Imperial Commercials takes on Hino

Imperial Commercials, the country’s leading distributor and dealer group for commercial vehicles, has been appointed as a Hino dealer at its Derby and Peterborough locations. The franchise is for vehicle sales and aftersales.

Negotiations are also at an advanced stage to add Hino at a further location which is in the process of being acquired by Imperial Commercials.

Imperial Commercials managing director Ian Oakes, said: “We are very keen to pursue this additional franchise opportunity, particularly in view of the significant Hino model range expansion that’s planned.”

Oakes added: “There has been a good deal of comment about ex-Foden dealers signing for Hino, but I want to reassure our Foden operator customers that we remain committed to them with a full aftersales capability in place. The new Hino appointments will sit alongside MAN ERF businesses where we no longer operate vehicle sales franchises.

“Recruitment and training is underway to get these businesses up and running as quickly as possible. We’re determined to deliver excellent results for J Harris Assemblers and Hino, as well as for our customers.”

Hino’s history dates back to 1910, with the Hino name used from 1942. With headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, Hino produced and sold over 100,000 trucks, buses and light commercials last year. The company has long-standing links with Toyota Motor Corp., and in 2001 became a subsidiary of Japan’s biggest motor manufacturer. J Harris Assemblers, based in Dublin, is the importer and distributor for the UK and Ireland.

Imperial Commercials also has franchise partnerships with DAF Trucks, Isuzu Trucks, MAN ERF and LDV vans. The company sells around 2,300 new trucks and 1,500 new vans through its 23 dealership locations. It also holds a parts stock of around £6 million and offers a wide range of solutions to meet truck and van users’ operational needs.

Imperial Commercials is a member of the Imperial Holdings Group of companies.