Hino Trucks has appointed Shigehiro Matsuoka president and chief executive officer of Hino North America effective Feb. 1. Matsuoka succeeds Yoshinori Noguchi, who will step down after his tenure as president and CEO of North America's medium- and heavy-duty truck manufacturer. Noguchi will remain engaged as an executive advisor through March to ensure a smooth transition.

Under Noguchi’s leadership for the past six years, Hino saw six consecutive record years of truck and parts sales, grew its dealer base by nearly 20%, launched its Connected Vehicle Strategy and Certified Ultimate dealer program, built a corporate office in Novi, Mich., and purchased a new manufacturing facility in Mineral Wells, W. Va.

“On behalf of the entire dealer network, we would like to thank Noguchi for his leadership and action over the past six years,” said Tim Matheny, president of Matheny Motors and Chairman of Hino Trucks’ National Dealer Advisory Council. "Through his efforts, Hino has grown to become the most valued franchise in the industry and is now poised for even greater growth with its expanded product offering and dealer base."

Matsuoka joined Hino in 1981 and has held various overseas assignments in his 38-year career with the truckmaker. Most recently, he was responsible for total support strategy and technical solutions, aftersales service, parts operations, and global production and parts logistics divisions for Hino Motors Limited.