Hino Motors Ltd. recently announced a restructuring of its distribution company, Hino Diesel Trucks (U.S.A.), Inc. in what it says is a move aimed at increasing its presence in the U.S. truck market.

As part of this effort Hino has entered into an investment agreement with PCP Holdings. Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Penske Corporation along with its existing partners in Hino Diesel Trucks, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. A formal agreement was signed late in May.

Hino Diesel Trucks will build a nationwide sales and service network that will offer a new line of conventional medium-duty trucks incorporating Hino diesel engines and U.S. produced driveline components.

“This organization will offer products and services providing a new level of quality and dependability for the North American market,” said Mitsuo Kikuchi, President of Hino Diesel Trucks (U.S.A). “We want to introduce products and services that simply make better business sense for our customers.”

Hino’s medium- and heavy-duty diesel cab-over trucks have been manufactured in Japan since 1910 and are sold in 142 countries. The company has been part of the Canadian trucking industry for nearly 30 years supplying operators with class 4, 5, 6, and 7 mid-range diesel trucks. All Hino trucks brought into Canada are manufactured at the plant in Hino City, Japan. Hino maintains an inventory in Canada and, despite the distance between the two countries, can move vehicles directly from the factory to here in 90 days.

For more information visit www. hino.co.jp or the Hino Diesel Trucks Canada Web site at www.hinocanada.com.