Hino truck owners in line for one-time payment of $15,000 as part of $237.5 million class action settlement

Drivers of a particular type of truck could miss out on payouts of up to $15,000 as part of a $237.5 million class-action settlement - as the deadline to collect is just weeks away

Japanese manufacturer Hino Motors agreed to the payouts after being hit with allegations about certain models' carbon emissions - producing emissions that exceeded regulatory limits.

As a result, Americans who drive or have owned models from the firm built between 2011 and 2021 could receive a payment - ranging between $1,500 and $15,000 depending on the type of truck.

Hino is a Toyota-owned firm that primarily sells medium-duty trucks used for business transportation and delivery. The company - headquartered in Tokyo - hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing, but agreed to the settlement to resolve the suit.

Drivers, however, now only have weeks to submit their claims - as the June 17 deadline approaches. 

Drivers of Hino trucks could miss out on payouts of up to $15,000 as part of a $237.5 million class-action settlement - as the deadline to collect is just weeks away

Americans with Hino 155 and 195 trucks from model years 2013-2020 are eligible, as are Hino 238, 258, 268, and 338 trucks from model years 2011-2020. 

Some 2021 Hino L6 and L7 trucks are also eligible, for former and owner lessees.

Those who drive or have previously owned some models  may also qualify for cash - with those uncertain able to check their eligibility by plugging in their Vehicle Identification Member (VIN) into a plugin on its website.

In a 2022 statement, the company 'identified misconduct' related to its compliance with emissions regulations - paving the way for the now-settled class action.

It  claimed Hino trucks regularly deliver worse fuel economy during normal use than those emitted and reported during its testing phase, resulting in emissions that exceed federal regulations. 

Plaintiffs further claimed Hino knew its trucks delivered worse fuel economy than promised, but deliberately concealed this from consumers and regulatory bodies.

As payments are dished out, trucks that have been sold and have multiple previous will see60 percent of the per-truck compensation allocated to the original owner and 40 percent of the compensation split between any subsequent owners.

Japanese manufacturer Hino Motors agreed to the payouts after being hit with allegations about certain models' carbon emissions - producing emissions that exceeded regulatory limits. The firm's US base in Michigan is seen here

In order to receive benefits under the Hino emissions settlement, class members must submit a valid claim form by mid-month, or miss out completely,

To make sure you get paid, make sure you can produce proof of ownership with a vehicle title, registration, and purchase agreement, as well as insurance documents or other documentation showing both the truck owner's name and vehicle's VIN. 

It’s not known when the checks will be sent out, but the application takes just minutes to complete.