Australian Truck Maker Rolls Out Multimedia Unit
Executive Summary
In addition to the multimedia unit now standard on Hino trucks, the manufacturer also offers an optional truck-specific satellite navigation system.
Hino Australia lays claim to being the first truck maker to make a digital audio broadcast multimedia unit standard across its range of vehicles.
Sydney-based Hino's unit features a 6.1-in. (15.5-cm) high-definition touch screen, digital and conventional AM/FM radio receivers, compact-disc and digital videodisc players, and USB and SD inputs. It also is Bluetooth-enabled.
The factory-fitted technology is standard in all Hino 300, 500 and 700 Series trucks built since September.
Daniel Petrovski, product planning manager-Hino Australia, says the unit was designed and engineered in Australia to suit the needs of local owners and operators.
“A truck's cabin is the primary office for many of our customers, so we began looking for ways to improve the efficiency and safety of their working day,” Petrovski says in a statement.
“Not only is this the most advanced multimedia unit ever fitted to a truck, the new Hino unit shames those fitted to the majority of luxury cars.”
The device’s SD card and USB slots allow full compatibility with the latest MP3, iPod and digital devices and have auxiliary inputs front and rear.
Up to three rear-vision cameras can be installed and viewed in several configurations, including watching all three simultaneously in a split-screen arrangement.
Hino claims it is the first OEM vehicle manufacturer with technology that provides access to both AM/FM radio and the new DAB+ digital radio network launching in major centers around Australia.
This arrangement provides the highest sound quality with consistent signal in all but the most remote locations.
Petrovski adds a team of electrical and software engineers has designed an optional truck-specific satellite navigation system.
“The unique Hino navigation system can be tailored to suit each individual truck or load, with the driver being able to input critical data like the truck's height, weight and dangerous-goods classification,” he says.
“The navigation system then calculates a route that's appropriate, avoiding low bridges, weight-restricted roads and dangerous-goods-restricted areas, directing the driver in one of 17 different languages.”
