Truck maker Hino settles $10.9m class action claim in New Zealand
Monday, 16 March 2026
The owner of Hino trucks in New Zealand has settled their claim for $10.9 million after a public admission in 2022 that fuel efficiency and emissions testing data was falsified to secure vehicle certification in Japan.
The in-principle settlement remains conditional on court approval.
It was alleged Hino Motors, which is part of the Toyota Motor Corporation, misreported engine performance data for fuel efficiency and emissions for a range of diesel trucks manufactured and exported to New Zealand between 2010 and 2022.
The claim also alleged Hino failed to meet its obligations under New Zealand consumer protection laws by not adequately disclosing the issues, Shine Lawyers solicitor Heidi Gwynne said.
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The firm represented six plaintiffs, but the firm estimated there were about 10,000 to 11,000 vehicles relevant to the action.
The claim was filed in March last year and covered thousands of affected Hino vehicles new and used, including models from the 300, 500 and 700 series.
“This conditional settlement represents an important achievement for all parties involved,” Gwynne said.
While Hino made no admission of liability as part of the settlement, she said it provided certainty and a pathway to compensation for claimants in the class action, without the need protracted litigation.
Those in the class action would be contacted with further information about the settlement administration process, Gwynne said.
Anyone who currently owns or leases, or has previously owned or leased, a new or used Hino vehicle in New Zealand with a diesel engine manufactured between 2010 and 2022, may be an eligible class member and could register their interest with Shine Lawyers, she said
A Hino Motors spokesperson said in a statement the parties had agreed in principle to settle the New Zealand class action proceeding and the claims against Hino in their entirety.
The court approval process was expected to take place in the second half of this year.
“The settlement involves no finding or admission of liability. Until the settlement is approved by the court, Hino is unable to comment further.”