If you've purchased or leased certain Hino trucks, you may be eligible for a significant payment from a $237.5 million class action settlement. This settlement resolves allegations that Hino Motors misrepresented emission levels and exceeded regulatory limits in certain trucks. The official settlement website provides comprehensive details for those who may benefit from the settlement, including key dates, eligibility criteria, and instructions on how to file a claim.
Who Benefits?: All persons or entities that purchased or leased a Settlement Class Truck through October 30, 2023.
How much can I get?: Estimated payments range from $1,500 to $15,000 per Settlement Class Truck, depending on the number of claims submitted and court-awarded fees and costs.
Important Dates
- Fairness Hearing: April 1, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. EST.
- Deadline to File a Claim: Claims must be submitted electronically or postmarked by June 15, 2024.
Eligibility Criteria for Settlement Class Members
The Settlement Class includes all individuals and entities that have purchased or leased a Settlement Class Truck up until October 30, 2023. These trucks are equipped with Hino engines from Model Year 2010 through 2019 and were sold or leased in the United States.
- Hino 155 (Model Years 2013-2020)
- Hino 195 (Model Years 2013-2020)
- Hino 238 (Model Years 2011-2020)
- Hino 258 (Model Years 2011-2020)
- Hino 268 (Model Years 2011-2020)
- Hino 338 (Model Years 2011-2020)
- Hino XL7 (Model Year 2020)
- Hino XL8 (Model Year 2020)
- Hino L6 (Model Year 2021)
- Hino L7 (Model Year 2021)
Exclusions apply to Defendants' officers, directors, employees, affiliates, distributors, judicial officers, and those who timely and properly exclude themselves from the Settlement Class.
Understanding the Settlement Benefits
Settlement Class Members are entitled to a share of the $237,500,000 settlement fund. The exact compensation for each Settlement Class Truck will depend on various factors, including the total number of claims and court-awarded fees and costs.
- Original Owners: If more than one claimant per truck, 60% of the compensation will be allocated to the original owner.
- Other Claimants: The remaining 40% will be divided evenly among other valid claimants.
Covered Hino Trucks
The settlement involves Hino trucks equipped with Hino engines from Model Year 2010 through 2019. These trucks are believed to have misrepresented emission levels and may have exceeded regulatory limits.
Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?
Yes, proof is required to claim the settlement reward. Claimants must submit a valid claim form, and in some cases, additional documentation may be requested by the Settlement Administrator to verify ownership or lease of the vehicle.
How to Claim Your Award
To claim your award, you must submit a valid claim form by the deadline. The claim form can be completed online at the official claim submission page. If you do not have a Unique ID or if the Settlement Administrator cannot verify your information, you may be asked to provide supporting documentation.
Analyzing the Settlement Fund
The $237,500,000 settlement fund will be distributed to Settlement Class Members who submit valid claims. The fund is non-reversionary, meaning no portion of the fund will be returned to Defendants. If there are unclaimed funds, they may be distributed to charitable causes that indirectly benefit the Class, subject to the agreement of the Parties and Court approval.
The Reason Behind the Settlement
The settlement resolves a class action lawsuit alleging that Hino Motors misrepresented the emission levels in certain trucks, which exceeded regulatory limits. Plaintiffs claim this misconduct harmed purchasers and lessees of the Settlement Class Trucks.
Defendants deny the allegations and any wrongdoing. The settlement was reached to avoid the costs, risks, and delays associated with ongoing litigation. The Court has not decided in favor of either party, but the settlement provides compensation and benefits to the Settlement Class Members.
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