- Comment from Teruhito Sugawara after finishing Rally Mongolia 2014

From August 10 to 17, HINO TEAM SUGAWARA entered a HINO500 Series truck in Rally Mongolia 2014, the team's real-world testing ground for the truck's new suspension and other modifications. Driver Teruhito Sugawara delivered his analysis of the results:

"The 9-liter A09C engine that we debuted at the Dakar Rally in January this year delivered performance potential that exceeded our expectations," Sugawara said. "But one of the big issues for our next Dakar Rally is how we can enhance the suspension, which is the key component in transferring the engine's power to the road. So immediately after returning home, we got together a number of times with Hino's development team, and we ultimately decided to employ a completely new suspension system. We were on a tight schedule, so preparations had to proceed at a rapid pace. After the shakedown in early July at the Ibaraki Test Course, we and the development team carried out repeated tests in Mongolia prior to the start of the rally, which began on August 10.

"This rally was a very tough one, with a 450-kilometer-plus SS (special section) right on the very first day. But the feel of the suspension was simply out-of-this-world amazing. I could clearly feel how the tires were gripping the road even on bumpy terrain, so it performed just as we had intended. The suspension's durability and reliability, which had been concerns, turned out to be non-issues, and we are very confident with the truck going into the Dakar Rally. In next year's Dakar Rally, we plan to enter an engine with even more power, so not only do we have a good feeling for continuing our winning streak in the Under 10-litre Class, we actually think we're ready to aim for top positions in the overall category. Expect great things!"

Having finished Rally Mongolia 2014, the HINO500 Series truck will be shipped to Hino Motors' Hamura Test Course in mid-September to undergo preparations for the Dakar Rally.

Rally Mongolia 2014 entry details

Mechanics from Hino Dealers Entering the Next Dakar Rally Meet with the Team

The four Hino mechanics who will be servicing the trucks during the next Dakar Rally met with the team in mid-August. The mechanics came from various Hino dealers across Japan. At their introductory meeting, each mechanic expressed his passion for the race and received encouragement from team director and driver, Yoshimasa Sugawara.

Hironaga Hayashi

Hakodate Hino Motor Ltd.
Born March 1, 1976 in Hakodate, Hokkaido (Age 38)

I've dreamed of the Dakar Rally since I was a little boy. I've worked hard to make it to the race of my dreams, so I intend to give it my all and not let myself down.

Shunsuke Sugawara

Tokyo Hino Motor Ltd.
Born January 10, 1983 in Nishi Iwai, Iwate (Age 31)

"Now that I've made it onto the team, I intend to go all the way so we can win. I'll make solid preparations so I can channel all my servicing tasks toward victory."

Hiroya Fukuno

Yokohama Hino Motor Ltd.
Born November 17, 1984 in Yokohama, Kanagawa (Age 29)

"Everything is going to be new for me, but no matter how difficult the situation, I intend to work with my teammates and give my all to the end so I don't let myself down."

Takashi Masuda

Hiroshima Hino Motor Ltd.
Born March 30, 1982 in Shobara, Hiroshima (Age 32)

"I intend to prepare diligently with the other team members to take on this challenge and build on what our predecessors have accomplished. I want to let people know what a great mechanic I am, and what a great team of mechanics we have this year."