Daimler Truck subsidiary FUSO announces the start of production (SOP) of the latest generation FUSO Canter in Europe. From December 2021 onwards, the light-duty truck is rolling off the production line in the European FUSO plant in Tramagal, Portugal. The SOP of the latest generation marks the next milestone in the success story of the FUSO Canter.

The new model comes with an eye-catching 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. The new FUSO Canter is available through the FUSO retail network across Europe since August 2021.

Philipp Panter, Head of Sales, Marketing & Customer Service at FUSO Europe comments: “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.”

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 innovative 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.