Press Conference Announcing Entry in the Dakar Rally 2011

On October 18, Hino Motors Ltd. (Hino) held a press conference announcing its entry in the Dakar Rally 2011 at its headquarters in Hino, Tokyo. The company announced that it will be working with TEAM SUGAWARA to enter 2 HINO 500 Series trucks as "HINO TEAM SUGAWARA." TEAM SUGAWARA is led by Yoshimasa Sugawara, who has entered the race for a record 27 consecutive races, the most in the history of this rally.

The conference was attended by members of HINO TEAM SUGAWARA, Hino chairman, Mr. Kondo, and senior managing director, Mr. Fujii. Two HINO 500 Series trucks that were colored in the motif of the kumadori make-up of kabuki actors were displayed at the conference. As the 20th race that Hino will be entering since its first entry, Dakar Rally 2011 represents an anniversary race for the company. As such, the conference attracted many (about 40) press representatives, indicating the rising interest in this race.

Mr. Kondo emphasized the reasons for Hino's continued involvement in this race, saying, "Through this challenge, we can learn many things and strive to achieve greater things. The needs of the customers of our trucks - vehicles that support the foundations of logistics - are diverse. We continue to work as one Hino team with our group companies, suppliers, and associates to take on all challenges to meet these needs without giving up. Hino's world-class technologies and our customers' confidence are based on this unwavering mental fortitude and passion. This is the reason we continue to race in the Dakar Rally - to continue meeting all challenges without relenting. Each time we compete this race, all of us at Hino become more aware of the great joy that awaits us at the end of our passionate efforts. What we envision beyond the finish line is Hino that will never cease to grow and that will boldly continue to take on new challenges. Mr. Yoshimasa Sugawara says, 'This rally is my school of life. I learn many things under its demanding conditions.' we too, as one Hino team, will continue to learn in this Dakar Rally through its many challenges and strive to achieve greater things."

Followed by this, Mr. Fujii described the team setup and some of the characteristics of the race trucks, which have been given major improvements to their racing performance through engine tunings, improvements to the brakes and weight reductions.

Next on the podium was Mr. Yoshimasa Sugawara, team director and driver of Car 1. He told us, "I became a Hino fan at the Paris-Beijing Rally held in 1992. That's when I felt that I would like to race against teams from around the world as a Japanese racer driving a Hino." Contemplating what will be his 28th entry in the rally, he says, "My mission is to be a teacher for young racers, provide oversight based on my experience, and allow them to grow. In this tough and demanding world of racing, I am committed to taking on challenges that only I can overcome." He also had this to say about his record 20 consecutive finishes (Guinness Book world record), which was interrupted in the previous race, "I would like to continue working hard with the mindset that I will be allowed to race for another 20 years," showing all in attendance his unflinching commitment.

Yoshimasa Sugawara's son and driver of Car 2, Teruhito Sugawara, expressed his fighting spirit for the race, saying, "In last year's race, we were able to win a class championship for another year in a row racing against formidable opponents such as Mercedes and Man. For the many people who support us, I aim to win the class championship and the top spots in the overall truck division in our upcoming race."

(Reference) Press conference reports
We are happy to announce that reports of the press conference were featured in Nikkei, Asahi, Yomiuri Shimbun, Sankei, and various sports newspapers.

Press release
http://www.hino-global.com/news_release/193.html

Dakar Rally 2011 Team-Supporters Rally

On the same day of the press conference, the Dakar Rally 2011 team-supporters rally was held at the Hino headquarters with an attendance of over 150 supporters including sponsors and Hino group companies. Both Yoshimasa and Teruhito Sugawara voiced their commitment to the upcoming race and their determination to win a consecutive class championship and the top spots overall in the race. In closing, Mr. Fujii led all the participants in a chorus of "three ganbaro! (Go for it!) chants" in a show of commitment to HINO TEAM SUGAWARA's victory.

Team schedule moving forward:
The race trucks, which were shipped ahead of the team in late October, are scheduled to arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in early December, while team members will fly to Buenos Aires in time for their arrival. The team will then give the trucks a final tuning at Argentina Toyota located on the outskirts of Buenos Aires to prepare for the start of the race on January 1, 2011.

News of this race, including in-depth pre-race information and daily on-site race updates, will be posted on the HINO TEAM SUGAWARA website. Please enjoy.

HINO TEAM SUGAWARA website
https://www.hino-global.com/corp/dakar/