- Also achieves 22nd consecutive finish since the company's first entry in the race -

Hino Motors, Ltd. (Hino)has won its fourth consecutive championship in the Under 10-litre class in the Trucks category, and has also achieved its 22nd consecutive finish^*1 in Dakar Rally 2013, which was held from January 5 through January 20 (local time), racing through the South American countries of Peru, Argentina, and Chile.

Hino was the first Japanese truck maker to enter in this rally in 1991. In 1997, the company entered three trucks, and became the first company to achieve a 1-2-3 finish in its category. Subsequently, the company has been champion in twelve out of thirteen applicable years in the Under 10-litre class since it was set up in 1996, and is recognized as a true powerhouse in the Trucks category.

This year, Hino entered the race with two HINO 500 Series trucks, teaming up with Team Sugawara, led by drivers Yoshimasa Sugawara, who holds the record for most consecutive entries in the Dakar Rally at 31^*2, and his son Teruhito Sugawara. The trucks were made at Hino headquarters, and the company sent four mechanics to the rally that were screened from among the many mechanics who applied from Hino dealers around Japan. Also, a local dealership set up a servicing base on their site, making this a true team effort by all members of the Hino group of companies.

As a result, Teruhito Sugawara won the team's 4th straight championship in the Under 10-litre class and came in 19th out of 75 contenders in the overall Trucks category that was crowded with trucks powered by engines with almost twice the displacement. Yoshimasa Sugawara became the first driver in this rally to race a Hino truck powered by an electronically controlled (common rail) engine, and finished 4th in the Under 10-litre class and 31st overall. In the sand dunes in the fourth stage, Car 1 overtook 16 trucks in a stunning performance, demonstrating the exceptional potential of this engine as the team sets its sights on next year.

By taking part in the world's top level race, Hino aims to share the excitement of racing with customers and motor fans around the world, and build on the spirit of challenge and technological capabilities honed through this experience to deliver products and services that benefit our customers. 

^*1: This was the company's 22nd entry in the race since 1991, except for 2008 when the race was canceled due to political instability.
^*2: Yoshimasa Sugawara was registered to race in the canceled 2008 race, and is therefore recognized by the organizers as having entered that year.

HINO TEAM SUGAWARA's HINO 500 Series truck and its driver Teruhito Sugawara are cheered on by the crowd at the finish line in Santiago, Chile.

Members of HINO TEAM SUGAWARA and supporting Hino staff members share their joy upon winning their 4th straight Under 10-litre Class championship and 22nd consecutive finish.

Daily race details are posted in the Daily Race Reports section on Hino's official website:
URL:https://www.hino-global.com/corp/dakar/index.html