Hino’s Dakar legacy: durability proven on the world’s toughest stage
When the 2026 Dakar Rally concluded in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia on 17 January, Hino quietly achieved something no other Asian truck manufacturer can claim. By reaching the finish once again, the brand recorded its 34th consecutive Dakar finish, an extraordinary demonstration of durability, reliability and engineering consistency in what is widely regarded as the toughest motorsport event in the world.
The 2026 Dakar covered a punishing 7,994km route, looping from Yanbu to Yanbu, with 4,840km of timed special stages across sand dunes, rock fields and high-speed desert terrain. From an original field of 45 trucks, only 16 officially finished the rally. Hino’s lone entry completed the event in 15th place, maintaining the brand’s unbroken finishing record despite multiple setbacks.
Flying the flag for Asia
Once again, Hino was the only Asian truck manufacturer to contest the 14-day rally, competing against a field dominated by European heavyweights. The effort was led by Team Hino Sugawara, with team principal Teruhito Sugawara behind the wheel. The 2026 rally marked Sugawara’s 20th consecutive Dakar finish, an achievement that mirrors the brand’s own commitment to endurance and resilience.
Sugawara was supported by navigator Hirokazu Somemiya and technician Yuji Mochizuki, forming a tightly knit crew whose experience proved critical during the most demanding moments of the race.
Overcoming setbacks in the desert
The team’s resolve was tested repeatedly in 2026. A dramatic rollover while descending a sand dune on the third-last day cost more than two hours and pushed the truck down the leaderboard. Adding to the challenge, a punctured rear tyre just 15km from the finish threatened to derail the effort. Rather than stopping to change it, the crew pressed on, nursing the truck across the line and preserving Hino’s historic record.
Built on production-based strength
The four-wheel drive racing truck is based on the bonneted Hino 600 Series, developed for the North American market but mechanically similar to the Hino 500 Series models sold in South Africa. Powered by a 9-litre engine, it was one of the smallest trucks in the field.
Despite this, the Hino ran inside the top ten for much of the rally, proving that durability, balance and reliability can still compete in an arena often dominated by sheer power.
Commitment from the top
The importance of this achievement was underlined by the presence of Makoto Wakamura, Hino’s Deputy Chief Compliance Officer, at the finish in Yanbu. His attendance highlighted the strategic value of the Dakar Rally to the brand.
“I am glad the onboard crew, mechanics and support team united to overcome setbacks,” Wakamura said. “The high skills of the mechanics selected from Hino dealers in Japan made a significant contribution to getting the truck to the end of a very tough race.”
A unique Dakar philosophy
Hino’s approach to the Dakar Rally sets it apart. Unlike many competitors that field multiple trucks, Hino has often competed with a single entry. In fact, the brand has entered just one truck in 18 of the 34 Dakar Rallies it has contested since first entering the event in 1991.
That makes its consistency all the more remarkable. The highlight of Hino’s Dakar history came in 1997, when it achieved a clean sweep, finishing first, second and third overall in the Dakar-Agadez-Dakar rally, a feat unmatched at the time and only equalled years later.
Decades of class victories and innovation
Over the decades, Hino has built a formidable record in the under 10-litre engine category, securing numerous class victories and Dakar Challenge wins across Africa, South America and Saudi Arabia. More recently, the brand has embraced hybrid technology, completing multiple Dakar rallies with a hybrid power unit while maintaining its finishing consistency.
What Dakar success means for Hino and its customers
For Hino South Africa, the Dakar Rally remains a powerful symbol of the brand’s values. “We are once again very proud of this ongoing public display of Hino quality, durability and reliability,” says Itumeleng Segage, General Manager of Hino South Africa. “These attributes are a mainstay of our sales success in South Africa, where Hino has competed in the truck market since 1972.”
For customers of Hino South Africa, the company’s 34th consecutive finish is extremely significant. Hino’s Dakar legacy isn’t just a statistic. It’s proof that the brand can go the distance – even when tested to the extreme. And, when you’re running a fleet of trucks and uptime is key, that’s exactly what you need.
- Photography by Fabien Calvet.
