Hino Motors forays into Indian market

The Indian arm, Hino Motors Sales India Private Limited, will sell heavy duty trucks and buses. The firm will introduce a range of trucks that can be used for construction, mining, transportation and logistics. The buses will target the coach segment.
 
Hino, on the occasion, launched two trucks — FM8J and FL8J priced at around Rs 40 lakh (fully built units) — from the Hino 500 series, it’s fastest selling vehicles in the overseas market.  The launch of the bus is scheduled for September.

Currently, the firm is importing fully built vehicles from its plant in Bangkok, Thailand. However, Hino Motors Sales India Managing Director Hiroshi Nakamura said “we will conduct a feasability study, to set up a manufacturing unit in the Country,” adding that it might take a minimum of at least three years to take a final decision.

Executive Vice President Amol J Sandil said “Though Hino is directly entering the market for the first time, we have had the presence through Ashiok Leyland for over ten years.” The firm has also identified body builders, including Kailash Vahan, Pune and JCBL.

On the targets set for the fiscal year 2009-10 Nakamura said “We plan to sell about 700 units from this day to March 2010, and have already received  orders for ten trippers.”

Further, the company has also set up a training facility in Maharashtra, to help its dealers acquire skills and expertise required to provide services.