Mitsubishi Fuso Launches Cleanest
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| Canter Eco Hybrid features top fuel efficiency and will be first light-duty truck to meet Japans stringent, new long term emissions regulations |
| Comprehensive concept Ecology/Economy/Easy Drive combines benefits for both customers and society |
| DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche at launch event: The Canter Eco Hybrid marks a milestone for the global truck industry. Customers and the environment will both benefit from this technological advance by DaimlerChryslers Asia pillar - Mitsubishi Fuso. |
Tokyo - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation (MFTBC), an integral part of DaimlerChryslers Truck Group, today launched a pioneering hybrid electric commercial vehicle for the Japan market. The new Canter Eco Hybrid light-duty truck significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions, while providing easy operation on the job. The Canter Eco Hybrid features the best environmental performance of any commercially-available light-duty truck (LDT) in the world, and is the first LDT to comply with Japans stringent, upcoming long term emissions regulations. According to company data, it also has the best fuel efficiency of any Japanese brand of hybrid electric commercial vehicle. The vehicle was introduced today at ceremonies in Tokyo attended by DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche, Head of the DaimlerChrysler Truck Group Andreas Renschler, MFTBC President & CEO Harald Boelstler, MFTBC Chairman Keisuke Egashira, customers, press and guests. DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche said, The Canter Eco Hybrid marks a milestone for the global truck industry. Customers and the environment will both benefit from this technological advance. Our Asia truck pillar Fuso is delivering a vehicle that advances environmental sustainability and customer value, and further positions DaimlerChrysler as a world leader in commercial truck technology. DaimlerChrysler Truck Group Head Andreas Renschler explained, Fusos strategic role within our Truck Group is well-defined and includes the companys role as the global competence center for hybrid technology. The new Canter Eco Hybrid is perfect proof of the strength of Fuso in this area which benefits our entire Truck Group. MFTBC CEO Harald Boelstler stressed, This vehicle shows our full commitment to the environment, our customers and the society in general. Fuso employees are very proud on the Canter Eco Hybrid, which will help make the world a little better. |
Extending Hybrid Experience |
As the DaimlerChrysler Truck Groups hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) center, Fuso is charged with developing advanced hybrid technologies, including systems which will extend worldwide in the future. The new Canter Eco Hybrid joins another Mitsubishi Fuso hybrid vehicle already in commercial production and strengthens MFTBCs leadership role in this technology segment. In 2004, Fuso launched the Aero Nonstep HEV bus, a 68-passenger city bus with hybrid drive. The bus is now in operation by customers in Shizuoka, Aichi and Gifu, Japan. Today, the company is taking another step forward by introducing hybrid technology into its core Canter LDT line. |
Beginning Production and Deliveries |
Fuso is now beginning customer deliveries of the Canter Eco Hybrid in Japan. Mitsubishi Fuso expects to sell several hundred Canter Eco Hybrids by the end of 2006, with the number increasing in the coming years. The new Canter Eco Hybrid - weighing 2,830- 2,870 kilograms with a payload capacity from 2000-3000 kg -- is specified for numerous applications in city delivery, refuse pickup and other industries. Fuso is first launching the Canter Eco Hybrid in Japan, while evaluating the product for international markets. The vehicle will be produced at the companys Kawasaki Manufacturing Plant, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is now available through all Mitsubishi Fuso dealerships in Japan. |
Developed with Global Quality Standards |
The Canter Eco Hybrid was developed by a cross-functional Mitsubishi Fuso team using the Fuso Product Development (FPD) system. Based on the global standards of DaimlerChrysler, FPD is a method for managing the entire vehicle development process, from concept to design to launch. Products must pass through stringent quality validation gates, where they are evaluated by cross-functional teams. Only when the product meets all quality requirements can it move to the next stage of development. The advanced system ensures that products are launched on time with maximum assurance of quality. |
Ecology/Economy/Easy Drive Concept | |
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Overall, the Ecology/Economy/Easy Drive concept of the Canter Eco Hybrid leads to an ideal balance of low emissions, low fuel consumption and ease of operation for driver and owner. |
Eco Hybrid Components and Operation |
The Canter Eco Hybrid achieves Ecology/Economy/Easy Drive through state-of-the-art design and components. The core of the system is a newly-developed, small-displacement diesel engine. The 3-liter DOHC, 16-valve intercooled turbo-diesel engine generates 92kW at 3200 rpm and 294 N at 1,700 rpm. It incorporates new technologies like a new diesel particulate filter for trapping PMs and a high precision, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for reducing NOx. The central components of the hybrid system on the Canter Eco Hybrid are this newly developed small displacement diesel engine; plus an ultra-slim electric motor/generator (35 kW); a high performance Lithium(Li)-ion battery; and the INOMAT-II automated mechanical transmission. The Canter Eco Hybrid features a parallel hybrid system. That means power to drive the vehicle comes from the vehicles electric motor, the diesel engine or both. Fuel efficiency and emissions reduction are achieved by using them singly, or in combination with each other according to driving conditions. The hybrid system switches its operational mode according to the driving situation. The electric motor is used to drive the vehicle when starting off. During hard acceleration, both the diesel engine and electric motor/generator power the vehicle. When cruising, the vehicle is driven by the diesel engine only, like a conventional vehicle. When slowing down or braking, the electric motor/generator functions as a generator to brake the vehicle. The generator converts brake energy into electric energy and stores it in the Lithium(Li)-ion battery for the next moving off or acceleration. The INOMAT-II transmission contributes to the process by providing smooth and efficient shifting during operations. |
Additional Benefits Toward Ecology/Economy/Easy Drive | |
In addition to its benchmark emissions reduction and fuel economy, the Canter Eco Hybrid has other key features and benefits underscoring to the Ecology/Economy/Easy Drive concept:
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The Latest Step |
According to MFTBC Chairman Egashira, the Canter Eco Hybrid launch is yet another development in Mitsubishi Fusos strong forward momentum. Mitsubishi Fuso is committed to environmental friendliness in all of our operations. This new vehicle and our other efforts shows MFTBCs regard for society as we strive to be Number One for our customers and the most reliable company for all our stakeholders. |
About MFTBC |
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asias leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2005, the company sold a total of 178,900 vehicles including light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. In the international markets outside Japan MFTBC sold approximately 119,000 units (wholesale) in 2005, a new international sales record for the company. DaimlerChrysler AG owns 85% of MFTBC shares. The remaining 15% of shares are held by various Mitsubishi group companies. MFTBC is an integral part of DaimlerChryslers Truck Group. |