Hino, Penske ink deal

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

July 1, 2003

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.