Hino Motors, a leading truck and bus manufacturer in Japan, gave visitors to the recent Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo several glimpses into the future in terms of mobility solutions in line with Hino’s corporate goal of making a better world and a better future by helping people and goods to get anywhere they need to go.
Hino had a diverse range of exhibits at the well-attended show, including several advanced mobility solutions. Of particular interest was the latest production version of a Hino 700 freighter. It is not only powered by a hydrogen fuel cell but also incorporates a host of advanced safety technologies that enable Level 4 autonomous driving on expressways.
This is a heavy-duty fuel cell electric truck that contributes to carbon neutrality and the development of a hydrogen society. It is the first mass production model from a Japanese truck manufacturer that achieves both the practicality of a regular heavy duty truck together with an outstanding, emission-free environmental performance.
The L4 aspect aims to use advanced safety technologies to realise Hino’s aim for ‘zero traffic casualties’. The company says it has improved the performance of the radar system, using different camera mountings and new sensors, such as LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), following practical testing of L4 autonomous driving on Japanese expressways.
Another interesting exhibit was a customised version of Hino Dutro Z EV (battery electric vehicle) of which an example is currently being displayed at a range of events in South Africa. The version on display at the Japan Mobility Show was a mobile office using the benefit of the low cargo floor to make it convenient to enter or exit the spacious interior with a walk-through facility for the driver and passenger. Uses for a mobile office envisaged for this derivative include being used as an on-site control room for organising outdoor events or coping with a disaster.
