Japanese truckmaker Hino has entered the North American heavy truck market, with a new XL Series conventional model.

The XL, part of a $US100million investment in the US, rounds out Hino Trucks' existing range in the Class 7 (NZ medium-duty) market – and launches it into the heavy-duty Class 8 market for the first time.

The Hino XL7 and XL8 models are powered by Hino's 8.9-litre A09 turbo diesel inline-six engine, with up to 360 horsepower/268kW and 1150 lb ft/1559Nm of peak torque.

"Considering our remarkable success in Class 4-7 in North America, and our growing global presence in the Class 8 market, entering the North American heavy-duty segment makes for the next logical step….not to mention our customers and our dealer network have been asking for this for some time," says Hino Trucks North America president and CEO Yoshinori Noguchi.

The Hino XL Series will be offered in a number of rigid truck and tractor unit configurations, with GVMs ranging from 33,000-60,000 lbs/14,968-27,215kg and GCMs up to 66,000 lbs/29,937kg.

XL features include electronic stability control (standard on tractor units) and collision mitigation systems, innovative payload management suspension options, and a body builder-friendly optimised design also engineered for maximum ease of serviceability.

Hino Trucks says it set out to create a vehicle with best-in-class styling, ergonomics, and valued amenities. The XL has an air-ride cab and driver's seat, hands-free Bluetooth audio/calling, steering wheel controls, LED headlights, cruise control and airconditioning – all as standard spec equipment.

Buyers will get Hino's Insight telematics system for one year as part of the purchase price – and remote diagnostics and case management systems for five years.

Production of the XL7 and XL8 is scheduled to begin early next year.