Yano Special Purpose Vehicle

What Yano Special Purpose Vehicle does

Yano Special Purpose Vehicle (株式会社矢野特殊自動車) is a Japanese bespoke manufacturer of special-purpose commercial vehicles, founded in 1922 and headquartered in Shingu-machi, Fukuoka Prefecture. The company designs and builds refrigerated and freezer trucks, wing-body trucks, tank lorries for petroleum, chemicals, edible oils and asphalt, aircraft refueling vehicles, and vehicle carrier trucks — each unit made to customer specification. Yano holds the #1 domestic market share in large refrigerated vehicles and is one of only two manufacturers in Japan licensed to produce aircraft refueling vehicles. It employs roughly 400 people and operates two domestic subsidiaries, two overseas affiliated entities, and direct sales offices in Tokyo, Miyagi, Aichi, Hyogo, Hiroshima, and Kagoshima.

Core technology is proprietary and deeply embedded in 100+ years of accumulated know-how. The sandwich-panel thermal insulation system, developed in-house since 1958 when Yano built Japan's first domestic refrigerated truck, underpins the company's refrigerated product line and supports ultra-low temperature transport down to -35°C. The patented V-Type Seesaw Pipe eliminates residual fuel in tank lorries to prevent cross-contamination between cargoes. For aircraft refueling, Yano partnered with France's Titan Aviation (and later re-established Titan Aero with KLUBB after Titan Aviation's 2020 bankruptcy) to introduce the EZ-Control digital management system. The THERMAL EYE NET IoT platform provides real-time in-cab temperature, refrigeration unit status, and GPS tracking for refrigerated fleets on a ¥20,000/month subscription basis.

The business model is enterprise field sales with direct customization: customers consult Yano's sales engineers, specifications are drawn up, and vehicles are built to order — pricing is quote-based and not publicly listed. Revenue is driven by custom vehicle sales (~¥14.3 billion disclosed in recruitment materials), supplemented by proprietary parts and accessories (Magical Slim partitions, corner lights, AJ Skater loaders) and a nationwide authorized service factory network for repair, retrofit, and maintenance. Customer segments include cold-chain logistics companies (primary), tank lorry operators, airport and aviation fuel companies (e.g., Sannai Petroleum), and vehicle distribution firms. The go-to-market relies on direct enterprise engagement, the Japan Truck Show, and a domestic-only geographic footprint, with the Kyushu region as the historical stronghold.

Name

Yano Special Purpose Vehicle

Legal name

株式会社矢野特殊自動車

Website

https://yano-body.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1922

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Yano Special Purpose Vehicle (株式会社矢野特殊自動車) is a Japanese bespoke manufacturer founded in 1922 that builds refrigerated trucks, tank lorries, aircraft refueling vehicles, and wing-body trucks for enterprise logistics, oil-and-chemical, and aviation customers across Japan.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Purpose Commercial Vehicle Manufacturing

NAICS

Heavy Duty Truck Manufacturing (336120)

SIC

Miscellaneous Transportation Equipment (3790)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty Truck Manufacturing (Fire/Rescue/Military-Commercial/Expedition) (IMACABAG)

Keywords

• Refrigerated truck manufacturing
• Tank lorry fabrication
• Aircraft refueling vehicles
• Wing body vehicles
• Special purpose vehicles

Headquarters

HQ city

Fukuoka

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Custom Special Vehicle Manufacturing: Design, manufacture, and sale of custom special-purpose vehicles including refrigerated trucks, wing trucks, tank lorries, aircraft refueling vehicles, and vehicle transport trucks. Each vehicle is made-to-order (bespoke manufacturing). Primary revenue driver, accounting for the bulk of ~143 billion yen in annual sales.
2. Parts and Components: Sale of proprietary parts and optional equipment including magical slim partitions, corner lights, tire lights, number lights, condensation prevention sheets, assist belts, and cargo loading equipment (AJ Skater, KARU-SUS Loader).
3. Repair and Maintenance Services: Vehicle repair, modification, and maintenance services through nationwide authorized service factory network. Includes cold storage unit retrofits, body repairs, and part replacements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Yano Special Purpose Vehicle is a Japanese custom manufacturer of special-purpose commercial vehicles, designing and producing refrigerated/freezer trucks, wing-body vehicles, tank lorries (petroleum, chemical, edible oil, asphalt), aircraft refueling vehicles, vehicle carriers, and JR containers. Each vehicle is built-to-order with proprietary thermal insulation, digital control, and patented piping technologies for enterprise logistics, oil, aviation, and cold-chain customers.

Product overview

Yano Special Purpose Vehicle (矢野特殊自動車) is a Japanese manufacturer of custom-built special purpose vehicles with over 100 years of history (established 1922). The product portfolio centers on temperature-controlled transport vehicles (refrigerated/freezer trucks and wing vehicles), tank lorries (petroleum, chemical, edible oil, asphalt), aircraft refueling vehicles, and vehicle carriers. Key products include the H-MAX hybrid panel large refrigerated truck, Ice Wing XF multi-temperature wing vehicle, various tank lorry models with patented V-type seesaw piping, and digital EZ-Control aircraft refueling vehicles developed with French partner Titan Aviation. The company emphasizes bespoke manufacturing (one-of-a-kind vehicles per order) and holds top domestic market share in large refrigerated trucks. Products are offered alongside optional accessories like Magical Slim partitions and corner lights for customization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• YANO Special Purpose Vehicle: Main brand name used on recruitment materials and official documentation

Products and services

• Aluminum Panel Large Refrigerated Truck (アルミパネル大型冷凍車) Large refrigerated truck with aluminum sandwich panels delivering superior cooling performance, higher loading capacity versus corrugated panels, and low-floor 4-axle compatibility. Targeted at cold-chain logistics companies transporting frozen and chilled goods.
• H-MAX Hybrid Panel Large Refrigerated Truck (ハイブリッドパネル大型冷凍車) Large refrigerated truck using FRP exterior and anti-fouling aluminum interior hybrid panels with 2-evaporator nose-mount sub-engine refrigeration; 2,405 mm interior height, 53.9 m³ volume, and salt-resistant corrosion-resistant design.
• D-Series Medium Aluminum Panel Refrigerated Truck (中型冷凍車Dシリーズ) Medium-sized refrigerated truck developed in collaboration with DENSO, combining high-efficiency ejector cycle refrigeration with a high-insulation body. Packaged with optimal specifications by cargo shape and temperature management requirement.
• Ice Wing XF (アイスウイングXF) High-end refrigerated wing vehicle supporting four temperature modes (room temperature, fresh, chilled, frozen) and achieving -30°C capability. Integrated THERMAL EYE NET IoT for real-time temperature and GPS tracking with multi-layer gasket high-airtightness structure.
• Fresh Wing (生鮮ウイング) Large refrigerated wing vehicle for fresh produce transport with industry-largest 59 m³ volume (58.1 m³ with air rib) and improved insulation enabling temperature management with one-rank-lower refrigeration unit.
• SUPER CHILLED Wing (SUPER CHILLEDウイング) Direct-connect refrigeration wing for fresh meat, fish, and dairy products, achieving reliable 0°C with 52.6 m³ volume and superior insulation reducing running costs.
• Frozen Food Wing (冷食ウイング) Wing vehicle for frozen food, frozen meat, and fish transport achieving -25°C capability using aluminum sandwich panels and newly developed insulation packing.
• Oil Tanker Lorry (石油ローリ) Petroleum tanker lorry in 12KL to 18KL capacities, compliant with fire service law regulations for dangerous goods, with optional mixed-oil prevention device and seesaw piping available.
• Chemical Tanker Lorry (ケミカローリ) Chemical tanker lorry compatible with alcohol, caustic soda, hydrochloric acid, and nitro benzene; available in stainless steel, FRP, and lined tank material configurations.
• Edible Oil Tanker Lorry (食用油ローリ) Edible oil tanker lorry in 3KL to 12KL capacities with hygienic tank and piping structure, hose reel, flow meter, and small-lot delivery printer. Industry-first SUS air-operated bottom valve (patent pending).
• Asphalt Tanker Lorry (アスファルトローリ) Insulated asphalt tanker for pavement construction maintaining asphalt temperature for extended periods, with optional burner and tank heater specifications and automated loading/unloading via plant factory electrical signals.
• Refueler (リフューーラー) Aircraft refueling vehicle with front-mounted elevator for direct fuel delivery to aircraft, featuring piston nozzle refueling, JC Carter 2-reel system, and stainless steel tank and machine room for rust prevention.
• Servicer (サーバサ) Aircraft refueling vehicle with hydrant pit valve connection delivering 1,000 GPM (3,785 LPM), rear elevator for aircraft refueling, and hydraulic accumulator enabling post-shutdown operation.
• 2-Car Vehicle Carrier (2台積車両運搬車) Two-car vehicle carrier built on a 4-ton truck chassis with upper and lower floor configuration, suitable for urban delivery transport and improving delivery efficiency.
• JR Container (JRコンテナ) Refrigerated JR container for modal-shift transportation, combining truck pickup/delivery with rail long-distance transport to reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20% improvement in thermal insulation performance in Sustaina Reefer 2026 model
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• KLUBB (クルブ)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023French aerial work vehicle manufacturer. KLUBB co-invested with Yano to re-establish Titan Aero after Titan Aviation's bankruptcy. The new alliance combines Titan's electric/digital technology with KLUBB's aerial work vehicle expertise, creating new business development opportunities in refueling and special vehicle markets.
• Titan Aviation (タイタン アビエーション社)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2019French company specializing in aircraft refueling vehicles. Yano partnered with Titan to introduce the EZ-Control digital management system to Japanese aircraft refueling vehicles. Titan provided the core digital control module and technical specifications, while Yano handled Japanese market adaptation (JIS-standard bolts, Japanese flow meter specifications), certification, and local manufacturing. Titan Aero was established in October 2023 through joint investment with KLUBB after Titan Aviation's bankruptcy during COVID-19.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Titan Aero: French aircraft refueling vehicle and aerial work vehicle company jointly re-established by Yano and KLUBB in 2023 after Titan Aviation's bankruptcy. Direct peer in the small global aircraft refueler vehicle niche, with overlapping technology IP.
• Morita Holdings Corporation: Japanese specialty vehicle manufacturer producing fire trucks, refuse/sanitation vehicles, and other special-purpose trucks. Comparable as a Japanese legacy-maker of regulatory-grade specialty vehicle bodies serving enterprise/institutional customers via bespoke manufacturing.
• Kyokuto Special Vehicle Industry Co., Ltd. Japanese maker of dump trucks, tank trucks (incl. chemicals/asphalt), concrete mixer trucks, and special-purpose vehicles. Direct competitor in the Japanese tank lorry and specialty truck body segment where Yano competes most directly.

Broad incumbents

• Hino Motors, Ltd. Major Japanese commercial truck OEM whose chassis are commonly bodied by Yano (e.g., Hino Profia Hybrid refrigerated wing). Overlaps with Yano at the chassis level and as a partner in joint SKUs like the CHV refrigerated wing vehicle.
• Isuzu Motors Limited: Major Japanese commercial truck OEM producing light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks used as platforms for specialty bodies. Functions as both a chassis supplier and an adjacent participant in the same Japanese specialty vehicle value chain.
• UD Trucks Corporation: Japanese heavy-duty truck OEM partnering with Yano on pharmaceutical cold-chain vehicles (Chilled Wing Chi). Comparable as a chassis supplier whose platforms are specialty-bodied into Yano's refrigerated/regulated vehicles.
• Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation: Japanese medium- and heavy-duty truck manufacturer in the Daimler Truck group. Operates broadly in the same commercial vehicle ecosystem where Yano provides specialty bodies and equipment on top of OEM chassis.

Others

• Thermo King (Trane Technologies): US/global transport refrigeration equipment manufacturer; sub-engine refrigeration units (e.g., T-1080 Thermo King) used in Yano refrigerated vehicles. Comparable as the dominant transport refrigeration technology provider ecosystem adjacent to Yano's refrigerated truck business.
• Carrier Transicold: Global manufacturer of transport refrigeration units and refrigerated container systems. Adjacent comparable as a refrigeration technology provider competing for refrigeration-equipment share inside refrigerated trucks similar to Yano's product family.
• Denso Corporation: Japanese automotive components supplier that co-developed Yano's D-Series medium refrigerated truck and supplies refrigeration units (Thermo King distribution). Technology partner whose refrigeration equipment is integrated into Yano's refrigerated vehicle SKUs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCAMvYSb3oO7oQpcaHZQYv7A
• Facebookfacebook.com/YanoSpecialVehicleManufacturing
• Instagraminstagram.com/yano.recruit

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Yano Special Purpose Vehicle