ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – Hino is now offering air ride suspensions on its Class 6 and 7 trucks for the first time in North America.

The company has successfully marketed air ride equipped trucks domestically in Japan, but it’s a new option here in Canada. In fact, the very first air ride equipped Hino arrived in Abbotsford just one day before it was slated to debut at Truxpo Oct. 1-3.

Hino opted to provide customers with the Hendrickson AL series air ride suspension. It can be spec’d on either the Hino 268 with (26,950-lb GVW) or the 338 (33,000-lb GVW).

“This is going to enable us to take a bigger bite into the Class 6/7 market,” vowed Hino’s Alan Masters.

“We are looking forward to seeing it on the market and I know our Hino customers are looking forward to receiving it so it’s going to definitely boost our sales.”

Hino’s sales are already up 43 per cent compared to last year and the company recently began building its trucks at its California plant.

Masters predicted the air ride suspension will be popular in virtually every application Hino serves.

“Anywhere that the roads are pretty rough and you need to stabilize the load is a good application, but primarily the food industry, furniture and the distribution of electronic equipment,” Masters said.

“It’s something that our dealers have asked for a long time. We selected the Hendrickson because they have an excellent name for quality and reliability which matches our truck.”

The suspension features durable, yet lightweight frame hangers and a long-lasting main support member.

The shock absorbers are mounted on the outside to provide maximum stability and the cross channel is made of stamped steel to provide lateral support.

The air springs have plenty of volume for air to provide a smooth ride and the pivot bushings are rubber bushed for silent operation and maximum durability.

Masters said customers can place their orders for the air ride-equipped Hinos now and the first units will be delivered in late December or early January.