The Hino Motors Class Action has emerged as one of Australia’s most prominent legal cases in the automotive sector. Filed on behalf of individuals who purchased, leased, or otherwise held an interest in certain Hino diesel vehicles between January 1, 2003, and August 22, 2022, the lawsuit challenges the manufacturer’s alleged misreporting of emissions and fuel economy data.
The legal proceedings were launched in response to public disclosures in 2022 revealing that Hino Motors may have falsified engine performance figures submitted for regulatory approval. This information triggered legal action on grounds that Hino potentially violated the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) by misleading customers, thereby causing financial losses to affected vehicle owners.
In December 2024, both parties reached a proposed out-of-court resolution. The terms include a monetary settlement of AUD 87 million, covering both legal expenses and potential compensation to class members. However, the Supreme Court of Victoria must still grant formal approval for the settlement to be finalized. If approved, eligible individuals must be registered by the specified deadline to receive compensation.
Basis of the Legal Dispute and Background Developments
The root cause of the lawsuit lies in the revelation that Hino Motors had submitted inaccurate data regarding diesel engine emissions. This information first surfaced on March 4, 2022, when Hino publicly acknowledged irregularities in applications linked to 2016 Japanese emissions standards. The company admitted that discrepancies existed in the reported data, prompting it to form a Special Investigation Committee (SIC) comprised of external experts to look deeper into the issue.
The committee’s final report validated the claims of misconduct. It indicated that Hino had, over several years, engaged in systematic misreporting that potentially misled both consumers and regulators. Although these actions primarily concerned vehicles sold in Japan, many of the affected diesel engine models were also available in Australia.
Despite the severity of the accusations, Hino Motors has consistently denied any liability in the Australian context. The company has opted to settle in order to avoid further litigation and potential reputational damage.
Financial Structure and Scope of the Settlement Offer
Under the proposed settlement, Hino Motors has agreed to contribute AUD 87 million to a compensation pool. This fund is intended to cover legal costs, administrative fees, and individual payouts to group members who meet the criteria and complete the registration process on time.
The compensation amount each eligible person receives will depend on several variables, including the duration of vehicle ownership and whether the individual purchased or leased the vehicle. The final structure for compensation distribution is outlined in a document known as the Settlement Distribution Scheme (SDS), which was released on May 16, 2025.
| Settlement Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Value | AUD 87 million |
| Date of Agreement | December 2024 |
| Legal Oversight | Supreme Court of Victoria |
| Administration by | Maurice Blackburn Lawyers |
| Scope | Legal fees, administration, and individual compensation |
| Admission of Fault by Hino | No (settled without admission of liability) |
Qualification Rules and Restrictions for Class Membership
Eligibility for receiving a portion of the compensation fund is strictly defined. Only those who had a qualifying relationship with an affected Hino diesel vehicle between January 1, 2003, and August 22, 2022, will be considered. Individuals must have either purchased, leased, or held a financial interest in such vehicles within Australia during this time period.
Some exclusions apply. For example, authorized Hino dealerships and associated corporate bodies of Hino are not entitled to claim. Moreover, current or former Justices of the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia are also excluded from participating in the class.
Registration for compensation is mandatory. Missing the deadline will result in forfeiture of any financial benefit, although the individual will still be legally bound by the outcome of the settlement.
Official Dates, Legal Proceedings, and Required Actions
To manage the logistics of the settlement process, a detailed legal timeline has been outlined. Group members must take action within specified windows to either register for compensation or submit objections to the court. All key milestones are managed by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers on behalf of the claimants.
Registration for compensation ends at 4:00 PM AEST on May 2, 2025. The official Settlement Distribution Scheme was released on May 16, 2025, and provides clear guidelines on how payouts will be calculated and administered. If a participant disagrees with the terms of the settlement, they must file a formal objection by May 30, 2025.
The settlement hearing is scheduled for July 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM AEST, during which the Supreme Court of Victoria will decide whether to approve the agreement. Objectors must attend the hearing in person or through legal representation, unless granted exemption by the Court.
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Registration for Compensation | May 2, 2025 (4:00 PM AEST) |
| Publication of Distribution Scheme | May 16, 2025 |
| Final Date to Submit Objection | May 30, 2025 |
| Settlement Approval Hearing | July 18, 2025 (10:00 AM AEST) |
Process for Registering and Claiming Compensation
Eligible individuals who wish to be included in the settlement must complete the official registration process through Maurice Blackburn’s secure online portal. The form requests details such as personal identification, vehicle ownership documents, and proof of purchase or lease. Only those who submit this form before the deadline will be entitled to a share of the settlement fund.
It is important to review the Settlement Distribution Scheme for specifics on the valuation methodology. Factors such as length of vehicle ownership, model type, and initial transaction method (purchase or lease) may all influence the final payment amount.
- Confirm that your vehicle falls within the eligible date range and diesel engine category.
- Gather supporting documentation, such as proof of purchase or lease agreements.
- Visit the Maurice Blackburn website and access the Hino Class Action registration form.
- Complete and submit the form before May 2, 2025.
- Monitor email or mail communications for confirmation and further updates.
Guidance for Participants Filing an Objection
While many affected individuals are expected to accept the terms of the settlement, some may wish to challenge it. Objections can relate to the structure of compensation, fairness of the process, or administrative concerns. Such objections must be lodged officially using the designated Notice of Objection form by the deadline.
Participants must attend the settlement approval hearing if they wish to have their objections considered by the court. This ensures that all parties have an opportunity to express concerns and allows the court to make an informed decision about the settlement’s fairness.
- Submit the Notice of Objection form no later than May 30, 2025.
- Provide a detailed explanation outlining your reasons for objecting.
- Attach any supporting evidence you may have.
- Attend the July 18, 2025 hearing or be represented by a qualified legal practitioner.
Final Observations and Next Steps for Eligible Vehicle Owners
The Hino Motors Class Action Settlement represents an important avenue for consumer compensation in Australia’s automotive sector. Though the company has denied wrongdoing, the proposed AUD 87 million agreement offers affected individuals a chance to receive financial restitution.
With multiple deadlines fast approaching, eligible group members must act quickly to ensure their participation. Missing the registration date will result in a complete forfeiture of compensation rights, even for otherwise qualified individuals. The next steps involve timely registration, documentation submission, and optionally, lodging objections if needed.
The final approval rests with the Supreme Court of Victoria. Until then, registered claimants should stay informed through official channels and await further communication regarding the distribution of funds.