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 early last month, 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 career with Freightliner and various Penske Corp. subsidiaries, has been named senior vice-president of sales, marketing and customer support.
Although there has been no formal announcement, it is presumed that the re-organization 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.
