MONTREAL (Oct. 27, 2003) — Hino Motor Sales Canada next year will replace its venerable line of cabover straight trucks with a conventional-style vehicle it says matches COEs in manoeuvrability and sightlines from the driver’s seat.

In appearance, the truck is reminiscent of the Freightliner M2 or International 4000 series vehicles, with a broad windscreen and sloping hood. There are six truck models with chassis weights ranging from 14,050 to 33,000 pounds GVW. The truck will be powered by Hino’s J-Series in-line four- or six-cylinder diesel engine. Transmissions will be available from Eaton (the six-speed Synchro-6) and Allison (a five-speed automatic).

Hino Canada vice-president Alan Masters said the introduction sparked 500 orders for trucks as well as several inquiries from prospective new dealers. Class 6 and 7 models are expected to arrive on dealer lots in January, he said.

Hino, controlled by Toyota Motor Corp., currently exports trucks from Japan to North America. It will produce the new conventional-style medium-duty truck at a factory in Long Beach, Calif., next year.

The introduction of a Hino conventional model is one of several major shifts in the cab-over-engine market, which makes up about 10 per cent of medium-duty truck sales. International has delayed plans to offer a class-3 to class-5 low-cab-forward based on its 4000-series platform next year. Paccar, maker of Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks, has cancelled a program to offer an LCF made by its Dutch subsidiary, DAF, until the economy improves. Mack Trucks has stopped importing its Freedom Series class-6 and class-7 LCF, made in France by Renault.