In order to provide people with a first-hand experience of its truck portfolio, Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation (SFP) recently held an exclusive preview and test drive of its medium-duty and heavy-duty models, the Fuso FI and FJ, in Sta. Rosa Laguna.
During the event, SFP president and CEO Takatsugu Nitanai equated purchasing Fuso trucks to having a business partner one can trust in.
“Part of this Fuso Experience is not only experiencing our products. We do not just try to sell you trucks. We are here to be your business partner. After you purchase the trucks from us, we will still be there for any after sales support you may need. This is the real Fuso experience, having a business partner in me and in every one from SFP,” Nitanai said.
Following the opening ceremonies, guests got the rare opportunity to get behind the wheel of six-wheeler F1 1217R medium-duty truck, 10-wheeler FJ 2528R heavy-duty truck, as well as the 10-wheeler FV Super Great tractor that is soon to be launched in the Philippine market.
Aside from the test drive, guests also got a closer look at Fuso’s modern PUV’s Canter Commute and Canter Express — also on display at the event. Both models are powered by a fuel-efficient and powerful Euro 4 compliant 3.0-liter, inline four, direct-injection, and turbocharged diesel engine that can generate a maximum of 125 horsepower along with 294Nm of torque. Both are mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Among the features of the Canter are the tilt and telescopic steering wheel, in-dash gear shifter, dual air-conditioning system as well as the front and ear double acting hydraulic and telescopic shock absorbers for a smoother ride.
It also offers an array of safety features such as the automatic rear passenger side door, LED signage on the windshield, and four CCTV cameras to ensure that the driver has an uninterrupted view in and out of the cabin.
The Fuso Canter Commute can accommodate up to 30 people while the Canter Express can fit 25 people including the driver.
The Canter Commute and Express are Fuso’s answer to the Department of Transportation’s PUV modernization program. Fuso is offering owners of both Canter models a 10,000-kilometer preventive maintenance service interval for less downtime and more savings.
The current Fuso FI, FJ, as well as the Super Great models are made with the Japanese company’s 80 years of international truck manufacturing experience, infused with German technology owing to being part of the Daimler Truck Group since circa 2006.