A perfect form, packed with technical innovations, equipped with an alluring cockpit and powered by a clean, economical hybrid drive system: the Canter Eco-D concept study showcases Mitsubishi Fuso's powers of innovation and points the way ahead for the light-duty trucks of tomorrow. The Canter Eco-D is based on a chassis with a tipper body and has a payload of 3000 kg.

The flowing design lends the Canter Eco-D the perfect blend of form and function, its characteristic side silhouette making the cab, body and chassis appear as if they were cast from a single mould. Yet despite its elegant appearance and innovative styling, the Canter Eco-D is totally at home in the tough world of construction sites and short-distance travel.

The side contour of the tipper body rises from rear to front, initially in a smooth line, sweeping to join the side wall and bulkhead at the height of the cab. As well as being elegant, this contour prevents the cab rear wall from being damaged by the load or by tools transported on the load area.

At the side and rear, the chassis is clad with aprons to shield the powertrain components mounted on the side of the chassis frame – such as the batteries or the fuel tank – protecting them against damage. Marker lights in the form of blue LEDs ensure that the truck is easier to see in the dark. The dynamically designed wheel arches leave just a narrow gap between the body and the wheels, preventing stones lodged inside from being propelled dangerously towards other road users when the wheels are turning. Yet the Canter Eco-D is also suitable for use on almost impassable construction sites, since it can be raised by 70 mm at both the front and the rear axle.

Another prime example of the ideal combination of form and function is the tipper body, which is split horizontally. When the tipping trough is raised, the rear end panel detects the weight and type of load and opens the corresponding segments of the body accordingly in order to ensure careful and controlled unloading of the bulk material.

The cab of the Canter Eco-D has been rigorously configured to provide maximum functionality and also features futuristic equipment. By way of example, the doors are hinged at the rear, making it easier to access the cab-over-engine truck. This feature is of particular benefit in tight spaces, where the front-opening doors only need to be opened by a small angle to allow the occupants to get in and out.

The inside of the cab contains a wealth of ideas, including a generously proportioned glass roof that makes the cab appear airy and spacious. Depending on how the light strikes the roof, liquid crystals darken the glass automatically and prevent too much direct sunlight from entering the cab, thus ensuring that the interior does not heat up excessively. Working in tandem with the crystals, sensors record the level of infrared and ultraviolet rays and protect the driver by darkening the glass in plenty of time. At the same time, this set-up allows precise and effective climate control in the cab whilst minimising energy consumption.

Optimum visibility is another hallmark of the Canter Eco-D. The headlamps and tail lights incorporate LEDs, while the side indicators are located at the top of the wheel arches, making them easily visible. The side windows and windscreen have low edges. Plus the lattice-like structure of the A-pillars optimises visibility. This design, coupled with the large window surfaces, minimises the blind spot – a key safety aspect when driving trucks. Active safety components include the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and another innovation for light-duty trucks in the shape of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

The Canter Eco-D also impresses in terms of passive safety, with a carbon-fibre roof that is light in weight yet extremely robust. Safety was also a top priority when it came to configuring the tipper body controls. These controls for lifting and lowering the body are housed in an overhead console. Side cameras with highly sensitive CCD sensors replace the conventional exterior mirrors and, together with a rear-facing camera, provide an optimal view of the areas to the left, right and rear of the vehicle. This third camera also acts as a reversing camera, with the images being sent to monitors in the cab.

The futuristic cockpit is curved and uses displays to inform the driver of what is happening around the Canter Eco-D as well as provide details of the vehicle's operating states. Rocker switches on the steering column are used to change gear if the driver wishes to operate the automated transmission in manual mode.

Furthermore, certain body functions can also be controlled using pushbuttons on the side of the truck. These buttons are protected by a fingerprint-detection system, preventing use by unauthorised persons.

Thanks to its parallel hybrid drive system, the Canter Eco-D is both economical and ecofriendly. This drive concept is based on the components of the Canter Eco Hybrid, 300 models of which have been performing successfully on the road since summer 2006. In this case, however, the hybrid drive performs further functions. At its heart is a diesel engine with common-rail injection, a displacement of 3.0 litres and an output of 92 kW (125 hp). Connected to this is a streamlined electric motor developing 35 kW, which also serves as an alternator for charging the lithium-ion batteries. The powerplant is paired with an Inomat-II automated manual transmission.

Depending on power requirements, the energy is provided by the electric motor, the diesel engine or both. In addition, the vehicle features a start/stop function which switches off the diesel engine when the vehicle is stationary. Starting-off is performed solely in electric mode, which means no emissions and low noise levels.

Another feature of the electric motor for the Canter Eco-D is its ability to act as a power take-off for lifting and lowering the tipper body. This function brings about a considerable reduction in emissions and noise when the vehicle is used on construction sites. This concept opens up a range of possibilities for operating further vehicles with special-purpose bodies such as lifting platforms or crane systems.