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New Fuso Canter with EcoEfficiency; up to 9% more fuel efficient; new hybrid

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Fuso Canter 7C15 Eco Hybrid, box body. Click to enlarge.

Mitsubishi Fuso, 90% owned by Daimler AG, has improved the performance of its Fuso Canter light-duty truck. With 140,000 units produced worldwide, the Fuso Canter is an international hit in the light-duty-truck sector and easily the best-selling truck model at Daimler Trucks. The new Canter is up to 9% more economical than its predecessor, depending on variant and field of application. At the same time, CO2 emissions have been reduced by a similar amount.

The new Canter offers compliance with Euro 5b+ emissions for the light versions up to 6.0 t permissible GVW and Euro VI for the heavy versions. The “EcoEfficiency” models combined a number of measures available as standard for all Canter model variants. These include higher injection pressure for even more efficient fuel combustion; low-friction engine oil to reduce in-engine friction; an electromagnetic fan clutch; an optimized cooling system; a start/stop system for the engine; a new axle ratio configuration; low rolling-resistance tires for the Euro VI models; and reduced friction losses in the transmission with manual gearshift.

Engine: 2000 bar injection pressure. New injectors for the 3.0-liter engine increase the maximum injection pressure by 25% to as much as 2000 bar. Enhanced noise insulation ensures that this does not translate into a higher noise level either outside or inside.

The Canter's output and torque data remain unchanged following its further development. There are three versions of the engine with internal designation 4P10 available:

  • 96 kW (130 hp) at 3000-3500 rpm, 300 N·m at 1300-3050 rpm
  • 110 kW (150 hp) at 3500 rpm, 370 N·m at 1320-2840 rpm
  • <129 kW (175 hp) at 3500 rpm, 430 N·m at 1600-2860 rpm/li>

Previously optional, a start/stop function for the engine is now included as standard for all models. When driving short distances, this technology can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%.

Longer axle ratios reduce fuel consumption. The elasticity of the relatively compact engine allowed the engineers to reconfigure the axle ratios. Most versions now have a longer ratio and are both quiet and more economical without compromising on driving dynamics. When maximum performance is key—such as when frequently carrying a full load, when towing a trailer or in demanding topography—almost all models are available with a 10% shorter axle ratio.

Emissions standards and testing
The 2014 Canter meets the requirements of different emissions standards, depending on the weight variant. This distinction is due to the different classifications defined by law.
Up to a reference mass of 2380 kg, the complete vehicle has its emission characteristics tested on a chassis dynamometer, with the result being shown in pollutants per km. Above a reference mass of 2840 kg, the engine is tested on an engine dynamometer, with the result being indicated in pollutant emissions per kW of output. The manufacturer can choose either of these methods.
The reference mass is the kerb weight of the vehicle plus 75 kg - which accounts for the driver and a 90-percent-full fuel tank. The weight of the individual model applies.
To make the distinction between the different measuring methods, emissions standards tested on a chassis dynamometer are often designated with Arabian numerals while those tested on an engine dynamometer are designated with Roman numerals. Furthermore, these standards become law at different times: Euro VI and Euro 5b+ have been in force since the start of 2014, Euro 6b does not become compulsory until September 2016.

Optimized emission control. The Canter is still available with a choice of two different emission control systems. However, following the introduction of the new Euro 5b+ and Euro VI emissions standards, these systems have been modified and adapted to meet new requirements.

Canter models with a permissible GVW of up to 6.0 t comply with the Euro 5b+ emissions standard. Here the exhaust gases are cleaned by a combination of exhaust gas recirculation, oxidation catalytic converter and particulate filter.

Things are somewhat more complex in the case of the models with a permissible GVW above 6.5 t, including the Canter 4x4 and Canter Eco Hybrid: these feature BlueTec 6 engines and are thus also equipped with SCR technology featuring AdBlue injection and a downstream oxidation catalytic converter. The capacity of the particulate filter and the SCR catalytic converter has been increased to meet the stricter requirements of Euro VI.

To simplify the refueling process, the Canter’s AdBlue tank is housed on the right-hand side of the vehicle right next to the fuel tank and holds 12 liters. Euro VI adds around 30 kg (66 lbs) of extra weight to the Canter.

In all models, the particulate filter is configured for the vehicle lifetime and is maintenance-free—i.e., it never needs to be cleaned or replaced. It is regenerated automatically. In the case of extreme short-distance use, low exhaust gas temperatures may make manual regeneration necessary. A status indicator on the multifunction display indicates this to the driver, should this be the case. Manual regeneration is activated by a button.

ESP as standard for all models with driven rear axle. All new-generation Canter models are equipped with an electronically controlled braking system as standard. This system is a prerequisite for another system designed to enhance safety: the Electronic Stability Program is likewise standard for all models with the exception of the Canter 4x4 with all-wheel drive. ESP will be fitted as standard in the new Canter 9C15 and 9C18 models with 8.55 t permissible GVW from the middle of this year. Integral functions of ESP include ABS, acceleration skid control and Brake Assist.

Canter Eco Hybrid. The Canter Eco Hybrid achieves fuel savings of up to 23%; the extra cost of €8500 (US$12,000) (plus VAT), pays off within just a few years. Compared to the previous model, the already low fuel consumption has been reduced further while CO2 emissions have also been cut, due to the longer axle ratio and an optimized gearshift strategy.

The Canter Eco Hybrid offers technology including a start/stop device; all-electric starting off; and the Duonic dual clutch transmission, which is unique in this class. The Duonic dual clutch transmission is based on a six-speed manual transmission with two hydraulic wet clutches and electronic control. A major advantage is that the next gear is already engaged whilst driving, so gearshifts are extremely fast, without any interruption in power flow, and completely smooth. Manual intervention is possible at all times. The transmission has a crawler function for maneuvering and a parking position.

Featuring a drive system with low exhaust and noise emissions, the Canter Eco Hybrid is made for short-radius distribution in built-up areas and other emission-sensitive zones.

The Canter Eco Hybrid combines the 110 kW (150 hp), 370 N·m 3.0L, Euro VI turbodiesel with a 40 kW electric motor. Energy for the electric motor is provided by lithium-ion batteries. The batteries have a capacity of 2 Ah and weigh 63.5 kg (140 lbs). Fuso provides a five-year or optional ten-year warranty on all major battery components. Every time the brakes are applied, the batteries are replenished through recuperation.

The batteries are housed in a robust holder on the left-hand side between the axles. Safety was a top priority when developing the Canter Eco Hybrid. A crash sensor deactivates all of the high-voltage technology immediately in the event of an accident, for instance. The driver can also do this using the emergency off switch. The battery holder has even withstood a frontal crash at 40 km/h (25 mph) and a side impact on the battery side at 50 km/h (31 mph) without suffering any damage.

The handling strategy for the Canter Eco Hybrid is based on the vehicle starting up and moving off in quiet, electric mode. Then at a speed of around 10 km/h (6.2 mph) the diesel engine kicks in. Below this speed, it also runs in neutral, supplying power to the ancillary assemblies. In tune with the power requirements, the electric motor assists the diesel engine when accelerating, even at higher speeds. Start/stop control stops the diesel engine when the vehicle is stationary.

The extra weight of the hybrid drive is only around 150 kg (331 lbs), meaning that the 7.5-tonne chassis with cab has a load-carrying capacity of up to 4.8 t.

Canter 4x4. Highlights of the Canter range include the version with all-wheel drive, which has been on sale since spring 2012. It is available in Europe under the model designation 6C18 with a perm. GVW of 6.5 t, a 2.0 m wide comfort cab and an engine output of 129 kW (175 hp). The all-wheel drive can be engaged whenever required. This means fast reaction speed when driving on changeable terrain and also maximum fuel efficiency when driving on the road in 4x2 mode. Further standard features include a self-locking rear axle differential with up to 70% locking effect.

New features for the Canter 4x4 include the standard-fit engageable reduction gear. This reduces the maximum speed in the individual gears by a factor of 1.987 and also increases traction by this amount. It is engaged when the vehicle is stationary with the clutch released. An indicator lamp lets the driver know when the reduction gear is engaged. Despite the use of a rear axle with a longer ratio to maximise fuel efficiency when driving on the road, the Canter 4x4 now features a slope climbing ability of 60%.

The Fuso Canter range covers all the key segments of light-duty trucks, offering permissible gross vehicle weights from 3.5 to 8.55 t (new) and a number of different variants. Highlights of the range as ever include streamlined standard cabs (S), which are just 1695 mm wide and suitable for use in restricted spaces, and comfort cabs measuring 1995 mm in width. Both are equipped with a twin co-driver seat as standard.

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