Hino Releases "Proshift 6" Automated Manual Transmission in 500 Series Models
Hino Motor Sales Australia has released the production version of its new ProShift automated manual transmission (AMT), fitted to selected variants of its 500 Series medium-duty truck range.
The new six-speed fully automated manual transmission - named "ProShift 6" - is initially available as an option on FC 1022 and FD 1124 variants of the Hino 500 Series.
The Hino designed and manufactured ProShift 6 transmission has been developed to combine the favourable fuel economy and durability of a manual transmission with automatic transmission ease-of-operation.
ProShift 6-equipped models feature a two-pedal only driveline - there is no clutch pedal - with mechanical clutch operation controlled by the on-board computer and shift actuator.
According to Hino Australia, the ProShift 6 automated manual transmission can deliver operators a fuel consumption reduction of 10-15 per cent when compared with an identical vehicle fitted with a torque-converter type automatic transmission.
Hino Australia Divisional Manager Product Strategy, Marketing and Dealer Development, Alex Stewart, said Hino has developed the ProShift transmission line in response to the emerging needs of medium-duty truck operators in Australia.
"Hino's Australian operation, in conjunction with Hino Motors Limited Japan, conducted extensive research, engineering development and durability evaluation prior to launching the ProShift 6 transmission locally," Mr Stewart said.
"By 2015 we are expecting automated manual transmission and torque-converter type automatic transmission equipped models (combined) to account for more than 40 per cent of all medium duty trucks sold in Australia.
"Operators are trending towards these transmissions as metropolitan and outer-urban delivery route congestion grows.
"Hino's ProShift range eases fatigue by reducing the impact of heavy traffic on the driver while providing the operator with the benefit of reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs," he said.
Hino now offers AMT variants of all three categories of trucks in Australia - in addition to the ProShift 6-equipped FC and FD 500 Series variants, 300 Series Hybrid models are fitted with the ProShift 5 AMT and 700 Series models can be optioned with a ProShift 16 transmission.
The addition of the ProShift AMT also completes a 500 Series transmission trifecta - manual transmissions, torque-converter automatic transmissions and AMTs can be optioned on selected variants in the 500 Series range.
Mr Stewart said Hino engineers had made a number of significant upgrades to the ProShift 6 transmission in readiness for Australian operation.
"Australian versions of the FC and FD are more likely to be operated over a variety of routes - from metropolitan to highway - compared with overseas markets where this class of truck is usually not operated on longer routes," he said.
"Engineers have developed the Australian version for maximum durability and efficiency at all road speeds, utilising a unique final drive ratio, and optimised computer shift control.
"Australian versions are also fitted with a larger-capacity oil sump for hot and heavy conditions.
"ProShift technology has been developed and proven in the Japanese domestic market over the last 10 years - and we're particularly pleased to be able to provide our Australian customers with yet another Hino innovation that will benefit their operation," he said.