90 Years of Making History
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The One That Started It All.
Each brand has an origin story and Mitsubishi Fuso is no different. Afterall, it’s global icon with nine decades of experience and vehicles in over 170 markets.
The name “FUSO” dates back to May of 1932 when former Mitsubishi Shipbuilding (now Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) developed its one-of-a-kind B46 bus. With a 7L 6-cyclinder engine it was able to produce an impressive 100hp for the 7-meter, 38-passenger bus at the time.
In short, it was special and required an equally special name. The Japan Ministry of Railways was the B46’s first customer and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries wanted to make an impression with a distinctive name.
In need of ideas, employees were asked to submit suggestions that sounded soothing and melodious. The choice was “FUSO.” With that the brand was born. The term “FUSO” can be traced to the ancient Chinese word “Fusang,” which refers to a tree of eternal life that only grows on a sacred island.
Innovations Inspiring Generations
Since its beginnings, the FUSO brand has become synonymous with quality and inspired generations in the commercial vehicle industry for nearly a century. Our vehicles have a reputation among drivers and industry experts as being both reliable and cutting-edge, handling business demands day in and day out in tough environments around the world.
FUSO product designs maintains a people-first principle focusing on the comfort and well-being of drivers, while providing advanced safety systems for safer roads around the world.
1932
The FUSO brand name first appeared in 1932 in conjunction with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s first, so-called “B46” commercial bus.
1938
The "Y6100AD" diesel engine, progenitor of the post-war DB engine, is completed.
1941
"YB40" 2-ton diesel truck is produced.
1946
"B1" gasoline bus is produced.
1951
"W11" 4-ton dump truck is produced.
1955
"T33" 8-ton, Japan’s first genuine heavy-duty truck, is produced.
1960
"B10 Rosa” small-size bus is launched.
1963
"T720 Canter” light-duty cab-over truck is launched.
1969
"B906R" high-speed, long-distance tourist bus is produced.
1976
“MK115” medium-size bus is launched.
1977
“FS119S” heavy-duty low bed truck is launched.
1978
“Canter” light-duty truck undergoes full model change. Wide cab and 3-ton models are added to lineup.
1982
Large-size tour bus, named “AERO BUS”-series, is launched.
1983
Heavy-duty truck FT/FU/FV series undergo full model change and is given new name "The Great."
1984
“Fighter” medium-duty truck, is launched.
1996
Heavy-duty truck undergoes first model change in 13 years and named “Super Great”.
1997
Launched the "AERO STAR" non-step bus, the first heavy-duty route bus in Japan.
2006
Light-duty hybrid truck "Canter Eco Hybrid" is released.
2010
“Canter” light-duty truck undergoes full model change.
2014
Launched the Super Great V, with its realization of game-changing low-fuel consumption.
2014
“New Aero Star” large-size route bus undergoes full model change.
2016
The further-evolved “Canter” light-duty truck is launched.
2023
The "eCanter" further evolves with a full model change, paving the way for future clean mobility.
FUSOLife | Powered by Petrol, Fueled by Belief
The thrill of the engine roaring to life and... releasing the clutch have stayed with me for life.
FUSOLife | Hand-Drawn Heritage Bridges Imagination and Reality
Artistic renderings from the early 1970's shaped FUSO's design direction for future generations.
FUSOLife | Die-Cast Legends of the Past
Once kings of the road, this collection of bygone-era coaches continues to inspire.
A Global Brand Shaped by Innovation and Heritage
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation was established in 2003 through the spin-off of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s truck and bus operations, at which time DaimlerChrysler (now Daimler Truck AG) acquired a majority stake in the company.
In 2019, MFTBC relocated its headquarters to the Kawasaki plant site, creating a single hub where development, production, and sales could operate seamlessly side by side.
The year 2022 marked the FUSO brand’s 90th anniversary, followed in 2023 by the 60th anniversary of FUSO’s most popular model, the light-duty Canter.
In 2026, MFTBC integrated with Hino Motors under the ARCHION Group.
MFTBC operates its own production facilities in Kawasaki, Japan and in Tramagal, Portugal. In addition, FUSO products are assembled from knock-down kits at several partner-operated plants around the world.
Making History with Japan’s First Series-Production Commercial EV in 2017
In 2017, FUSO established its credentials as a true industry leader and surprised the world by offering the first series-produced all-electric vehicle, the eCanter.
The eCanter is one of the most tested electric commercial vehicles in the world with more than 8 million kilometers of real-world driving under its belt. It has distinguished itself an ideal zero-emission solution for businesses and fleets and is currently in its third generation of production with vehicles operating on roads in five continents.
MFTBC continues to drive technological innovations in vehicle safety systems, ergonomics, and eMobility by listening to our customer’s needs in order to provide a seamless transition to sustainability through solutions that fit their business goals.
FUSO vehicles help inspire confidence, mile after mile for people, businesses and society.