Hino is preparing to write yet another chapter in its extraordinary Dakar Rally story, returning in 2026 as the only Asian truck manufacturer on the starting grid. The Japanese marque will line up for its 35th consecutive Dakar, a streak unmatched in both consistency and reliability. Even more remarkable is the fact that Hino has been an official finisher every single time it has entered, a record that stands alone in the rally-raid world.
This legacy of endurance will be tested once again from 3 to 17 January, when the Dakar Rally traces an 8 000-kilometre loop through Saudi Arabia. The route comprises 5 000 kilometres of timed special stages across some of the harshest terrain on the planet. The event will start and end in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu, with a single rest day in Riyad on 10 January before the challenge resumes.
A Lone Defender from Asia in a European-Dominated Field
The 2026 truck division has attracted 46 entries, forming a fiercely competitive field dominated by teams from both Eastern and Western Europe. Eight different makes will take to the line, yet only one represents Asia: Hino, competing with its proven 600 Series racing truck.
By contrast, Iveco arrives with the largest contingent at 20 entries, building on years of investment and a strong competitive presence. MAN follows with 13 trucks, reflecting the German manufacturer’s longstanding commitment to cross-country endurance racing. Tatra and DAF contribute three entries each, while Renault and Scania return with two apiece. Mercedes-Benz and Volvo each field a single truck, underscoring the depth and diversity of the European challenge.
Notably absent once again are the Kamaz trucks that dominated the event for nearly two decades. With 19 Dakar victories to their name, Kamaz was once the benchmark in the category, but the team has not returned since 2023 after the manufacturer declined to sign a document condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Their continued absence reshapes the competitive landscape, opening the door for renewed rivalries among the remaining contenders.
Sugawara Leads Hino’s 2026 Charge
At the heart of Hino’s Dakar effort is a familiar figure: Teruhito Sugawara, Team Principal of Team Hino Sugawara and one of the most respected competitors in the truck category. Sugawara will once again take the wheel of the Hino 600 Series, carrying with him a personal record of 20 consecutive Dakar finishes. His experience is a strategic asset that few teams can match.
Beside him in the cab will be navigator Somemiya Hirokazu, responsible for guiding the truck through dunes, rock fields, canyons and endless stretches of desert where navigation errors can be as costly as mechanical failures. Technician Mochizuki Yuji completes the trio, bringing critical mechanical expertise to ensure the truck survives the relentless punishment of the route.
A Continuing Pursuit of Reliability and Resolve
While many manufacturers enter the Dakar seeking glory, Hino arrives with something deeper: a longstanding philosophy built on durability, discipline and meticulous engineering. The Dakar Rally has evolved dramatically over the past three decades, from African dunes to South American peaks to the Arabian desert. Yet through every era, Hino has remained a constant force, adapting, learning and proving the resilience of its trucks.
The 2026 event promises another test of extremes. From towering sand mountains to labyrinthine rocky paths, the terrain in Saudi Arabia is designed to expose every weakness in man and machine. Hino’s mission, however, remains the same: reach the finish line once again and uphold a record that has become a hallmark of the brand.
As the lone Asian manufacturer in a field packed with European heavyweights, Hino carries both a legacy and a challenge into Dakar 2026. If history is any indicator, the brand will meet it with the same quiet determination that has defined its remarkable journey through the world’s toughest motorsport.
