After eight years, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, finally unveiled the latest generation of the light-duty Canter truck in Kawasaki, Japan.
“The all new vehicle replaces the successful predecessor model in Japan,” says Albert Kirchmann, CEO and President of MFTBC. Therefore Daimler’s best-selling vehicle in the world has been thoroughly revised. “The new Canter’s vehicle concept sets new benchmarks for economy, safety, and design.”
Above all, MFTBC set great value on environmental compatibility. The new Canter meets the Japan New Long-Term Emission Regulations (JP09) introduced in 2010.
Boasting the lowest fuel consumption in the light truck segment, the entire series also meets Japan’s fuel efficiency standard for trucks, which will go into effect in 2015.
Thanks to the Fuso 4P10 diesel engine, the new Canter not only reduces fuel consumption, but also emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and CO2. As practical testing demonstrates, the optimisation of the powertrain can improve fuel efficiency by between five and eight percent compared to the previous model, depending on driving conditions. In addition, the engine brake, which is now fitted as standard, reduces the wear on the brakes and cuts maintenance costs by up to 20 percent due to the decreased amount of work required. Hence the Canter is supposed to set new standards in cost effectiveness.
Being the first commercial vehicle to be fitted with the Duonic dual-clutch transmission as standard, Daimler’s strategically important best-seller also raises the bar in terms of design. Along with technological advances, the Fuso Canter’s interior and exterior design has been completely revamped, with improvements in the frame design, axle suspension, and brake system that make the vehicle lighter and safer than its predecessor.
Fuso-affiliated dealers and regional sales centres all over Japan began offering the new Canter last week. Following the launch on the Japanese market, the new truck will roll out on Fuso export markets worldwide beginning in 2011.
