Hino enhances connectivity range-wide
As part of its commitment to provide customers with innovative Hino Advantage business solutions, Hino Australia has upgraded the multimedia unit in their trucks, The rollout of the new unit, which began in July, applies to all new light, medium and heavy-duty models in the current range.
Unveiled at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show in May, the new 10.1-inch ultra high-definition multimedia unit is described as being intuitive to operate and has been specifically designed and created for Hino trucks.
Like the current multimedia unit it replaces, the new unit is the result of a collaboration between Hino and Melbourne-based Directed Electronics.
“The new unit has been designed to integrate into the dash of each of our vehicles, with a particular focus on driver and vehicle ergonomics,” said Daniel Petrovski, Department Manager – Product Strategy for Hino Australia.
“Simplicity in the ‘driver-machine’ interface design provides enhanced functionality and selection for drivers courtesy of items such as a volume control knob, buttons on the unit and programable control buttons on the steering wheel.
“Significant market research was undertaken before, during and after the design to ensure the final product reflects the needs of our customers. We know that drivers’ lives and businesses are progressively more dependent on being connected and contactable, and are intertwined with their phones, which is why the new multimedia unit features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone compatibility.”
Bluetooth functionality and microphone performance has been improved, there’s now an easily accessible 2amp USB fast charge point at the front of the unit, plus a new wider-angle reversing camera with an enhanced microphone. This, combined with another five optional multi-position cameras (including Hino Genuine Lane Change Support Cameras), provides drivers with a near-360-degree visibility.
The new multimedia system also has AM/FM radio, DAB+ digital radio and Wi-Fi, while the improved Bluetooth connectivity enables enhanced call handling, profile pictures and improved speech to text functionality.
Additional Hino Genuine accessories that can be integrated into the new unit include a Digital Video Recorder, reversing sensors, lane change assist cameras and a sat nav program utilising truck-specific maps and routes.
The latter can be tailored to suit an individual truck or load, with the ability to input critical data, such as the truck's height, weight and dangerous goods classification.
The navigation system then calculates a route that avoids low bridges, weight-restricted roads and/or areas restricted for dangerous goods-plated vehicles.
Hino-Connect across the range
As part of the technology update, Hino-Connect will be available as an option for 300 Series light-duty buyers for the first time.
Already standard on the Hino 700 Series and 500 Series, Hino-Connect is the next-generation of business intelligence that provides customers with real-time performance data tracking, remote diagnosis of vehicle faults and dedicated Hino-Connect specialist support.
Built and designed in Australia, Hino-Connect allows direct communication with the driver through the truck’s multimedia unit, which is an Australian-first.
“The connectivity of the new multimedia unit and Hino-Connect will provide fleet managers and customers with full fleet connectivity,” Petrovski added.
Using Hino-Connect’s online portal and mobile app, Fleet and Business Managers can access business intelligence and real-time insights into their fleet, including live vehicle performance data such as fuel usage, the cause and effect of driving performance, and safety alerts.
A unique element of Hino-Connect is the case-management provided by the Sydney-based team of Hino-Connect specialists that support the customer, driver and dealer, while monitoring the progress of repairs to get the truck back on the road quickly.
Another Hino Advantage
Hino-Connect is another tool in the ‘Hino Advantage’ suite of business solutions designed to reduce operating costs over the life of the vehicle.
Hino Advantage also includes Hino SmartSafe, capped price servicing, standard warranty, Hino Genuine Parts, 24/7 Hino roadside assist, and finance options.
For more information, go to Hino
