29-09-2021

​History of HINO

The Journey of Hino Motors

Since its founding, Hino Motors has supported the movement of people and things, technologies, products, and services, and Hino Motors itself has also evolved.
Its driving force to support society and people through logistics and transportation remains unchanged, despite the changing times.Guided by this unchanging principle, we continue to support your business and contribute to society.

1910

Tokyo Gas Industry Co., Ltd. (predecessor to modern-day Hino Motors)

1913

Company name changed to Tokyo Gas and Electric Industry Co., Ltd.

1917

Successful prototype of Japanese – made trucks

1919

Development of various TGE-type trucks


1930

Moving into manufacturing of buses

Adopted for Japan's first public route (Ministry of Railways) buses

1937

The Automobile Division of Tokyo Gas Electric Engineering Co., Ltd., Automobile Industry Co., Ltd. and Kyodo Kokusan K.K. were merged into Tokyo Automobile Industry Co., Ltd.

1941

Company name was changed to Diesel Motor Industry Co., Ltd.

1942

The Hino plant of Diesel Motor Industry Co., Ltd was made independent as Hino Heavy Industries Inc.

1946

Completed development of Japan’s first post-war heavy-duty trailer truck

1946

Company name changed to Hino Industry Co., Ltd.

1947

The release of Japan's first trailer bus was a breath of fresh air for urban transport

1948

First Japanese automotive manufacturer to separate manufacturing and sales From Hino Industry Co., Ltd. to Hino Diesel Sales Co., Ltd. and Hino Diesel Industry Co., Ltd.

1949

Hino listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange

1950

Started production of heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses (single-wheel type), release of Japan's first trolley bus.

1953

Japan’s first center under-floor engine bus
Release of "Blue Ribbon" box-type bus

1953

Technical collaboration with Renault Started production of passenger vehicles

1958

Japan's first front-wheel two-axis cab-over 10-ton cargo truck released

1959

Hino Diesel Sales Co., Ltd. and Hino-Renault Sales Co., Ltd. merged to form Hino Motor Sales, Ltd.Hino Diesel Industry Co., Ltd. was renamed Hino Motors, Ltd.

1963

RANGER medium-duty truck released

1966

Business alliance with Toyota Motor Corporation

1977

Changed the market for touring coaches Japan's first body-framed touring coach released

1981

Full model change for heavy-duty trucks with release of SUPER DOLPHIN PROFIA SERIES

1990

Hino’s first entry into the Dakar Rally

1991

Release of world-first* hybrid vehicle

1997

Hino monopolizes the Dakar Rally, winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in the truck category

1999

Release of hybrid vehicle

Hino Motors Co., Ltd. and Hino Motor Sales Co., Ltd. merged into Hino Motors Co., Ltd.

2003

New light-duty hybrid truck launched, in compliance with Japanese new long-term regulations on exhaust emissions


2006

World-first* Pre-Collision System (PCS)** installed in HINO PROFIAHINO PROFIA heavy-duty truck announced, in compliance with Japanese new long-term regulations on exhaust emissions

2008

Full model change to the HINO S’ELEGA large touring coach

2011

Full model change for HINO DUTRO light-duty truck

2017

Full model change for HINO PROFIA heavy-duty truck and HINO RANGER medium-duty truck

Content provided by Hino Global www.hino-global.com