SHAH ALAM: HINO Motors (M) Sdn Bhd has been unaffected in terms of sales by the recent adjustment in fuel prices thus far and remains optimistic about this year’s performance, according to managing director Hiroo Kayanoki.
HINO sold 1,396 light commercial vehicle (LCV) units in 2007 and aimed to sell 2,300 units in 2008, increasing its local market share from 11% to 15%, he said at the launch of its new ECO Plus LCV on July 11. HINO has sold about 1,100 units in the first half of this year.
LCVs, which are defined as commercial vehicles with a gross weight of between 4.5 tonnes and 8.5 tonness, contribute about 60% towards HINO’s total revenue.
Kayanoki attributed the optimistic outlook to the strong first half sales, a bigger market and its new ECO Plus which is estimated to be 15% more fuel efficient than HINO’s current line of LCVs.
Since its arrival in Malaysia in 1977, HINO has sold over 42,000 commercial vehicles. MBM Resources Bhd owns a 42% stake in HINO.