New Zealand vehicle owners have settled their claim against vehicle manufacturer and distributor Hino for $10.9 million. The in-principle settlement remains conditional on court approval and is being advanced in the form of a class action.  
The settlement follows Hino’s public admission in 2022 that it had falsified fuel efficiency and emissions testing data to secure vehicle certification in Japan.  
The claimants alleged that Hino misreported engine performance data concerning fuel efficiency and emissions for a range of diesel vehicles manufactured and exported to New Zealand between 2010 and 2022. The claim also alleged that Hino failed to meet its obligations under New Zealand consumer protection laws by not adequately disclosing these issues. Hino denies these allegations. 
“Shine Lawyers NZ alleged that this conduct had flow-on effects for New Zealand consumers, including misleading and deceptive conduct and breaches of consumer protection laws. Hino denies these allegations.  
“The claim was filed in March 2025 and covered thousands of affected Hino vehicles both new and used, including models from the 300, 500 and 700 series.
“This conditional settlement represents an important achievement for all parties involved including those vehicle owners who relied on the accuracy of Hino’s representations when purchasing or leasing their vehicles,” said Heidi Gwynne, Solicitor in the Class Actions Team at Shine Lawyers NZ. 
“While no admission of liability has been made as part of the settlement, it provides certainty and a pathway to compensation for affected class members, without the need for protracted litigation,” said Ms Gwynne.  
Eligible class members will be contacted with further information about the settlement administration process and next steps. 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. They are encouraged to register their interest in the settlement process on Shine Lawyers’ website at shinelawyers.co.nz/hinomotors.