PRESS RELEASE
14 May 2014
50 Years’ Travelled - Honouring Hino Heritage
In 1964, two bonneted Hino 195hp diesel trucks were imported and assembled in Auckland, and then sold to logging
companies in Rotorua. They were the first of thousands to have since spanned Hino NZ Distributors’ half a century. To
celebrate their success Hino NZ are hitting the roads that helped get them there. A specially branded SH 700 Euro 5 is
marking the occasion by travelling the country, the truck’s next stops are Auckland 15 May and Hamilton Friday 16 May.
With the 15,000th Hino to be sold this year, the roadshow is to especially thank Hino’s valued customers and suppliers.
During May the first leg of the journey will include stops in seven North Island locations, while leg two will cover the
South Island during August. Competitions are running alongside the events, encouraging all truck enthusiasts to get
involved.
Hino are calling for nominations, where winning children will be delivered to school in the anniversary truck during
each roadshow stop. They are also running a guess the odometer competition, inviting everyone to guess what the truck’s
odometer reading will be by the end of October to be eligible to win a mystery trip for two.
In New Zealand the trucking industry is significant; transporting up to 90% of the country’s total freight - directly
contributing to the economy. With predictions of domestic freight growing by 75% over the next 20 years, the industry is
a competitive one. Ray Roberts, Hino Distributors NZ general manager, says acknowledging their customers and industry
partners was an important consideration for the year’s activities. “Truck owners are typically brand loyal, and Hino are
fortunate to have many, from a wide range of industries, who consistently purchase our vehicles. The best way to thank
them is to take the celebrations to them.”
Hino continuously looks to improve their offerings. In 2006 they introduced a hybrid to their 300 series range, they
were the first manufacturer to comply with strict emission requirements, and in recent times have been rolling out their
new Euro 5 range of light, medium and heavy duty trucks. Roberts says Hino will continue to adapt and evolve over the
next 50 years. “Some things will always remain constant though – Hino’s commitment to our clients, industry, economy and
environment.”
Details of where Hino will be during their roadshow, the company’s history and competition details can be found at www.hino.co.nz/50years.
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