Fuso Adds to Canter Range With New Euro 6-Compliant Models
Both the Canter commercial vehicle and the Portugal plant that builds it turn 50 this year. Worldwide, more than 3.8 million of the trucks have been built since 1963.
LISBON, Portugal – Mitsubishi Fuso Truck Europe launches its revamped Canter TF1 range of commercial vehicles here.
Derived from the previous Canter TF range, the refreshed models range from 3.5 to 8.55 t gross-vehicle weight and cover a market roughly equivalent to Classes 2-5 in the U.S.
The new trucks feature engines rated that meet Euro 6 and 5b + EU emissions standards. The Euro 6 regulations are mandatory in the EU for CVs over 6 t, while the less-restrictive 5b + regulation covers trucks in the 3.5-6 t range.
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck Europe, a subsidiary of Japan’s Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus, which is 89.3% controlled by Germany’s Daimler Trucks, chooses Portugal to launch the new TF1 range as part of the golden anniversary of its Tramagal plant – about 90 miles (150 km) north of Lisbon.
The Tramagal plant has built more than 200,000 Canters over the past 30 years for the European market. The Canter also celebrates its 50th year, having sold more than 3.8 million units worldwide since its inception in 1963.
The new truck’s 150- and 175-hp 3.0L engines were developed in Japan, where they also are built. They use Daimler’s BlueTec 6 technology that incorporates a selective catalytic reduction system with a particulate filter, to meet the Euro 6 standards.
Other mechanical highlights include a Duonic dual-clutch transmission, start-stop system, engine braking with a braking power of 38 hp, antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution and, beginning in July and for 8.55-t versions, electronic stability control as standard. Also available is a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The 8.55-t version is a new addition to the Canter range and will be marketed as 9C15 or 9C18, where the letter “C” refers to the wide-bodied Comfort Cab. There will be three available cabins, including a double cab for crews, plus six wheelbases and three sets of power take-off.
The Canter TF1 range also includes a diesel-electric hybrid model (EcoHybrid) and a fully electric (eCell) version.
The first can deliver a 10,700-lb. (4,850-kg) payload, since the extra weight of the hybrid system, counting the battery, is only 331 lbs. (150 kg).
Its electric motor is integrated into the Duonic transmission and operates at vehicle speeds up to 6 mph (10 km/h). Fuso says the hybrid can cut diesel-fuel consumption by 4,000 gallons (15,000 L) annually.
The complete electric eCell Canter has an extra weight of 1,100 lbs. (500 kg), including the electric motor and batteries.
For off-road applications, the Canter TF1 continues to offer a 4x4 version. The system can be disconnected, allowing the truck to operate in fuel-saving 2-wheel drive when extra traction is not needed.
Due to Western Europe’s economic slump, CV sales have been weak overall, causing the Tramagal plant to operate at reduced levels.
About 4,500 Canters were assembled there last year on a single shift and reduced workweek. Fuso Europe believes demand has reached the bottom and is counting on an economic recovery to boost demand for the Canter TF1.
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