Rebates for Hino's 195h Hybrid

In recent weeks, I’ve received inquiries regarding the hybrid Hino 195h relating to California Highway Patrol and California’s Freeway Service Provider operations. While the June 2013 print article in American Towman is broader in scope, I recommended that tow owners consider how the hybrid’s operational qualities result in possible better mileage and longevity for company fleets.

At face value, the article’s numbers created sticker shock. Not all trucks are comparably built and outfitted in accordance to CHP’s FSP requirements of the 234(b). If you’re a tower for CHP, FSP, or California’s law enforcement community, know that additional equipment items are required on the truck.The rebate offering is a fine line regarding a completed tow truck vs. that of cab-and-chassis only. The $45,000 was told to be a negotiated possibility based on features and options purchased on the cab and chassis and completed tow truck or carrier. California tow owners interested in hybrid trucks (for their fleet) must weigh the purchase cost factor vs. operational costs of using hybrid technology for their fleet. If no rebate is offered, the higher price of purchase is not beneficial. When pricing a hybrid cab and chassis vs. completed truck, you determine what cost savings benefit your fleet.Finding the right Hino dealer to take advantage of the California rebate is crucial to the overall savings per truck. Ask yourself … “If a truck sells without any rebate … who benefits?” An out-of-state salesperson won’t offer the rebate as it only applies to California prepared trucks.Some towers said they talked about hybrid purchases at tow shows and alleged reps didn’t mention or know about a rebate. The rebate is ONLY for California registered DBAs and is NOT available outside of California … so naturally, an out-of-state sales rep may not talk rebate.I spoke to Coastal Pride Operations Manager Octavio Perez (619-941-5936) regarding the savings negotiated through the rebate program. Perez said they received $25,000 for the first truck purchased, and $37,000 for the second truck purchased. Coastal Pride Towing now has seven hybrid trucks for their fleet. Obviously, the rebate program makes sense for Coastal Pride.Perez knows the company’s operational costs and what the company’s needs are while keeping an eye on the future of the state’s towing requirements. If it’s working for Coastal Pride … it may be beneficial to you. One thing I know is this; if the industry offers a rebate designed to save money while offering long-term (operational) reliability, you owe it to your company to research it thoroughly to see if it’s beneficial to you. You can start here www.californiahvip.org.Don’t take my word for it, talk to any dealer who knows the program. I only ask that you don’t shoot the messenger … check it out for yourself.