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HINO a Long-Running Supporter of Environmental Initiatives
Hino, one of the world's leading truck manufacturers, has been a long-running supporter of environmental initiatives, particularly those aimed at making for a cleaner atmosphere and cutting fuel usage.
Here in South Africa the local Hino operation is also backing the NAAMSA campaign for cleaner fuel so it can introduce more advanced emissions technologies than the current government regulations prescribe.
"Only trucks and buses that comply with Euro II regulations may be sold in SA from January 1 next year, but we believe the country should be accelerating its clean air programme to Euro III and IV levels at this time, "commented the general manager of Hino, Casper Kruger.
"If the SA authorities are serious about improving air quality and creating a healthier environment, as well as wanting to enjoy the fuel efficiency benefits of high technology vehicles we cannot be out of step with the constantly changing global trends and standards. For us to keep pace we need cleaner fuels, particularly with regard to that required for diesel engines, where there is only limited geographical availability of the cleaner-burning 50 parts per million (ppm) fuels. Only the much "dirtier"500ppm diesel fuel grade is generally available,"added Kruger.
He said that cleaner fuel means cleaner vehicles and ultimately a better and healthier environment. The achievement of these goals by vehicle and engine manufacturers has put the focus on reducing the sulphur levels in fuel considerably so it can be used with the latest emission control equipment in modern vehicles.
"Petroleum refiners in SA indicated earlier this year that it will cost about R40-billion to update their refineries to produce cleaner fuel and the current timeframe is that this will be possible only by 2014,"explained the Hino SA executive. "Euro IV standards have already been implemented in Europe, the United States, Brazil, South Korea and Argentina, so the required engine technology is already widely available. Now we need cleaner fuel".
Meanwhile, back at its head office in Japan, Hino Motors has already drawn up a very comprehensive environmental initiative plan for 2010. This extends to the design and development of engines and the relevant technology to cut harmful emissions and improve fuel efficiency, as well as ensuring that vehicle production and distribution activities are also more environmentally friendly.
The recycling of end-of-life vehicles is already big business in Japan, although structured recycling has not come to SA yet. Hino is already deeply involved in this process and will extend its involvement in the future.
One area of eco-friendliness where Hino is a leader is in the realm of hybrid propulsion systems, which have the dual benefits of cutting harmful emissions and significantly improving fuel economy.
The history of Hino's hybrid technology goes back to 1976 when the company developed a series system where the motive power came from electric motors that were powered by electricity provided by an engine-driven generator.
In 1981 Hino adopted a new concept that was later to become one of the standards in the hybrid world - the parallel hybrid system. It used the kinetic energy generated by deceleration to charge batteries that were then used for start-up and acceleration. This was the basis of the hybrid bus which was launched in 1991. The system was then adapted for use in a light duty truck in 2003. It benefitted from massive reductions in nitrous oxides and particulate emissions, while showing a 10-20% improvement in fuel economy.
Hino's current 300 Series Hybrid is capable of a 20-30% reduction in fuel usage, depending on how and where it is driven. These models are already on sale in a number of countries and one is on test in South Africa. A total of over 6 000 Hino hybrid trucks and buses have been registered already, with substantial growth from 2003.