The innovative system introduces an unprecedented level of vehicle connectivity and entertainment functionality, together with the safety-enhancing reversing camera and can also include vehicle operational information and driver information.
An integrated truck specific GPS navigation can be optionally enabled and delivers truck routing information based on the vehicle’s configuration, lane use restrictions and real-time traffic information.
Another feature is a curated Hino application store, which allows the creation of customised apps for the driver and/or fleet, depending on individual or company needs.
“For Hino, the smart Multimedia system is a platform for customers to remain connected with their business while on the road through a bespoke collection of apps,” said Daniel Petrovski, Hino Australia’s Manager of Product Strategy.
“The world we live in is a connected one, and the smart Multimedia system enables that.
“This system is a building block for the future and can be added to or customised by the customer – the potential is endless for customers to develop and use apps that save them time and money, while maximising the safety of their drivers and fleet.”
First introduced with the launch of the new Hino 500 Series Standard Cab earlier this year, the smart Multimedia system is an Android-based 6.5’’ capacitive multi-touch digital device, mounted in the central dashboard within easy reach of the driver.
Along with its standard reversing camera, the Multimedia system has AM/FM / DAB+ digital radio and Wi-Fi connectivity and the latest version of Bluetooth tethering enables enhanced call handling, profile pictures and improved speech to text functionality.
Safety can also be further enhanced by the optional dual-channel digital video camera recorder (DVR) feature, and a four-way camera display with lane change assist and tyre pressure monitoring functions.
The new Multimedia system DVR offers the driver the ability to seamlessly view and upload recorded footage, and supports a lockable SD card which prevents tampering.
The new four-way camera display can be automatically triggered to capture its surroundings by activation of either the left or right indicators, hazards or reversing functions.
With the Multimedia system’s optional GPS navigational system, the vehicle’s length, width, mass and height ensure vehicle specific route choice and additional information on truck speed limits, bridge clearances, lane use restrictions and real-time traffic advisory notifications to the driver, such as flows, accidents and incidents, to provide the most efficient route for trucks.
This option also includes three years of quarterly over-the-air map updates, which is another first for the Australian truck industry.
To enable drivers to further personalise their vehicles, the Hino Multimedia app store offers a curated library of downloadable apps ranging from weather information and closest petrol station or parking to info and entertainment, such as audio books and digital music.
“In the future, it will include bespoke dispatching apps, which will further simplify vehicle operations for the fleet manager and driver, enhancing productivity and efficiency for Hino customers.
“The all-new smart Multimedia is complemented by Hino Telematics which provides real-time tracking and vehicle operational information such as operating time, fuel usage, driver safety and whole-of-fleet monitoring, which accessible through the Hino Telematics on-line portal,” concluded Mr Petrovski.
The smart Multimedia system will be available across the Hino range of light, medium and heavy duty trucks during 2019.