One-two finish and completion of the course for the 17th consecutive year in the under 10-liter cubic capacity class of the Camion Division
2007 - EUROMIHOES LISBOA DAKAR

To match the competition for development escalated by monster camions in recent years, Hino Motors, Ltd. has produced its first new vehicle for the race since 2004. The basic structure is the same as before, but it has been developed focusing on improvement in handling performance. Hino consigned this new vehicle to Teruhito Sugawara. Truck #1 driven by Yoshimasa Sugawara was also retuned by using a wide tread pattern. In addition, the number of mechanics dispatched was increased to six selected from among Hino group’s nationwide dealers, further enhancing the composition of the team.

Eighty-five trucks entered the camion division of the event this year and this number was the largest ever. Large monster camions including KAMAZ, GINAF, MAN, TATRA, DAF and others participated and drew people’s attention for the category, with everyone expecting a free-for-all. The 29th Dakar Rally started in Lisbon, capital of Portugal, on January 6th. Just before the start, a part of the distance that was regarded as the highlight was cancelled due to a security problem. Therefore, the total running distance was shortened to 7,906 km and this caused high-paced competition at an early stage in the race.

Amongst the more than 20 monster camions crowding for position, the two Hino FTs started attack from an early stage in the race. A difficult and challenging course continued from the first day and all trucks had a tough time. However, unlike the other trucks, the FTs stayed in good position and finished the first half with excellent times, dispelling rumors that were circulating before the event. They won 9th and 10th overall in the camion division and completed a one-two finish in the under 10-liter cubic capacity class.

After entering the later half of the race, the FTs tried to maintain their excellent times, but a monster camion that was delayed due to trouble fiercely chased the FTs, slowly closing the distance between it and the FTs bit by bit.

Truck #2 had minimal trouble and maintained 9th place overall in the camion division. Truck #1 was slightly delayed due to a flat tire, and won 13th place overall upon arrival in Dakar. However, the FTs scored a one-two finish in the under 10-liter cubic capacity class and the Hino team received warm words of encouragement from Tadaaki Jagawa, the Chairman of the Board of Hino, who rushed to Dakar to meet the team.

NO. of entrles: 85
NO. of finishers: 59

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( ) under 10-liter cubic capacity of Camion Division