The City Of Greater Geelong has taken delivery of its first Hino 714 Hybrid. The Hybrid features the council’s unique three way tipping body build by Phoenix engineering here in Geelong. The body can be tipped rearward or to the left or right side with only a small change needed.

The Hino Hybrid offers up to a 33% fuel saving over a traditional diesel powered Hino. The is achieved with the unique electric assist that is given to the diesel engine during acceleration as well as the automatic engine shut down when stationary. The Hybrid still features all the standard 300 series options such as, Easy Start, ABS, Dual Airbags, Four wheel disk brakes, power windows, remote central locking and CD player.

Hino Helps Big Things Grow

Victorian business Bella Fruitz has partnered with Hino trucks in an expansion drive that has rapidly transformed Bella Fruitz from a retail-only operation to a successful wholesale and delivery specialist.
The Drysdale-based company had been a retail icon for years before it embarked upon an expansion strategy that would enable it to deliver wholesale fresh fruit and vegetables to customers along the Victorian Surf Coast.
"We saw an opportunity to grow our business by focusing on wholesaling, and about six months ago we set about expanding our labour and capital," said director Steve D'Acunto.
"Part of that included investing in new vehicles for transport and delivery purposes," he said.
Bella Fruitz had previously used a Hino Ranger Pro in its retail arm and was impressed with the vehicle's driveability and durability.
"The Ranger Pro supplied our retail store for about seven years and it always ran as good as gold - still does, actually. It goes so well that we couldn't bring ourselves to get rid of it.
"When it came to adding another truck, the Ranger Pro's replacement, the 500, was the obvious choice."
Mr D'Acunto said he was immediately struck by the FD 500's increased power and torque compared to its predecessor.
Bella Frutiz's 500 FD 1024 generates 168kW of power and 686Nm of torque from its 7.7-litre turbocharged and intercooled direct-injection engine.
Mr D'Acunto said the extra power came in handy on the round-trip from warehouse to market and on to customers.
"You definitely notice more grunt with the 500, which is really handy for open road driving," he said.
"The new truck's power is noticeable, but the old Ranger Pro isn't a slouch. It has a bit less on tap but it still drives like a charm. It's a good little machine."
Mr D'Acunto said he was delighted at the 500's performance and handling under load.
"The more weight it has, the better it seems to drive," he said. "The old one was also smoother with more in, but the new one really loves being fully loaded."
With business humming along, Bella Fruitz is planning to further bolster its Hino fleet in the coming months.
"Things are going really well. We're growing rapidly and it will soon be time to put more trucks on. We're already looking at replacing our delivery van fleet with little 300s for buzzing about on shorter runs."