Japanese truck manufacturers had a stronger presence than ever at the show with new models from both Hino and Isuzu.
“This is definitely the year of the Japanese,” says Isuzu UK boss Nikki King, who was joined on the stand by CV senior executive officer Kazuharu Shimizu (pictured). “Do you remember what the Japanese did with motorbikes in the
1960s and with cars in the 1970s – well watch this space,” she says.
Shimizu explains to MT that the European market has suddenly become more attractive to Japanese truck makers. He explains that European emissions regulations used to act as a barrier, but since New Zealand and Australia announced that they are also adopting Euro 4 standards, they no longer have to develop European-specific models. He says it is the same with safety regulations, which were once much higher in Europe than Japan – but not any more.
Hino plans to introduce three new models to the UK market each year, and
was showing its soon-to-be-launched 300-Series 7.5-tonner. The truck, which is built in Japan and assembled in Ireland by Harris Assemblers, will compete directly with Mitsubishi and Isuzu.
Hino, which had 27 trucks on show at the NEC, says it will have 20 UK dealers by the end of the year – 11 of which are ex-Foden.
Mitsubishi also launched a 4x4 version of its 7.5-tonne Canter.
