Hino Motors will not build hybrids in Australia, but has launched a working group to look at fuel efficient vehicles
By Gary Worrall
Hino Motors will not be building hybrids in Australia, despite the launch of a working group into the developemtn and operation of fuel efficient vehicles in Victoria.
Hybrid truck leader Hino Motors will not begin manufacture of its dual power trucks in Australia, despite the Victorian government saying it wants that state to become the market leader in fuel efficient vehicle technology.
Gavin Jennings, Environment, Climate Change and Innovation Minister, says the Victorian Government is taking action to encourage the development of fuel efficient vehicles in Victoria to provide transport options in the future which use less oil and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
As part of its brief, a working group will examine current fuel efficient vehicle technologies research, further opportunities for alternative fuel and technology development and also look at the market and regulatory impediments.
Alex Stewart, Hino’s divisional manager for product strategy and development, says there are no plans for Hino to begin manufacturing its 300 Series 714 Hybrid in Australia.
Stewart says all manufacturing technology and capacity for the trucks is in Japan, and even though the hybrid is about to launch into the Mexican market, production will remain in Japan.
Despite this, he believes regulatory review is ‘a step in the right direction’, to encourage the take up of hybrid commercials.
While Stewart says offering hybrid buyers a tax break or rebate on the capital cost of the vehicle would be welcomed, he thinks registration rebates are less likely, as that is a state revenue issue.