Test-Drive in Kashiwazaki-city, Niigata
Establishes a New Mechanic Team

Hino Team Sugawara test-drove Car 2 (driven by Teruhito Sugawara), the “Hino 500 Series” vehicle, scheduled to compete in Dakar 2010 over a course established in Kashiwazaki-city, Niigata Prefecture, from the 19th to the 20th of September. A firmer feel and stronger conviction to challenge the next rally was gained about the vehicle’s improvements, and the steady progress was demonstrated to the media who visited on-site to cover the event.

The test-drive was held along a coastline course prepared for an off-road race. One lap, extending approximately one kilometer over wet and damp sand, had tight corners and jump spots to simulate sections in the real Dakar rally, and the vehicle was exposed to relatively intensive loads while driving at low speed. A new mechanic team has been working hard to build Car 2 at the Hino plant until the day before it was taken to Niigata for the test-drive, however, not one initial problem was spotted by the two drivers, Yoshimasa Sugawara and Teruhito Sugawara, who continuously tested the vehicle using this course. The vehicles adopted a midship layout with the engine shifted rearward to achieve more drivability, maneuverability and vehicle stability in the last rally, but the vehicles tended to overheat during the rally. As sufficient improvement was unfortunately not seen even during Rally Mongolia in August, even after revising the cooling systems, they decided to intentionally convert the engine to the front engine specifications for Dakar 2010. By concurrently adopting new shock absorbers, the vehicles’ front-rear weight balance (heavier in the front due to the front engine layout) was improved, enhancing their overall maneuverability. The shock absorbers installed this time were manufactured by Reiger Racing Suspension which supplied the parts for the top Camion team vehicles at the Dakar Rally. Hino Team Sugawara, already having a good impression of these shock absorbers installed in Car 1 of midship specification during Rally Mongolia (driven by Teruhito Sugawara), confirmed that the maneuverability of the front engine specification vehicle tested this time was better than that of the midship specification vehicle. The test results exceeded their expectations. Moreover, they were able to confirm that the revisions of the engine cooling systems with reinforced oil coolers worked -- both water and engine oil temperatures remained within the normal range even after the low-speed but high-load test-drive for many hours, signifying successful test results.

Approximately 20 related members involved in the development of the Dakar rally vehicles within Hino Motors also participated in the test-drive sessions, with five mechanics there to check conditions during driving and to experience the test-drives alongside the drivers.

Car 2, after returning from this time, will have its drivetrain parts replaced after the event. Car 1, which participated in Rally Mongolia, was sent back to Japan. The vehicle will promptly go through various revisions, including changes to the front engine specifications, to prepare for its shipment to Argentina in the beginning of November.

Kiminori Orikasa, Head of Dakar vehicle development (General Manager, Technical Management Division, Hino Motors, Ltd.)
We are happy as we could confirm the expected effects of our revisions. Moreover, it was extremely good opportunity for those who have been involved in the vehicle manufacturing including myself to have the occasion to test-drive the rally vehicles, which surely expands our knowledge. We would like to strive further to develop the “Hino 500 Series” vehicles to become even better racing trucks.

Yoshimasa Sugawara (Driver)
We unfortunately could not generate the results that we anticipated during the previous rally due to some troubles that had occurred in the drivetrain and cooling systems. We are considering to definitely meet everybody’s expectations during the next rally, by rectifying each area with necessary countermeasures. We were able to experience an extremely good feeling during this test which is considered as one of the steps to eventually reach our goals. We consider that to be a winner among the vehicles with an engine displacement of below 10 liters is our mission, and on top of this, our target is to see to what extent we could beat our heavy-duty competitors and show our overall results. This will be my next challenge at the age of 68. I stopped smoking, although it might be is a trifle effort, in order to prepare for the next rally and participate in it in the best condition.

Teruhito Sugawara (Driver)
The impression of the shock absorbers that were tailor-made for the “Hino 500 Series” vehicles was good even during the Rally Mongolia. After testing them using the front engine specification vehicle this time, we felt that they could cover the disadvantages of front heavy characteristics more sufficiently than required. It seems that more rigorous courses have been set this time during the second rally in South America compared with those of last year. As the “Hino 500 Series” vehicles are particularly good at those types of special stages, we hope that we could continuously drive through without any halt caused by troubles. We are convinced that the results follow if we could successfully do so.

The major conversion items of Car 2 are almost complete

The conversion of Car 2 started in the corner of Hino plant from the end of August with consideration of the test results at the Rally Mongolia. The conversions proceeded at an intensive pace working until late at night with five Hino mechanics who also joined the vehicle development team members. The major revisions of Car 2 included the change of engine installation position to the front and the manufacturing of related parts such as propeller shaft, frame cross member, and mufflers. The work of skilled mechanics showed splendid performance. The specially made mufflers were handmade to match the actual vehicle, and their beautiful curved lines were nothing but an art.
Moreover, when the bracket processing work suddenly became necessary in order to install the shock absorbers made by Reiger Racing Suspension, the processing points were instantly found and the bracket was fitted to install the shock absorbers in the vehicle, that was a superb piece of craftsmanship. The vehicle awaited the test-drives in Kashiwazaki, after making thorough preparations necessary for data collection by fitting various measuring devices to the oil lines, water hoses, etc.

The new mechanic team was organized

This activity has been enforced jointly by the best partner, TEAM SUGAWARA and Hino Motors. The Hino Dakar secretariat (Corporate Planning Division) takes care of the comprehensive PJT at the Hino Motors side, the Technical Management Division looks after the vehicle manufacturing team, the Overseas Parts & Service Division manages the prototypes and service activities at site, the Logistics Planning Division is in charge of logistics and transportation, and other internal resources have been used as necessary just like other areas of our business. We have steadily been proceeding with the vehicle manufacturing by liaising with the related companies as well as with the Hino Group via the respective responsible divisions. Mechanics selected based on the strict and fair screening processes held in July and August have been participating in the vehicle production from early September.