Hino Australia has expanded its heavy-duty 700 Series line-up in 2025, adding 11 new models and introducing a locally-supported 12-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that significantly increases flexibility and performance across the range.
First launched in 2021, the 700 Series was a landmark for Hino, bringing a bold new exterior design, updated powertrains, improved fuel efficiency, and the most comprehensive safety package ever offered by the brand. Now, the latest updates are designed to open new markets, especially local government and council fleets that demand robust, flexible, and safer trucks for a wide range of operational roles.
2021: A New Era for Hino Heavy-Duty
In 2021, Hino introduced a completely overhauled 700 Series with both 9-litre and 13-litre engines, delivering low-RPM torque and improved fuel efficiency. The trucks were equipped with a host of features including:
- LED headlamps and tail lamps
- Jake brake and engine retarder across the range
- Euro 6 compliance using EGR, DOC, DPR, and SCR technology
- Electronic braking systems (EBS) with brake wear indicators
- Vehicle Stability Control, Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Warning, and Driver Monitoring
“The 700 Series continues to be one of the safest Japanese trucks in the market,” said Daniel Petrovski, Manager – Product Strategy at Hino Australia. “We led the market with these features. Others are only just catching up in 2025.”
Comfort and usability were also a focus, with Hino adopting the ISRI NTS2 seat, automatic climate control, a modern cab interior with a 10-inch AVN display, and standard Hino-Connect telematics across the range.
2025: Expanded Range with New 12-Speed AMT
In 2025, Hino has grown the 700 Series model line-up from 19 to 31 models. The key highlight is the introduction of a 12-speed Automated Manual Transmission developed by Hino, marking a new chapter in its heavy-duty offering.
“What the new transmission does is give us the ability to enter applications that we couldn’t get into before,” Petrovski explained. “We didn’t have an air-bag suspended 8×4, or a 12-speed AMT option in that segment—but now we do.”
The new AMT is based on Hino’s long-serving MZ12 synchromesh manual gearbox. It features:
- Constant mesh design for durability
- Countershaft brake for quick gear changes
- Electronic clutch control
- Magnetic valve actuation for simple gear selection
- A user-friendly stalk-mounted gear selector on the steering column
“It’s very intuitive,” said Petrovski. “You press select drive or reverse, and for docking or slow manoeuvring, there’s a slow position. You can go manual if you want, or let the AMT do its job automatically.”
Council-Friendly Specs and Configurations
The new configurations specifically target markets like local government, council fleets, and infrastructure maintenance contractors. The availability of both leaf spring and Hendrickson airbag suspension options across the new models makes them ideal for tipper, water cart, and hook-lift applications that councils commonly operate.
“The 360-horsepower 9-litre with the 12-speed AMT and airbag suspension is going to be a big one for councils,” said Petrovski. “It gives us more GCM—up to 45 tonnes—so the guys occasionally towing a trailer with a 9-litre will love this. The flexibility is what makes it so valuable.”
Among the new 2025 additions:
- Nine new four-by-two, six-by-four, and eight-by-four models with 9-litre engines and 360hp
- Two new 13-litre 450hp six-by-four models with 12-speed AMT for high-demand applications like tippers and tankers
Built to Work, Designed to Last
Durability and ease of maintenance were core design considerations. Petrovski noted the AMT has been in use in Japan since 2019 and is based on proven componentry.
“They’ve built that transmission to last—as all Hino components are built,” he said. “And now that we have airbag suspension and 12-speed AMT in that 8×4 segment, we can go into applications we couldn’t touch before.”
Applications now supported include:
- Local delivery
- Hook-lifts
- Council tippers
- Vacuum pumpers
- Prime movers
- Water carts
Live drive and rear-engine PTOs are also supported, expanding the use cases into even more specialist roles.
With the 2025 update to the 700 Series, Hino has strengthened its position in the heavy-duty segment, especially for customers looking for flexibility, safety, and real-world performance.
“We’re now up to 31 models in the range,” Petrovski concluded. “This expanded model line-up, especially with the 12-speed AMT, opens new opportunities—particularly with councils and government fleets who need capability without compromise.”
