranty and stable outlook further underline Hino’s intent to strengthen its partnership with customers, ensuring the brand remains a trusted force in the local trucking industry for years to come.