Fuso has announced the start of production (SOP) of the latest generation Canter in Europe
From December 2021 onwards, the new Canter will be rolling off the production line in the European Fuso plant in Tramagal, Portugal.
The new model comes with a redesigned cabin, as well as improvements in safety and comfort. With the newly developed compact exhaust system, the light-duty truck now also meets the EURO VI – STEP E emission norm.
“For many decades, the FUSO Canter is an international best-seller in the light-duty truck segment due to its class leading turning circle, payload and excellent versatility. Since its market launch in 1963, over 4.5 million FUSO Canter have been produced worldwide. With today’s start of production, we look forward to offer our European customers a major upgrade in safety, comfort and a new modern cabin design,” says Philipp Panter, head of sales, marketing and customer Sservice at Fuso Europe.
Fuso’s Portugal plant aims to be carbon neutral by next year
The Fuso Canter from Tramagal has been developed in Japan and is being built in Europe. Most of its parts come from more than 90 European suppliers, such as the engine, axle components, springs, brakes, tyres, headlamps and lights, as well as seats and extensive interior panelling. Fuso mainly contributes tool-intensive parts for the cabin and frame from Japan, as well as axle parts, steering wheel, the heating and air conditioning systems, as well as the Duonic dual clutch transmission.
“Today’s start of production marks a proud moment for all of us here at the European Fuso plant in Tramagal. Since 1980 we have produced almost 240,000 Fuso trucks. Now the new Fuso Canter will add to this legacy, rolling off the production line from today and as always reliably meeting the demanding quality standards of FUSO and Daimler Truck,” says Jorge Rosa, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck Europe.
Located around 150 kilometers north-east of Lisbon, the Tramagal plant produces the Fuso Canter and its all-electric sibling the Fuso eCanter. In line with Daimler Trucks’ sustainability goals for European production locations, the plant is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality in 2022.
While Australia receives diesel Canter models from Fuso’s Kawasaki, Japan, factory European production of the new Fuso Canter could signal design changes for a future eCanter model with current eCanter units imported to Australia from the Tramagal plant.