By Theodore Opara

THE Nigerian auto market is obviously not lacking when it comes to different brands of automobiles, and even more interesting is the truck segment where the competition is tense because the country is a growing market. The names are many, but one name that has stood the test of time over the years is the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter, a light truck distributed in Nigeria by CFAO Motors Nigeria Limited.

Mitsubishi Fuso Canter

CFAO Motors’ marriage to Mitsubishi Fuso is not surprising because it is a collaboration between an outstanding motor distribution company with international reckoning and a leading name in auto manufacturing.

Little wonder the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter was voted as the Light Truck of the Year at the recently held Nigeria Auto Journalists Awards, an award that was received on behalf of the company by the Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Kunle Jaiyesimi and the Marketing Manager, Funmi Abiola.

The Fuso Canter has always delivered outstanding safety and economy, even as the new generation Canter adds a performance dimension of drivers’ comfort. It has been designed from the drivers’ perspective which happens to upgrade the world standard for Light Duty Trucks.

CFAO Motors Nigeria Limited recently unveiled a new Mitsubishi Fuso trucks range with 5 new models, the light-medium-duty (GVW 9-16 tons referred to as ‘FA’ / ‘FI’ and FK’/FM) and the medium-heavy-duty (GVW 25tons referred to as ‘FJ’,), thus providing an offer to fit any customer.

The Canter doesn’t just do the job but it lets you do it with unprecedented ease and that’s because the newly designed interior prioritizes amenities and comfort for the driver. Generous interior dimensions, extensive storage space and advanced ergonomics combine to make the cabin a most relaxing place to work.

The Canter engines have the power for your light-duty needs. Their proven performance comes hand in hand with durability, fuel efficiency, reliability, plus clean emissions for the environment. With a wide range of available payload configurations, the Canter Series has the versatility for a great variety of applications with 3 different weight (GVW) ranges; 4.5 Tons, 6.5 Tons and 7.2 Tons.

The Canter is simple in design and Powerful in execution. The Chassis is built with strong, robust frame for versatile body solutions. The doorwell structural frame, side door beams, reinforced cab floor and box frame provides for a rigid cab structure.

The Spacious cabin seats three passengers and is loaded with equipment and storage space which provides supreme comfort.  The Canter is packed with comfort – oriented features like; Reclining Seat, Telescopic and Tilt Steering Wheel, Optimized Pedal Positions,  Room Lamp, Driver’s Sun Visor, Radio +CD player.

In a first for cab-over trucks, the gearshift is mounted in the dash. This enables relaxed driving positions and also clears the way for easy movement across the front seat. The company says “Our engineers paid particular attention during development to keeping your costs low, creating a reliable, durable vehicle with frugal yet powerful engines.

Lowering operating cost

Equipped with a Mitsubishi Fuso 4D33-6A four cylinder diesel engine, rated output of 83kW (113 hp) and a peak torque of 304 Nm and piston displacement of 4.2L”. With a more pulling power and performance than is expected for its class, the fuel efficiency, common rail, direct injection engine with four valves per cylinder is designed to deliver ample power and torque while lowering operating cost.

For business growth, the frame members in the chassis are not only deeper and thicker, they are shot-peened & powder coated for greater surface strength and resistance to corrosion. The Rear suspensions with a taller stack of laminated leaf springs enhances load capacity, while thicker leaves also increases durability making the Canter Trucks able to carry bigger loads.

The Canter has been built to serve as a multipurpose truck for diverse needs in areas like distribution, construction, carrier, and other specialised applications, hence its relevancy in the market and making it the best truck in the Light Duty range.