TEST

New FUSO Canter to trot along into next decade

Small to medium sized cab over trucks are mainly unique to Asian manufacturers. Covering from 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes gVW, just two Japanese producers, namely (Mitsubishi) FUSO and Isuzu now cover the main European markets, while other examples from are from Hino, Hyundai (Korea) and BYD (China). In the past, a few European brands tried to capture a share in this specific chassis/cab marketplace such as Renault Trucks and Nissan Commercial Vehicles, but their sales figures remained insufficient to continue. Only Iveco, with the Daily range continues to fly the European flag aloft in this segment.

To the fore in this arena is the FUSO Canter, which has loyally served the distribution, municipal and utility sectors for decades. Now the next generation is upon us. Among the major aspects of the continued success of the FUSO Canter, which include its manoeuvrability, flexibility, payload and versatility, is the fact that it’s made in Portugal for European sales and beyond.

Since its market launch in 1963, over 4.5 million FUSO Canters have been produced worldwide.

Both the standard diesel and electric eCanter versions roll off the production line at Tramagal, located around 150 kilometres north-east of Lisbon. RHD diesel models went on sale in Ireland last month, with the electric eCanter open for orders early next year.

Commenting at the launch of the latest versions, Philipp Panter, Head of Sales, Marketing & Customer Service at FUSO Europe said: “For many decades, the FUSO Canter is an international best-seller in the light-duty truck segment due to its class leading turning circle, payload and excellent versatility. Since its market launch in 1963, over 4.5 million FUSO Canter have been produced worldwide. With today’s start of production, we look forward to offer our European customers a major upgrade in safety, comfort and a new modern cabin design.”

‘Since 1980, FUSO, which is owned by Daimler Truck & Bus, has produced 240,000 trucks at Tramagal, Portugal’

In line with Daimler Trucks’ sustainability goals for European production locations, the Portuguese plant is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality in 2022.

While the FUSO Canter for Europe was developed in Japan, most of its parts and components come from more than 90 European suppliers, including the engine, axle components, springs, brakes, tyres, headlamps and lights, as well as seats and extensive interior panelling. FUSO mainly contributes tool-intensive parts for the cabin and frame from Japan, as well as axle parts, steering wheel, the heating and air conditioning systems. Like its predecessor, the new

FUSO Canter is available in five weight classes (3.5t to 8.55t), six wheelbases (2,500 mm to 4,750 mm), three engine output variants (130 hp to 175 hp) and three cabin variants (standard (1.7m width), comfort (2.0m) and crewcab (2.0m).

One significant development with the new Canter range is the inclusion of the ‘S’ Standard or narrow cab in RHD form, joining the wider ‘C’ Comfort cab, traditionally sold here for many decades.

Fleet Transport took both ’S’ and ‘C’ cabbed versions of the new Canter (in 3.5 tonne format) for a ‘first drive’ opportunity in and around Dublin’s Industrial Estates/Business Parks.

The new Canter family comes with a redesigned cab and cabin, together with safety and comfort improvements. In addition, this light duty truck range meets Euro 6 (Step) E diesel engine exhaust emission regulations.

‘A recent edition of ‘Fleet’ highlighted the modifications made to the new Canter, featuring the new design elements and creativity behind them’

The refreshed cabin in both sizes offer good internal space, offering easy cross-cab access. It retains the low entry height of its predecessor, while from its ISRI suspended seat position, good all round visibility is to be had. Another aspect noticed when driving was the low interior noise levels, thanks to better

noise insulation. In addition to the Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) technology already included in the previous model, the newly installed Sideguard Assist provides additional safety support. Further safety improvements include the optional LED headlights with 30% better visibility, a new Autolight function, as well as a reinforced rear under-run protection which helps to minimise the impact in the event of an accident.

Storage areas of differing shapes and volume are to be found all around the cabin, to the side of the driver seat, on the roof line and along the dash area. While driving around the Baldonnell and Kingswood region, the sun was shining, leading to a warm working area. Cooling was helped by an efficient air-con system with air-vents suitably placed for driver and for two bench seat sharing passengers. One difference between the two versions is that the middle ‘cubbie’/oddments tray is absent from the narrower ‘S’ Standard cab version. Otherwise the ’S’ version feels quite spacious and it is only when parked side-by-side that one could really noticed the difference in cab width dimensions. Two surprises were experienced when observing the interior and its fittings; firstly that there was no exterior mirror adjustment toggle inside, while secondly both door panels featured ash-trays! How unusual these days!

The same but updated drivetrain powers both cab types, that is the FTP 3.0-litre 130hp Euro 6E turbo-diesel with 350Nm of maximum torque and mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. FUSO’s Duonic automated box, specified on previous models can be ordered from the options list. With the latest EU6E diesel

comes a larger AdBlue tank, containing an extra 4 litres of filtering fluid (up from 12 litres).

The driving experience, which took in Saggart, Kilbride and Brownsbarn areas of Dublin proved effortless, although the straight up positioning to accommodate the low centred steering wheel took a little getting used to once more. The ISRI suspended seat made going over speed bumps around the business units a little more comfortable. No fault could be found with the acceleration, braking or turning circle. The many improvements were noted and appreciated, and there is no doubt that the new generation Canter is well equipped to trot along for a few more decades.

SPEC CHECK – FUSO CANTER

Model: Canter 3S13 4x2 / Canter 3C13 4x2 Cab type: Standard Single cab / Comfort Single cab Seats: 1+2 (Driver & bench) Engine: 3.0-litre turbo diesel Euro 6E 4-cylinder Power: 96kW/130hp @2,620 rpm Torque: 350Nm @1,400 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual Brakes: Discs – front and rear Suspension – Independent coil springs/leaf springs with shocks Fuel tanks: 70 litres Tyres: 195/75R16C 107/105R Towing capacity: 3,500kg GVW: 3,500kg Wheelbase: 2,500-3,400mm /2,500 – 3,850mm Overall length: 4,640 – 5,790mm /4,790 – 6,690mm Cab length: 1,510mm /1,625mm Overall width: 1,700mm /1,995mm Cab width: 1,695mm /1,995mm Overall height: 2,105mm /2,165 – 2,155mm Ground clearance: 165mm Unladen weight: 1,935 – 1,970kg /2,040-2,085kg

FUSO HERITAGE GOES BACK 90 YEARS

*Since the first bus introduced in 1932, FUSO has been supporting transportation needs in Japan and around the world

The origin of the FUSO name dates back to May 1932, when Mitsubishi’s first petrol powered bus, the “B46 type shared car”, manufactured at the Kobe Shipyard of the former Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, was branded “FUSO”. The word “Fuso” originally refers to a large sacred tree that was once said to be in the place of the sunrise in China. The word is now used as a name for the hibiscus flower. It is also said that it was used as a synonym for Japan in ancient China.

In 2003 Mitsubishi Motors Corporation separated its commercial vehicle division from the passenger car business, while a part of former Daimler Chrysler. It is now an integral part of Daimler Truck AG. FUSO now delivers trucks and buses to more than 170 countries and regions, supporting transportation and businesses not only in Japan but around the world. The light-duty Canter truck is highly regarded around the world and holds the top share in many countries. In 2017, FUSO launched Japan’s first mass-produced electric light-duty eCanter truck.

Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, with 89.29% of its shares owned by Daimler Truck AG and 10.71% by various Mitsubishi group companies. MFTBC manufactures a range of commercial vehicles including light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks and buses, and industrial engines for over 170 markets worldwide.