Hino agrees to $1.2B settlement over emissions issues in U.S.

Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturer Hino Motors has agreed to pay $1.2 billion to federal and California authorities to resolve a criminal investigation and associated civil claims regarding emissions certification and performance issues with its engines sold in the United States.

Hino has agreed to plead guilty to criminal charges and pay $521.8 million in penalties as part of a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), according to a Jan. 16 company release. The penalty was significantly reduced due to what the DOJ described as “exemplary” cooperation during the investigation.

Hino also reached civil agreements to pay $442.5 million in penalties to federal agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Customs and Border Protection. In addition, the company will pay $236.5 million to the California Air Resources Board and the state’s Attorney General’s Office.

These settlements resolve all outstanding legal matters related to Hino’s legacy emissions issues, which were first disclosed in 2019. As part of the agreements, Hino will implement a field fix for affected engines in its 2017 to 2019 model years and establish an environmental mitigation program to address the environmental impact of excess emissions.

The company is committed to comprehensive reforms to prevent future issues, including strengthening internal oversight and compliance practices, Hino President and Chief Executive Satoshi Ogiso stated in the release.

Hino has assured customers that the legacy issues do not impact vehicle safety or driving performance.

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