As part of its commitment to provide customers with innovative Hino Advantage business solutions, Hino Australia is upgrading the multimedia unit across its range of light, medium and heavy-duty trucks, with a phased rollout starting from July 2023.
“Technology is a key theme at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show, and we are delighted to use the show to display our intuitive new 10.1 inch ultra high-definition multimedia unit, which is specifically designed and created for fitment in all Hino trucks,” said Daniel Petrovski, Department Manager – Product Strategy for Hino Australia.
Following the success of the current multimedia unit which is standard across the range, Hino has once again partnered with 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,” continued Mr Petrovski.
“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 undeniably intertwined with their phones, which is why the new multimedia unit features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone compatibility,” said Mr Petrovski.
Other changes include improved Bluetooth functionality and microphone performance, plus an easily accessible 2amp USB fast charge point at the front of the unit.
A new wider-angle standard reverse camera with an enhanced microphone combined with another five optional multi-positioncameras including Hino Genuine Lane Change Support Cameras provides drivers with a near-360 degree visibility.
The multimedia system also has AM/FM / DAB+ digital radio and Wi-Fi, and the latest version of Bluetooth connectivity enables enhanced call handling, profile pictures and improved speech to text functionality.
Additional Hino Genuine accessories that can be seamlessly integrated include a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), reverse sensors, lane change assist cameras, and a satellite navigation program utilising truck-specific maps and routes.
The truck specific navigation system can be tailored to suit each 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 dangerous goods-restricted areas.
Hino-Connect across the range
As part of this technology update, the new multimedia unit will provide all vehicles with the capability to access the full suite of Hino-Connect business telematics features.
Hino-Connect will now be available as an option for 300 Series light-duty customers.
“The connectivity of the new multimedia unit and Hino-Connect will provide fleet managers and customers with full fleet connectivity,” said Mr Petrovski.
Currently standard fitment on the Hino 700 Series and 500 Series vehicles, 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.
Fleet and Business Managers can use an online portal and mobile app to 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, whilst monitoring the progress of the repair to get the truck back on the road quickly.
Hino-Connect helps customers keep their trucks operating efficiently while reducing downtime and operating costs.
Another Hino Advantage
Hino-Connect is another tool in the Hino Advantage suite of business solutions that will reduce 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.