NEW YORK - Hino Trucks, a leader in commercial hybrid truck technology, brought its light-duty diesel hybrid cab-over (COE) to the U.S. for the first time, providing its hybrid to the New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY).

As part of its initiative to reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions, DSNY has elected to run a Hino diesel hybrid COE for parts delivery. The Hino diesel hybrid COE has a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,500 lbs and a 16' van body.

"The Hino hybrid has been running a dedicated route supplying our service centers and has been performing very well," commented Rocco DiRico, Deputy Commissioner of Support Services for DSNY. "The fuel economy advantages and reduced CO2 output provided by the Hino hybrid truck support our environmental initiative," added DiRico.

Hino expects to offer its next generation hybrid Class 4 and 5 COE trucks in the U.S. in the near future. Having already produced over 9,800 hybrid vehicles Hino is looking forward to it milestone 10,000th hybrid vehicle by the end of 2010.

Hino has been developing its hybrid technology since the 1970's and built its first hybrid truck in 1993.

"We are excited to introduce our world-leading hybrid technology to the U.S. market," said Glenn Ellis, Vice President, Marketing and Dealer Operations for Hino Motors Sales U.S.A., Inc. "Hino's hybrid technology is well suited to meet the challenging needs of our changing market, and we look forward to demonstrating our capabilities to DSNY."