Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America (MFTA) is bringing the name Canter to its North American models for the first time. The automaker introduced five new models at the 2011 NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, covering weight ratings from Class 3-5 and addressing vocational market needs.

The lineup includes: 

"This is the most extensive redesign we've undertaken in seven years," said Todd Bloom, president and CEO of MFTA. "We had to develop new drivetrains to meet EPA 2010 regulations, of course. But we asked our designers and engineers to go beyond that and put everything they've learned about powertrain technology and efficiency into the new Canter FE/FG series of commercial trucks."

The 2012 Canter lineup was designed to significantly lower the overall cost of ownership. MFTA has improved fuel economy by 10-20 percent and extended service intervals to 18,000 miles. In addition, payload advantages are up to 2,200-lbs. over the current leading cabover with parts pricing at 20-percent below the current market leader, according to the manufacturer. 

These trucks are ideal for vocational needs, such as dry freight, refrigerated delivery, landscaping, delicate cargo transport, municipal roadwork, and snow plowing.

Canter FE Models Enable Ease in Upfitting

The Canter FE series features standard-width 33.5-inch straight ladder frames, designed with patterned holes at regular intervals along its length and height, to enable ease in body mounting and to save weight without strength loss. The frame is made with 56,565-psi-yield-strength steel.

The 2012 model Canters feature fully trimmed cabs that provide ample driver space plus room for two passengers.

The turning diameter for Canter FE models with a 110.2-inch wheelbase is 34.1 feet. These models also feature dual-caliper hydraulic disc service brakes with vacuum servo assist and ABS on all four wheels. The Canter series also includes an electronic brake priority override system for added safety. All FE models feature a 30-gallon fuel tank.[PAGEBREAK]

FG4X4 4WD Cabover

Still the industry's only four-wheel-drive cabover, the Canter FG4X4 goes where no other trucks can, thanks to excellent ground clearance, locking hubs, and front constant velocity joints for sure-footed tracking and turning, according to MFTA. Plus, the vehicle uses heavy-duty axles, all-terrain tires, transfer case, and more.

With a 14,050-lb. GVWR, it's ideal for off-road use, light construction as a dump truck, stake body, or utility body - even snow plowing. No matter how sloppy or slippery conditions get, the FG4X4's DUONIC automated transmission feeds continuous power to all four wheels to help maintain maximum traction.

The FG4X4 uses hydraulic drum service brakes with ABS all around and includes electronic brake priority override system for added safety.

The FG4X4 features a 33-gallon fuel tank.

Standard Features Offered on All Models

MFTA's new 4P10 dual-overhead-cam (DOHC), common-rail injected, dual-turbocharged, intercooled four-cylinder diesel engine is coupled to an advanced Mitsubishi Fuso DUONIC 6-speed, dual-clutch automated manual transmission. Adoption of Daimler Commercial Truck's BlueTec emissions control system with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) emissions technology brought the new drivetrain into EPA 2010 compliance.

All models include easy-to-read instrumentation, with the instrument multi information display panel located in the driver's direct line-of-sight. Power windows and door locks are standard, with one-touch up and down on the driver's window. For added safety, the window drive mechanism immediately stops the window's upward travel if it encounters an obstacle.

The center and right-hand seats fold down to provide a work area for the driver, and extra storage compartments have been added to the cab area. Models are available in five cab colors (Natural White, Arcadia Silver, Jupiter Green, Mars Red, and Shannon Blue), and blue seat cloth is standard on all models.

Doors include a crush control beam to increase frontal impact protection. Offset door hinges allow the doors to open 70 degrees, then push forward several inches to provide full access while limiting door extension into traffic or curbside obstructions. The collapsible steering column offers tilt and telescoping adjustments via a single lever control.

The full line of Canter FE and FG series trucks includes a three-year/unlimited mileage bumper-to-bumper warranty, four-year/unlimited mileage rust-through warranty, and five-year/175,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.