Superb economy, outstanding robustness and impressive manoeuvrability – just three of the many key attributes with which the Fuso Canter light-duty truck is winning over a growing number of customers, not least in Europe. The current version has been available on the European market since summer 2006. Sales in Europe over the past year totalled 10,200 units – a new record. This success has been achieved with a custom-designed range for the light-duty-truck segment: permissible gross vehicle weights of 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes, a choice of four power outputs, numerous wheelbase variants, four different cabs to choose from, plus a space-saving cab-over-engine design with a robust chassis and an efficient engine – in short, a highly impressive concept. All of which makes the Canter an increasingly popular alternative in the 3.5-tonne to 7.5-tonne segment.

Developed for the world, produced in Europe: the Canter concept was devised in Japan and adapted to meet specific customer requirements in Europe. The Canter models for Europe have been produced in Tramagal in Portugal, around 150 km north of the capital Lisbon, for the past 28 years. More than 30 markets are supplied from here.

Over half of the parts installed in Tramagal are sourced from European suppliers. The Portuguese plant produces long-term quality: all of the panels prone to corrosion – accounting for more than 60 percent of the cab – are galvanised.

The sales set-up in Germany has become even more efficient since June 2007. This is when the existing Fuso sales and service network joined forces with its Mercedes-Benz counter­part, increasing its capability dramatically thanks to the high number of Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and authorised dealers across Germany. This set-up offers the best opportunities for further growth. Especially since the focus is now on complete vehicles and since, together with CharterWay, a wide range of industry-specific solutions is available. Initial success has already been achieved, with a growth rate of around 50 percent and unit sales in Germany topping the 1000 mark for the first time.

At the same time, Fuso benefits from a dense network of strong sales partners across Europe and also started operations in Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia and Montenegro for the first time this year. The Canter is now backed by a network of around 900 service outlets in 33 countries Europe-wide.

As a specialised light-duty truck, the Canter has all the right ingredients for expanding its base in Europe. Canter customers can choose from four diesel engines with common-rail injection, cooled exhaust-gas recirculation and a parti­ulate filter. The engines feature a turbocharger with variable geometry. All of which adds up to economical fuel consumption, reduced emissions, improved response, especially at low revs, and increased torque over an extended engine-speed range.

The engine line-up for the Canter with a gross weight of 3.5 tonnes includes power­plants with a displacement of 3.0 litres and outputs of 81 kW (110 hp), 92 kW (125 hp) and 107 kW (145 hp). The same unit is also available for the Canter models with a gross weight of 6.5 and 7.5 tonnes.

In addition, the models with a gross weight of 6.5 and 7.5 tonnes also come with the option of an extremely powerful engine with an output of 132 kW (180 hp) and a displacement of 4.9 litres. Peak torque is 530 Nm at 1600 rpm. All Canter models equipped with this power­plant feature a 24-volt electrical system as standard, as opposed to the 12-volt variant available for the other models.

All of the engines have a torque curve offering immense pulling power at very low engine speeds. For instance, around two thirds of the peak torque are available at 900 rpm – a key indicator of high flexibility and excellent drivability.

The models developing 81 kW (110 hp) and 92 kW (125 hp) feature a five-speed manual transmission, while the more powerful Canter models with 107 kW (145 hp) and 132 kW (180 hp) are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, for which new gearshift geometry was introduced in spring 2008. There are up to three axle ratios available, depending on the model. All driven rear axles for the Canter have twin tyres for enhanced traction and driving stability. And high permissible axle loads allow high point loads. For rougher terrain away from the road, the Canter can be ordered with an optional locking differential.

Longevity has always been a key aspect of the Canter concept, the powertrain having been configured for a minimum service life of 300,000 km. Confidence in the Canter’s technology is underlined by a three-year or 100,000-km Europe-wide factory warranty for all compo­nents. Thanks to the cab-over-engine design with a tilting cab, all of the major components are easily accessible whenever the vehicle comes in for a service or repairs.

The oil change interval of 30,000 km makes for good economy. Furthermore, powerful and weight-optimised engines allow the Canter to increase its lead in the payload stakes. By way of example, the chassis with a gross weight of 7.5 tonnes boasts a payload of up to 4920 kg. Further outstanding strengths of the Canter concept include high practicality, not least when it comes to the variety of models on offer and the excellent use of space. Thanks to the cab-over-engine concept, an impressive load volume can be achieved in relatively little space. Four cab variants, four weight categories spanning the range from 3.5 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes gross weight and seven wheelbase lengths from 2500 mm at one end of the spectrum to 4470 mm for the range-topping model at the other and an extremely wide frame track underline the versatility of the Canter.

The current Fuso Canter is characterised by its practical, clear and simple design. Features that really catch the eye include the large, trapezoidal headlamps with integral indicator lamps, which flank the powerful-looking V-shaped radiator grille. The large windscreen, extremely low-edged door windows, exterior mirrors with a wider range of vision and a large rear window afford the driver excellent all-round visibility.

There are four variants of the Canter cab to select from – a unique level of choice in this vehicle category. The sleek standard cab (indicated by the letter “S” in the model designations) is 1695-mm wide and aimed at applications in which high manoeuvrability is a key requirement. The larger Comfort cab (model type C), developed specifically for Europe, measures 1995 mm in width and offers occupants plenty of room to move around inside. Both variants are available as single cabs or crewcabs. The single cabs each have three seats, while the crewcabs all have four doors and space for six people (model type S and C as a 3.5-tonner) or seven people (model type C as a 6.5-tonner or 7.5-tonner).

The Fuso Canter’s cockpit is truly unique in that it is the first cab-over-engine truck to incorporate a joystick gearshift. In the Canter, the short gear knob protrudes from the instrument panel to save space and keep it within easy reach of the driver, leaving plenty of free space for through-cab access.

The safety system for the cab is called Fuso “RISE” (Realized Impact Safety Evolution) and includes side impact protection in the cab doors, a reinforced frame for the cab floor, an energy-absorbing instrument panel, a safety steering column and longitudinally deformable chassis members which offer protection in the event of a frontal impact. Large exterior mirrors and adjustable head restraints help to ensure a high level of safety. Plus the Canter comes with the option of a driver’s and co-driver’s airbag.

Safety also plays a key role when it comes to the Canter chassis, with all models featuring a hydraulic braking system with disc brakes all round as standard. Models with a gross weight above 3.5 tonnes include ABS as standard although, in the case of the 3.5-tonne version, the inclusion of ABS depends on requirements in the specific market. All variants have an engine brake as standard.

The backbone of the Fuso Canter is an extremely robust ladder-type frame running in a straight line from the rear to the front. This design is very popular with body manufacturers. In addition, the Canter with the longest wheelbase length of 4470 mm boasts a wider frame track to prevent distortion and enable more stable handling.

Whereas the Canter variants with a permissible gross vehicle weight between 3.5 tonnes and 6.5 tonnes are fitted with 16-inch wheels, the 7.5-tonner is shod with 17.5-inch wheels. All Canter models have torsion-bar stabilisers at the front and rear to counteract the roll angle. Other Canter hallmarks in addition to the robust design include outstanding manoeuvra­bility, not least thanks to the sleek design and extremely small turning circle of between 10.6 metres and 17 metres, depending on the wheelbase length.

As well as boasting a long tradition, Fuso can also lay claim to an impressive series of sensational new developments, not least in the field of hybrid drive systems. This is why Fuso is home to the “Global Hybrid Center” within Daimler Trucks. One of the best examples of the brand’s powers of innovation and the sheer strength of the Canter concept is the Canter Eco Hybrid, which was introduced in Japan back in July 2006. This particular model is one of the most eco-friendly light-duty trucks in the world and was the first vehicle in its class to meet the requirements of the strict emission standards that have been in force in Japan since August 2007. Over 300 of these models have been produced and sold to date.

At the heart of the diesel/electric parallel hybrid is a turbodiesel engine with a displacement of 3.0 litres, an output of 92 kW (125 hp) and a peak torque of 294 Nm, incorporating a particulate filter and exhaust gas recirculation. This powerplant is paired with an electric motor with an output of 35 kW and a torque of 200 Nm, which acts as an alternator during braking, as well as with powerful lithium-ion batteries and the Fuso Inomat-II automated manual transmission.

The Canter Eco Hybrid changes its mode of operation depending on the driving situation, using the electric drive to start off and the diesel engine when rapid acceleration is called for and the truck is moving at a constant speed. During braking, the electric motor acts as an alternator, converting the braking energy into electrical energy. To reinforce this effect, the technology is disengaged during braking. A start/stop function stops the idling engine when the vehicle comes to a halt.

This innovative technology for the Canter Eco Hybrid reduces particulate emissions by 46 percent and nitrogen-oxide emissions by 41 percent compared to conventional models. What’s more, the recuperation of the braking energy results in a fuel saving of up to 15 percent.

A concept for Europe as well as for Japan: Deutsche Post World Net is the first logistics company to test the use of hybrid trucks in its operative business, and trials have commenced at the company’s express-delivery arm in the UK. A total of ten 7.5-tonne vehicles are being deployed with eight customers over a period of three years, the aim being to gain initial experience with the vehicle under European operating conditions. For use in Europe, Fuso has opted for a more powerful version of the 3.0-litre diesel engine developing 107 kW (145 hp), with a peak torque of 362 Nm, as the basis for the drive system. The power­plant is designed to meet European emission requirements and complies with the EU’s Euro 4 emission standard. The electric part of the drive system remains unchanged from the standard Japanese version.

A glimpse of what the future holds for the Canter is afforded by the Canter Eco-D concept study. Futuristically designed on both the inside and the outside, this truck with a tipper body features a wealth of innovative solutions. Hybrid drive is a given – including for the body (see separate text for further details).

Mitsubishi Fuso is presenting the entire Fuso Canter range on the stand in Hall 16/E10. A total of ten vehicles, most of which are equipped with typical bodies, are divided into three sectors: construction, including horticulture and landscaping, municipal vehicles and short-radius distribution.

Fuso is showcasing the Canter 3C13 with a gross weight of 3.5 tonnes and an output of 92 kW (125 hp), firstly with a short wheelbase and a light aluminium tipper body made by the Swiss company Krapf and secondly based on a crewcab with a platform supplied by Henschel. The Canter 5S13 with a gross weight of 5.5 tonnes is particularly sleek and features a standard cab, complemented by a similarly slender Jotha skip loader.

There are three versions of the Canter 7C15 with an output of 107 kW (145 hp) and a gross weight of 7.5 tonnes on show: a Meiller tipper and a high payload make this version of the Canter ideal for the construction industry; this Canter model also makes the most of its high payload when combined with a Lamberet refrigerated body, and it provides an ideal combination of volume and payload when it is configured with a Junge box body and a wheelbase length of 4470 mm. There are also three top-of-the-range Canter 7C18 models on display. A permissible gross vehicle weight of 7.5 tonnes coupled with an output of 132 kW (180 hp) make for a strong pairing. This set-up is ideal for a beverage box body with an FSN curtainside tarpaulin, a Meiller tipper with a Palfinger loading crane or a car transporter with a Kübler sliding-platform body. It can be seen carrying another Canter (what else?) in the shape of the 5S13 chassis model with a gross weight of 5.5 tonnes.

Fuso is also unveiling its futuristic Canter Eco-D concept study with hybrid drive and a tipper body, showing the way ahead for light-duty trucks in terms of both looks and technology (see separate text).