Guangqi Hino Motors to start operation by July

Shanghai, April 15 (Gasgoo.com) Guangqi Hino Motors Co., a joint venture launched by Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd and Japan-based Hino Motors Ltd (Hino), will officially start operation by July and trial production in August, Zhang Guangning, mayor of Guangzhou told National Business Daily yesterday.

The joint venture, to start trial production of 49-ton heavy-duty trucks, is the fourth complete vehicle manufacture project introduced by Guangzhou city following Guangzhou Toyota Automobile Co., Ltd, Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd, and Dongfeng Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd.

This commercial vehicle project is also expected to boost the whole country's heavy-duty truck output, according to Zhang Fangyou, chairman of the board of Guangzhou Automobile Group.

Guangqi Hino's 700-series heavy duty truck is expected to be produced locally at a rate of 85%, with its price will be reduced by 200,000 yuan ($29,325) at least, according to Li Shao, executive vice general manager of the company.