Japanese truck manufacturer Hino Motors Ltd. says it is reorganizing its U.S. operations following an unspecified investment by a subsidiary of Penske Corp.
In a brief statement released late yesterday, the company said the restructured Hino Diesel Truck U.S.A. (HDT) would build a nationwide sales and service network to market a full line of conventional trucks combining Hino diesel engines and U.S. drivetrain components.
Derek Kaufman, a name well known in the industry for his sales and marketing work with Freightliner and various Penske Corp. subsidiaries, has also been named yesterday to serve as sr. VP of sales, marketing and customer support for the revamped U.S. operation.
Announcing the change in direction from cabovers to conventionals, HDT president Mitsuo Kikuchi said in the released statement: “We want to introduce products and services that simply make better business sense for our customers.” Although there has been no formal announcement, it is presumed that the switch will also include establishment of U.S. production facilities.
Based in Orangeburg, NY, Hino’s U.S. organization currently markets Class 4-7 cabovers through dealers in 31 states and Puerto Rico. Toyota Motor Corp. owns a 50.1% stake in the parent, Hino Motors.