FOLLOWING Hino Motors Ltd in Japan revealing “falsification” of emissions and engine performance data on certain models of its engines, Hino Australia says there are no implications for the Australian market at this time, the company recently explained.
On Friday, 4 March, 2022, Hino Motors, Ltd. (HML) announced it had suspended the sale of three engine models and their corresponding vehicles in Japan.
This follows HML identifying past misconduct in relation to its applications for certification concerning the emissions and fuel economy performance of its engines for the Japanese market, it confirms.
HML had identified misconduct concerning the “falsification” of engine performance data in emissions durability testing for one engine model and in the measurement of fuel economy performance in certification tests for two other engine models, it explains.
Additionally, HML identified a problem concerning the fuel economy performance of another engine model, it concedes.
STILL SAFE
The misconduct and issues related to engine performance announced ‘do not affect’ the driveability of the affected vehicles and raise no vehicle safety concerns, confirmed Hino Motor Sales Australia (HMSA) when ABC magazine asked if this had any impact on Australian Hino truck and bus product, from an engine point of view.
HMSA distributes Hino vehicles with many engine variants available for a broad range of uses across its light-duty (300 Series), medium-duty (500 Series) and heavy-duty (700 Series) trucks, as well as buses including the Poncho, RN and RK models, it explains.
In an ensuing HMSA statement, the company stated: “The suspension of sale in Japan affects engine variants certified by the Japanese regulator, which have not been sold in Australia.”
“While there are no implications for the Australian market at this time, HML’s investigations are ongoing.
“HMSA is committed to engaging with the relevant authorities about these matters,” it confirmed.
BACKGROUND STORY
In Japan, Hino identified misconduct concerning the falsification of engine performance data in its emissions durability testing for the A05C (HC-SCR) medium duty engine, and in the measurement of fuel economy performance in certification tests for two heavy-duty engine models: A09C and E13C. Hino also confirmed those engines have problems in engine performance.
Accordingly, Hino decided to suspend the sale of those three engine models and their corresponding vehicles in Japan, it announced.
In addition, Hino identified a problem concerning the fuel economy performance of the N04C (Urea-SCR) light-duty engine. However, no misconduct in relation to the certification testing of this engine has been identified to date, it confirms.
Hino has reported those issues and its decision to the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), it explains.
Hino says it, “…deeply apologises for any inconvenience caused to its customers and other stakeholders.”
Additionally, Hino will carefully examine the impact in terms of the tax benefits it receives for the emissions and fuel economy performance of vehicles equipped with these engines, it states.
Hino will bear the cost of any additional tax payments that may be required, it assures.
The JDM affected models are: A05C HC-SCR medium-duty Hino Ranger truck; the A09C Urea SCR heavy-duty Hino Profia truck and heavy-duty Hino S’elega bus; E13C Urea SCR heavy-duty Hino Profia truck and heavy duty Hino S’elega bus.
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Photography: courtesy Hino Australia + Hino Motors Ltd Japan
