Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. (MFTA) introduced its new Canter FE/FG Series trucks at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. The 2012-model cab-over-engine lineup includes five models in the Class 3 through Class 5 markets.
The standard chassis line includes the Canter FE125 (Class 3), FE160 (Class 4) and FE180 (Class 5), and extends to a seven-passenger crew cab model, the Canter FE160CC, and the only 4-wheel-drive medium duty cabover in the industry, the FG4X4.
“This is the most extensive redesign we’ve undertaken in seven years,” says Todd Bloom, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. (MFTA). “The resulting trucks don’t just represent an incremental improvement over our previous models. The 2012 models represent a new approach to the technology of transporting goods by truck, and they are specifically designed to deliver lower cost of ownership.”
The company’s new 4P10 dual-overhead-cam, dual-balance-shaft, turbocharged, intercooled four-cylinder diesel engine is coupled to an advanced Mitsubishi Fuso Duonic six-speed, dual-clutch automated manual transmission. The Canter models use Daimler Commercial Truck’s BlueTec selective catalytic reduction emissions technology to meet EPA 2010 compliance.
“Our goal has been to maximize efficiency and lower the cost of ownership for our trucks as much as practical,” said Leighton Good, MFTA manager, product & applications. “With the combination of the 4P10 engine, Duonic transmission and BlueTec emissions control, these new FUSOs are the smoothest-running, easiest-to-drive cabovers we’ve ever offered, and they boast the highest operating efficiency, as well.”
The Canter exterior features a distinct profile that reduces aerodynamic drag and improves stability. Compact halogen headlamps allow sculpted corner profiles and improved nighttime visibility.
The cabs feature a dash-mounted transmission shifter with a simple shift pattern label, and the FG4X4’s transfer case range-selector lever is mounted at dashboard height, to the left of the steering wheel, so the floor area is clear of obstructions. This allows the driver and passengers to easily exit the vehicle on the curb side, generally the safer location.
Offset door hinges open to 70 degrees, then push forward several inches to provide full access for driver and passengers, while limiting the extension of the doors into traffic or curbside obstructions.
Power windows and door locks are standard, with one-touch up and down on the driver-side window. The window drive mechanism immediately stops the window’s upward travel if it encounters an obstacle. Doors also include a crush bar, to help increase frontal impact protection. And the collapsible steering column offers both tilt and telescoping adjustments via one easy-to-use control.
The full line of Canter FEs and FGs include a 3-year/unlimited mileage bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 4-year/unlimited mileage rust-through warranty, and an exclusive 5-year/175,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. And the 5-year warranty includes most bolt-on components as well as wetted driveline components.
