Hino’s Dakar dominance continues: 34th consecutive finish, beating the odds

AGAINST a field of 44 trucks, Hino, the lone Japanese contender, has once again proven its mettle by securing its 34th consecutive finish in the grueling 2025 Dakar Rally. This remarkable feat underscores Hino's unwavering commitment to excellence and its legendary reputation for reliability.

Facing formidable opponents from major European manufacturers, whose trucks boasted significantly larger engines than Hino's 9-litre powerhouse, the Japanese team defied expectations.

The Hino Sugawara team, led by driver Teruhito Sugawara, skillfully navigated the treacherous 7,826 km course, with 4,903 km of timed racing sections, to clinch a commendable 13th place finish.

This achievement marks Teruhito Sugawara's 20th consecutive Dakar finish, a testament to his exceptional driving prowess and strategic acumen. Notably, he now shares this record with his father, Yoshimasa Sugawara, the founder of Team Hino Sugawara and a legend in his own right, who participated in an impressive 36 Dakar rallies.

The Hino racing truck, based on the North American 600 Series model but sharing drivetrain similarities with the South African 500 Series, has consistently demonstrated its robustness and adaptability in the face of the Dakar's demanding conditions.

The 2025 rally was particularly challenging, featuring two double stages without external servicing, pushing teams and vehicles to their limits.

Itumeleng Segage, Hino SA General Manager, expressed his pride in the team's accomplishment, stating, "The Hino South Africa team and our dealers are once again delighted that the racing truck has been able to continue its amazing reputation of reliability in the toughest motor sport event in the world."

Hino's enduring success in the Dakar Rally serves as an inspiration to motorsport enthusiasts and a testament to Japanese engineering ingenuity.