Forty years ago, New Zealand freight transport was experiencing a period of major transformation. In 1971, Todd Motors introduced Fuso to spearhead the new era.  

The arrival of the first Fuso (the T811) was perfectly timed, coinciding with an easing of restrictions on how far trucks could carry goods, which allowed much stronger competition with the railways.  

Rated to 38 tonnes, the T811 ran a 265 hp 13-litre V8 diesel and was fitted with a 13-speed Eaton Fuller Roadranger transmission to deal with New Zealand’s rugged terrain. The first truck was road-tested by Refrigerated Freight Lines and, in testament to Fuso reliability, is still roadworthy today with more than 1.5 million km on the clock.  

Fuso trucks began rolling off the Todd assembly line in Petone late 1972, overseen by one Roger White; then product engineering manager.  Fuso’s reputation was further enhanced with the introduction in 1983 of the V8 400 series, delivering mechanical reliability matched with a level of cab comfort and quietness that set new standards for heavy trucks.

The name and range has gone from strength to strength and Fuso celebrates its 40th anniversary having been crowned New Zealand’s No.1 heavy commercial vehicle brand. It now has more models to its name (43) than years, working countrywide in support of businesses from single-unit owneroperators to giant multinationals managing vast fleets.

Backed by leading warranty and genuine parts support, Fuso continues to provide the reliability and cost-efficiency that Kiwi operators rightly demand.  With its half-century on the horizon, the brand continues to evolve. The two new models that arrive this year will offer even more of the performance and driver comfort for which NZ’s No. 1 truck brand is renowned.