Hino South Africa, the commercial vehicle arm of Toyota South Africa Motors, has reclassified its Toyota Dyna truck as a light commercial vehicle (LCV), moving it from the medium commercial vehicle (MCV) segment where it has been competing since its introduction in South Africa in 1965.

Toyota redesigned the Dyna’s chassis to achieve a 50 kg weight loss, providing the vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of 3 500 kg – a move which allows it to be classified as a LCV.

This reclassification allows Hino South Africa to sidestep new speed-limiter regulations that came into effect last year.

Hino South Africa VP Ernie Trautmann says the Dyna’s normally aspirated three- litre diesel engine is not electronically controlled, which he says means it cannot be fitted with a tamperproof speed limiter, as is the case with the Hino 300-, 500- and 700-Series trucks.

New regulations require all medium, heavy and extra-heavy commercial vehicles to be fitted with speed limiters.

MCVs are limited to a top speed of 100 km/h, while the speed for heavy and extra-heavy trucks is set at a maximum of 80 km/h.

“The alternative to changing the Dyna’s category would have been to withdraw it from our range, which we did not want to do, as it is a popular model for a wide variety of operations,” notes Trautmann.

“Being categorised as an LCV means the Dyna will require only a Code B driver’s licence. The truck will no longer have to undergo annual certificate-of- fitness testing, which is a further benefit for operators.”

He says Hino South Africa has taken advantage of the Dyna redesign to also equip the vehicle with an antilock braking system.

The front panel of the vehicle is now one piece, instead of three, and incorporates new designs for the grille and bumper.

“There is a new design for the interior, with a restyled dashboard, improved seat material and cup holders for the driver and front passenger,” says Trautmann.

Hino South Africa sells around 40 Dyna units a month.