As part of its partnership with the Repco Supercars Championship, Hino Australia will debuted the a new 300 Series Tilt Tray Recovery Vehicle at this month’s Sydney SuperNight event – and it’s a hybrid.
Hino customers have been lowering their emissions with Hybrid Electric trucks for over 15 years, but now the model is being put through its paces as a motorsport recovery vehicle.
Compared to an equivalent diesel truck, a 300 Series Hybrid Electric delivers up to 20 percent in fuel savings and emissions reduction. Models range from a car-licence 4.5-tonne GVM, up to medium-rigid 8.5-tonne GVM.
The Hybrid Electric Recovery Vehicle will be fitted with a unique Kyokuto Single Car carrier body with a tilt tray slide that allows the tray to slide off the back of the vehicle and for loading work to be performed at almost any angle down to zero degrees.
“The Kyokuto body is unique and relatively new to Australia – it has been selected as it meets the exacting operational requirements of Supercar races and will ensure the safe and prompt removal of crashed Supercars and other race cars,” said President & CEO of Hino Australia, Richard Emery.
“One of the major benefits of the tilt slide is that, once the tray is on the ground, loading can be done at a near zero degree angle and from the ground eliminating the risk of falling from heights.
“As part of our long-term partnership with Supercars, we have provided a 500 Series Standard Cab recovery vehicle for the last five years – the 300 Series Hybrid Electric is a natural progression that ties in with Supercars sustainability strategy,” Mr Emery said.
Supercars Chief Operating Officer Tim Watsford says the addition of the 300 Series Hybrid Electric tilt tray represents a significant milestone for the organisation, as it pursues sustainability and efficiency.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Hino’s innovative Hybrid Electric Tilt Tray into our Supercars recovery fleet,” Mr Watsford said.
“This marks a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
“This partnership underscores our dedication to embracing advancements that benefit both our sport and the environment.
“This addition to our fleet confirms a significant milestone for Supercars and we look forward to utilising their advanced features to ensure seamless recovery operations at our events.”
The Hybrid Electric and 500 Series Standard Cab Recovery Vehicles will be in action at the Sydney, Bathurst, Gold Coast and Adelaide rounds of the 2024 Supercars Championship.
