Column Vol.1
Jun 24, 2008
1.Site of truck fabrication
1.Engine positioning was changed (moved 420mm towards the rear). Moreover, with an improved and lighter rear body, the truck is currently undergoing final adjustments for Rally Mongolia 2008.
2.Launch by the entire Hino Team Sugawara (Hino representatives and drivers Yoshimasa and Teruhito Sugawara)
The progress made in truck modifications for the '09 race and future actions were confirmed, and activity policies for developing a truck plan for the 2010 rally and later were shared. Modifications and racing videos of competitors were studied for comparison.
3.Conducted first driving test after changing the engine positioning (on 26 May in Nagano). We were able to confirm solid performance improvements.
(Comment from driver Teruhito Sugawara)
While the running test was conducted without the rear body, the effect of repositioning the engine rearward by 420mm was dramatic. Tangible improvements were made in that the vehicle behaved completely differently during jumps and when subjected to shocks. Although our rivals are formidable, we will continue to focus on development so that we can fully draw on the strengths of this Hino truck.
