Hino Trucks announced a new lineup of Class 7/8 trucks called the XL Series at the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Hino XL Series brings the company into the Class 8 market in the U.S. for the first time, which the company characterized as the next step in expanding its presence in North America.

“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,” said Yoshinori Noguchi, president and CEO of Hino Trucks North America.

Both the XL7 and XL8 models are powered by Hino’s A09 8.9L inline 6-cylinder diesel engine and will be offered in both straight truck and tractor configurations.

The different models will range from a GVWR of 33,000 to 60,000 pounds and a GCWR of up to 66,000 pounds. Max performance will top out at 360 horsepower and 1,150 lbs.-ft. of torque.

Available wheelbase selections of up to 304 inches and tandem axle, as well as fifth wheel configurations, are designed for a variety of vocational applications.

The XL Series lineup features new active safety solutions with electronic stability control – standard on tractor models – and collision mitigation systems, payload management suspension options and a body builder optimized design that was engineered for better serviceability.

Hino says that it also focused on the driver with good styling, ergonomics and amenities. It features a wide entry for easier access and what the company calls an automotive-grade finished interior. The XL Series will also feature air-ride cab and driver’s seat, hands-free Bluetooth audio/calling, steering wheel controls, LED headlights, cruise control, and air conditioning as standard equipment on every 2020 model year XL7 and XL8.

Production of the XL7 and XL8 will start in early 2019 and the lineup will be assembled in Mineral Wells, West Virginia, at a fully renovated 1-million-square-foot production facility that Hino acquired in 2017.