Hino Motor Sales Canada opened the doors to its new facility in a traditional style.

The new Hino headquarters is located at 395 Ambassador Dr., in Mississauga, Ont. and it was officially opened on July 19 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a traditional Japanese kegami wari cask breaking.

More than 50 people were on hand to watch as the wooden lid of the sake cask was broken open by Tadaaki Jagawa, chairman of the board for Hino Motors, and David Worts, executive director for the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association of Canada.

This ceremony is believed to bring the blessings of health, happiness and prosperity to all.

Hiro Omori, president of Hino Motor Sales Canada spoke about the successful operation of Hino Motor Sales in Canada for the past 30 years.

“Last year Hino set its all-time Canadian sales record and we will now move forward with our planned aggressive growth in the mid and long term,” said Omori. “This growth will be fueled by our new conventional style truck – the 2005MY.”

Hino says its new concept cab design is the first of its kind in North America. It has a steeply slanted hood, which provides better visibility – equal to Hino’s previous tilt-cab design. It doesn’t require an engine dog house in the cab which can interfere with interior legroom. The new design also has a lower centre of gravity, which provides better stability.

“We take pride in the business relationships we have established with our dealers, suppliers and customers and are looking forward to an even brighter future working together,” added Omori.