Keeping a streak alive for 34 years is no small thing, especially at the Dakar Rally, and this year they placed 13th. Hino Motors, Ltd. (Hino) has completed the 2025 Dakar Rally, finishing in 13th place in the trucks category. The race ran from January 3 to 17, 2025, in Saudi Arabia. This marks Hino’s 34th straight year of finishing the rally since its first entry in 1991.
HINO TEAM SUGAWARA, led by driver and team director Teruhito Sugawara, faced issues with their truck’s transfer system starting in the eighth stage. The problem persisted until the final stage, but the team worked hard to repair the truck and kept going. Teruhito Sugawara reached a big milestone this year by tying the record for 20 consecutive Dakar finishes, previously set by his father, Yoshimasa Sugawara. “There were many challenges, but the team gave their best and didn’t give up. I’m thankful for everyone who supported us,” he shared.
Navigator Hirokazu Somemiya recalled a moment when the truck’s transfer broke down completely with just 20 kilometers left in a stage. Although they missed the time limit, the team fixed the problem and got approval from the organizers to continue. The team’s mechanics were selected from Hino dealerships in Japan and worked tirelessly to repair the truck. They even reused parts and welded broken pieces to keep the truck running. Despite cold and rainy conditions, they pushed through and got the job done.
Hino’s Dakar Challenge Group leader, Takuma Tsuchiya, thanked the team and sponsors for their support. He added that the company will continue to use the Dakar Rally to test its trucks and develop new technologies. HINO TEAM SUGAWARA’s efforts this year show the importance of teamwork and persistence in a race as tough as the Dakar Rally. With 34 years of finishes, Hino proves it’s ready to take on any challenge on the global stage. Take a look at their truck lineup on TruckDeal.com.ph to see the specs and get a quote for the one you like.
