Hino leverages Dakar win to build unbeatable commercial trucks
Hino has once again dominated its category in the Dakar Rally, rolling over the finishing line in Cordoba, Argentina, in sixth overall position but first among the trucks with an engine capacity of less than 10 litre. This was the ninth consecutive year that Hino won its category.
Driver Teruhito Sugawara and navigator Mitsugu Takahashi were elated with their performance. Taking the support crew on an impromptu winner’s round through Cordoba’s street, the duo could relax for the first time in two weeks during which they crossed almost 9000 kilometres through three South American countries.
Hino’s Dakar history and what it means for the Hino brand is viewed in such a serious light by the company that its chairman, Yasuhiko Ichihashi was there in person to congratulate the victorious team.
“I am very happy that the Hino Sugawara team was able to fulfil its goal of scoring its ninth consecutive win in the category for trucks with engines of less than 10 litre capacity. While one of the Hino trucks had to withdraw, I am very pleased that the other truck was able to deliver our hoped-for results. We, as Hino Motors, intend to continue our activities as competitors in this demanding endurance test of man and machine.,” said Ichihashi San.
Hino has never missed a race since 1992 when they first entered the Dakar, then still run between Paris in France and Dakar in Senegal.
In this year’s race, the second Hino had to withdraw after smashing into a rock.
Of the 44 trucks that started, only 19 completed Dakar 2018. The competing marques comprised Maz, Kamaz, Iveco, MAN, DAF, Mercedes Benz, Hino, Ginaf, Renault, Scania, Tatra and Liaz
