Feature Article
Introducing NZ’s safest light truck – the new FUSO Canter
In addition to the above, new standard features include a passenger-side airbag and all-new seven-inch touchscreen – compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto – linked to a reversing camera (optional on tipper models).
“The new model is available from April and signals the beginning of an exciting period for Fuso New Zealand,” said Fuso NZ managing director Kurtis Andrews. “Over the next 12 months, we have some exciting product developments to share with the market. Canter is one of our most important models, so it is fitting that it should lead the charge.”
Canter’s new safety features join a high level of existing features, such as a brake priority system, Hill Start Assist, heated rear-view mirrors and a reinforced ECE-R29 cab, which combine to make Canter the safest light truck available.
The launch also introduces Fuso NZ’s new ‘We look after our own’ brand position, which underpins the brand’s undertaking to support customers’ businesses through exceptional value, trusted service and advanced technology, improving overall performance, return on investment and, most importantly, enhancing driver and road user safety.
“When it comes to safety, we take our responsibility to drivers, other road users and the transport industry as a whole extremely seriously. The new generation Canter is our first step towards improving safety across our range and building a safer fleet on our national road network,” said Andrews.
More than 11,000 Canters have been registered in New Zealand since its inception 45 years ago. Fuso NZ believes the new generation model will appeal strongly to new and existing customers looking for a dependable, cost-effective and versatile light truck that better protects their drivers and their investment.
“We understand what operators expect from a truck and have always been committed to delivering on that,” said Andrews. “Canter has always been one of the most popular light trucks in New Zealand – a tried and trusted investment for single-unit owner-operators to giant multinationals.”
“In terms of efficiency and performance, FUSO’s DUONIC automated manual transmission is still class-leading and our tippers were the first (and remain the only) light trucks in New Zealand to feature a limited slip differential.
“Canter’s new safety offering is the next step in this iconic truck’s evolution, placing a premium on the wellbeing of our drivers, which is vital to the future health of our industry.”
FUSO’s 34-strong 2019 Canter range – offers the most comprehensive safety package ever seen in a light truck in New Zealand, including:
Active Emergency Braking System
AEBS helps to avoid or mitigate collisions in certain circumstances by using a radar to monitor the road ahead.
If a moving pedestrian is detected ahead, or a vehicle ahead suddenly brakes, the radar triggers visual and audio warnings followed by automatic braking activation, depending on proximity to the obstacle ahead.
Drivers can override AEBS by pressing the accelerator.
Lane Departure Warning System
LDWS operates at speeds over 60km/h to reduce the risk of lane departure accidents caused by distraction or fatigue.
A camera behind the windscreen detects lane markings and triggers visual and audio alerts if the vehicle crosses without the indicator deployed.
Electronic Brake System
Individually controls the brake pressure applied to each of Canter’s four disc brakes to provide optimised stopping power regardless of loading and road conditions. This is in addition to the standard ABS system that the Canter has enjoyed for many years.
Electronic Stability Control
ESC employs a steering sensor and yaw rate sensor to detect loss of control. This information is relayed to a hydraulic unit, which applies appropriate brake force to individual wheels to aid steering control and improve stability.
All-new 7” Touchscreen with Reversing Camera
An on-dash screen relays images from the rear-mounted reversing camera and works with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for hands-free talking text-to-speech functionality. Four additional cameras reverse sensors and tyre pressure monitoring are further optional extras.
