TORONTO, Ont. — Hino had more than one reason to celebrate last week when it marked its 40th year in Canada. It was also recognizing new milestones achieved by the company within the past year.

“Last year we achieved number one market share in the Classes 4-7 market, which is the first time in the history of Hino business in Canada,” announced Shuichi Kaneko, president of Hino Motors Canada, to an audience of more than 200 guests from across Canada and around the world.

He said 2014 is looking even stronger, with the company on pace to sell 1,900 units.

“With keeping this momentum, we are going to target 2,000 units in 2015,” Kaneko added. “With an increase of revenue at our dealerships, we will be able to provide our Hino customers with more comprehensive service coverage and contribute to our customers’ business with our products more than before…Hino business in Canada is moving forward to the future.”

Visiting from Japan was Masakazu Ichikawa, chairman of the board for Hino Motors.

“Canada is one of the most important markets for Hino and its importance is growing more and more,” he said. “I have watched with great interest as many new sales records have been established recently. Market share has been growing steadily for many years and now Hino Motors Canada is number one!”

Ichikawa thanked customers for sticking with the company as it worked through recent obstacles such as the global financial crisis and the supply shortages that occurred in the wake of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

“But you prevailed, even excelled in the face of this adversity,” he told dealers and customers in attendance.