Dubai (PlantAndEquipment.com) - Hino South Africa unveiled its hydrogen-diesel dual-fuel prototype truck at SA Auto Week 2026 in Durban, making its first public appearance in the nation.

The prototype was on show at the Automotive Business Council's event, which took place at the Durban Conference Center from October 13 to 16.

Unlike completely hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles, the prototype's internal combustion engine can run on both hydrogen gas and diesel. The technique is being investigated as a possible approach to minimize fuel consumption and emissions in heavy-duty transportation.

The dual-fuel technique enables hydrogen to complement diesel during combustion, providing an alternate development route for commercial cars as manufacturers investigate low-emission powertrains.

The Durban event also emphasizes Hino's longstanding history in South Africa. The OEM started importing trucks into the nation in 1972, followed by local assembly of Japanese CKD kits at a site near Durban in 1974.