MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Hino will be introducing its 2004 cab-over-engine truck in May, in hopes of building on a year of record sales in Canada.

Hino says it enjoys a 10 per cent market share in the Canadian mid-range truck market, with a 24 per cent market share in Quebec. The company hopes to build on that success with the introduction of its 2004 model.

“We anticipate there will only be a minimal price increase for the 2004 models,” says Canadian vice-president of Hino, Alan Masters.

Hino says its J-series engine exceeds all Environmental Protection Agency-enforced emission standards while delivering 10 per cent better fuel economy.

“Customers tell us they sometimes have to wait longer for their truck during the annual emissions test since the technician insists on conducting the test twice,” says Masters. “The technician can’t believe the first test results show virtually zero harmful emissions.”

The 2004 models, like their predecessors, will be built in Hino, Japan. However the OEM maintains an inventory in Canada and can move new trucks from Japan to Canada within 90 days.