Road Tests & Reviews: Hino 300 series

While the arrival of Hino into the tipper truck arena has been an unwelcome nuisance to the rest of the market, the company's ambitions in the light truck sector are a much bigger test of Hino's mettle. It's one thing to sell tippers to a market smarting from the closure of the family favourite Foden, but another to establish a new brand in a market unaccustomed to buying unproven vehicles - just ask Mitsubishi and Isuzu.

The 300 Series Hino looks to have the credentials to make some in-roads - a 4.0-litre common rail diesel motor provides 150hp to get the goods moving, while a stylish cab and claimed 2,600kg chassis-cab tare weight mean the Irish-built machine will give Isuzu a run for its money on overall operational efficiency.

Hino will have a tough job establishing itself in this sector with an unknown product and unproven - for distribution applications - dealer network. The 'will' is there for the brand to realise success, the 'way' will need to be shown in service.