Fuso Adds 4X4 to New-Generation Canter TF Truck Range

OTIGHEIM, GERMANY – Fuso Europe, the Daimler-controlled European brand of the former Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus, launches the first 4X4 model in its Canter TF medium-duty range.

The 4X4 Canter TF is a 6.5-ton (5.9-t) GVW truck. The range could be expanded to include more 4X4 units of different GVW.

The new TF trucks are the ninth generation of the Canter range, replacing the TD models. The first Canter, the T720, launched in Japan in 1963, and the Japanese trucks arrived in Europe 30 years ago. More than 160,000 units have been sold in Europe since then.

Mitsubishi Fuso chose Portugal as its European base for vehicle assembly in 1972. The new TF models, including the new 4X4 codenamed 6C18, are built at the Tramagal plant 100 miles (160 km) north of Lisbon.

The Canter TF range first launched in Japan in November 2010, and Daimler announced in late 2011 that it would introduce 3.5-, 6.0- and 7.5-ton (3.15-, 5.4- and 6.75-t) versions in Europe.

The 3.0L 4-cyl. turbodiesel engine in the 6C18 is compliant with Euro 5 EEV Environmental Enhanced Vehicle emissions standards, which are voluntary and more demanding than the conventional Euro 5 limits.

Other Canter TF models offer 135- and 150-hp engines. All three engines use Daimler’s BlueTEC technology, which curtails nitrous-oxide emissions.

The main innovation of the new Canter range is adoption of the Duonic transmission, comprising two wet-disc clutches coupled to a 6-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox. The robotized transmission allows manual or automatic use, including an Eco mode to reduce fuel consumption.

All the Canter TF trucks, including the 4x4 version, have received new interior and exterior designs. The trucks have independent suspensions and will be offered with a start/stop option.

The Canter range presents maintenance costs 25% lower than its predecessor TD range, Fuso Europe says.

Daimler, which owns more than 89% of Fuso Europe, has dropped the name Mitsubishi from the Japanese auto maker’s former truck brand, as Mitsubishi’s car-manufacturing operations remain independent.

Pius Dettling, Fuso Europe manager-sales and marketing, tells WardsAuto the auto maker intends to introduce the Canter 4X4 in the U.S. market, although the timing has not been decided.