The introduction of the latest ADR 80/03 emission regulations on January 1 reinforces the position of Australia’s commercial fleet as the cleanest vehicles on the road, with passenger cars yet to move to the tougher exhaust standards.
Although ADR 80/03 allows manufacturers to choose from a range of emission control methods, Hino is one of many to adopt the popular Euro 5 regime for its trucks.
Alex Stewart, Hino Australia’s Divisional Manager for Product Strategy and Development, says the shift to the Euro 5 standard was ‘straightforward’ with the light duty 300 Series range already complying with the regulations.
"The 500 and 700 Series required only minor modifications and changes to exhaust treatment systems to meet the Euro 5 standard," Stewart says.
For the 500 Series trucks, he says the engines are fitted with a combination of a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) and a diesel oxidation catalyst with a particulate filter (DPR) to reduce pollutants in the exhaust gases.
As well as reducing the level of pollutants, Stewart says Hino is looking to improve the driving experience, with the new cabs now meeting Europe’s ECE29 crash worthiness standard, as well as offering a driver's SRS airbag, electric and heated exterior mirrors, ABS brakes on all models including 4x4, and Easy Start (ES) for hill-start assist on all 4x2 manual transmission models.