Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines – In an exclusive event aimed at providing a first-hand driving experience of a full-fledged electric mobility, Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation (SFP) organized this year’s driving experience featuring the Next Generation FUSO eCanter. SFP dealers, key network accounts and media partners were invited last October 18, 2024 to ride and drive the eCanter, a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) unit brought in specifically for demonstration purposes and test drive only.
This marks the first time the Next Generation eCanter has been showcased in the Philippines, offering an exclusive opportunity for participants to test drive the fully electric light-duty truck of FUSO. Although the Next Generation eCanter is not yet commercially available in the Philippine market, the driving experience provided valuable insights into the electric vehicle’s innovative technology and economic capabilities.
eAXLE: ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN & EV COMPONENTS
The Next Generation eCanter, which has been gaining traction in international markets, is equipped with an eAxle – by integrating the motor with the axle, the eAxle reduces energy losses and improves overall vehicle performance.
EXTERIOR
The front of the eCanter showcases the powerful and brave FUSO black belt, a traditional design motif that adds a bold and distinctive look—equipped with long-lasting LED headlights that ensure excellent visibility and improved safety. The overall modern and sophisticated design is optimized not only for eCanter’s visual appeal but also contributes to its performance and road safety.
INTERIOR
While for eCanter’s interior – it includes a new fully digital instrument cluster allowing for easy access to vehicle information and controls. It also features an advanced shift-by-wire type gear shift that enhances the driving experience with its functions. The seats are ergonomically designed with adjustable settings to accommodate different driver’s preferences and for long-term comfort. The cabin offers spacious vertical space and a slightly lower dashboard, providing the driver with a sense of openness and better visibility.
CHARGING
The eCanter supports a Combine Charging System (CCS) Type 2 AC & DC charge inlet which allows flexible charging options. Depending on the battery pack, it provides an estimated up to 200-kilometer* range with a single charge, making the 8.55t vehicle perfectly suited for zero-emission, daily urban deliveries or longer routes.
SAFETY FEATURES
To enhance performance and safety, the eCanter is also equipped with some of the most advanced active safety features including the Active Brake Assist, which offers emergency braking support to help mitigate accidents. The Active Sideguard Assist is also designed to enhance driver awareness and control, especially during turns. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with an intelligent headlight control and tire pressure monitoring system. These enhancements contribute to a robust safety package that makes the eCanter a reliable and flexible choice for modern urban logistics.
SFP President & CEO, Mr. Yosuke Nishi mentioned in his opening remarks that, “We all know that the EV market is slowly making noise in the Philippines. FUSO is keeping up with this development. And this is why we are here today – to officially welcome you to Experience the Future with FUSO. This Ride & Drive event is mainly for all of us to witness the future of electric mobility, specifically an electric commercial vehicle. Its target market is vast but with the growing industry of logistics and e-commerce, I believe the Next Generation FUSO eCanter could be the right truck for you.”
“While this is not an official launch and is not yet available for the Philippine market, let’s spread the word. FUSO is part of this growth. The eCanter is here.” He added.
Dealers, key accounts, and media friends had the opportunity to get behind the wheel and experience the Next Generation eCanter in a controlled environment. This hands-on experience gave them a sense of the FUSO electric light-duty truck’s performance and innovative features.
At this time, there is no confirmed date for the Next Generation eCanter’s commercial launch in the Philippines. SFP continues to monitor market conditions and interests, but the primary focus of the driving experience is to showcase the electric vehicle’s potential.
While SFP is still exploring the potential introduction of the Next Generation eCanter to the local market, SFP is committed to giving their customers a sneak preview of the full range of benefits and advantages this eCanter can offer to Filipino businesses.
Media assets are available through this link: https://bit.ly/eCanter-Media-Kit
*Based on Japanese emission testing cycle JE05
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Joms Ilaw, Senior Marketing Specialist
[email protected] | (049) 530 1390
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Sojitz Corporation at a Glance
As a general trading company, the Sojitz Group is engaged in a wide range of businesses globally, including buying, selling, importing, and exporting goods, manufacturing and selling products, providing services, and planning and coordinating projects, in Japan and overseas. The Group also invests in various sectors and conducts financing activities. The broad range of sectors in which Sojitz operates includes those related to automobiles, plants, energy, mineral resources, chemicals, foodstuff resources, agricultural and forestry resources, consumer goods, and industrial parks. Sojitz has run so many kinds of automotive business all over the world such as CKD production, wholesale, and Retail. In the case of the business in Philippine, Sojitz has been engaged to the automotive business since 1969.
Daimler Truck Asia at a Glance
Daimler Truck Asia (DTA), under Daimler Truck AG, is an organizational unit that jointly operates Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) – an icon in the Japanese commercial vehicle industry with 90 years of history with its FUSO brand – and Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), an up and rising challenger in the Indian market. DTA adopts a strategic business model that allows its group entities to collaborate on product development, production, exports, sourcing and research activity to provide innovative, cutting-edge and best value products to customers. DTA’s vision is “to develop mobility solutions to embrace a better life for people and the planet,” and is aligned with Daimler Truck’s purpose, “For all who keep the world moving.”
MFTBC at a Glance
Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, with 89.29% of its shares owned by Daimler Truck AG and 10.71% by various Mitsubishi group companies. An icon in the Japanese commercial vehicle industry with a longstanding history of 90 years with its FUSO brand, MFTBC manufactures a range of commercial vehicles including light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks and buses, and industrial engines for over 170 markets worldwide. In 2017, MFTBC introduced the eCanter, the first all-electric light-duty truck in series-production and in 2019, the Super Great – Japan’s first heavy-duty truck fitted with Level 2 Automated Driving Support Technology, a benchmark in the Japanese commercial vehicle market. MFTBC operates under the umbrella of Daimler Truck Asia, together with its partner organization Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) in India. This strategic unit allows the entities to collaborate on areas such as product development, parts sourcing and production to provide the best value to customers.
FUSO at a Glance
FUSO is a Daimler Truck brand, offering a range of commercial vehicles from light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks and buses to industrial engines and connectivity solutions for over 170 markets worldwide. A longstanding landmark in Japan’s commercial vehicle landscape, the brand has leveraged Japanese quality and craftsmanship over the decades. FUSO is particularly renowned for its offerings in the light-duty segment. The Canter light-duty truck claims the top market share in various markets around the world. In 2017 the eCanter became the first series produced all-electric light-duty truck in Japan, establishing FUSO as a pioneer in eMobility. FUSO promises customers a “Future Together,” a bold claim that continues to drive the brand’s contributions to safe and sustainable transport. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the FUSO brand, another milestone in its continuing legacy of setting benchmarks in efficiency, safety, and comfort.
