The prevalence of the 300 Series Hino Hybrid Electric is seeing an increase, with a national truck rental business among those to add the model to its fleet.
Rental company Sixt has become the first Australia-wide multi-franchise rental business to purchase Hybrid Electric trucks.
SIXT franchise owner Murari Rijal said the company was excited to add these trucks into the mix.
“The introduction of Hybrid Electric trucks to our fleet brings a positive impact on the environment and ensures cost savings for SIXT customers, especially during times of high-interest rates and cost-of-living pressures,” he said.
Hino also revealed its experienced record sales for its Hybrid Electric model.
“Customer demand for lower emission vehicles plus an increased business focus have contributed to a rise in deliveries of over 400 per cent year-on-year,” said Richard Emery, vice president of brand and franchise development for Hino Australia.
“This year will be a record year for Hybrid Electric – we have already delivered over 200 units and we have an order bank of over 100.
“This increase is particularly impressive considering the average deliveries over the last five years was 35 per year,” he continued.
Emery explained that the Hybrid Electric has typically been purchased for freight and logistics applications, but has recently seen an increase in other areas such as rental fleets, infrastructure service bodies and the trade market.
PFD Food Services is another company which will soon be adding the Hino Hybrid Electric to its fleet.
“Based on our location and operational requirements, we needed a vehicle with no range limitations, which is why the Hybrid Electric is the logical choice,” said Steve Wright, national fleet manager for PFD Foods.
“It was an easy decision to combine reduced emissions with the excellent standard safety features of the Hino 300 Series.
“We will use telematics to track and record the fuel savings of the Hybrid Electric, and will therefore be able to calculate our immediate reduction in emissions.”
Emery added that the upsurge in enquiry and delivery of Hybrid Electric light-duty trucks has had a flow-on effect in other areas of the Hino business, including a need for increased training for apprentice technicians.
“So far this year we have delivered Hybrid Electric vehicles to Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, TAFE SA and Shellharbour TAFE, and Hino Australia’s Hybrid Electric training program will soon be offered to TAFE trainers,” he said.
“Similarly, Hino Australia has recently held specialised Hybrid Electric training for Royans Transport Accident Repairs management team to allow their smash repairers to better understand the specific requirements of repairing Hybrid vehicles.
“Based on the positive feedback, we will be looking to roll this training out to their networks nationally,” he continued.