Fuso extends SA line-up

Fuso Trucks, a part of Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa, has extended its local model line-up and added new features to popular derivatives in its range 

Japanese truck manufacturer Fuso has introduced four new models to South Africa – and facelifted a further five – in a bid to capitalise on the brand’s growing popularity in the southern African region.

Speaking in Centurion at the launch of the FI12-170, the FJ 18-280 in short- and long-wheelbase form, and the FJ26-280 – as well as the reintroduction of facelifted models in the FA9-137, FJ16-230 and FJ26-280C line-ups – Jasper Hafkamp, CEO of Daimler Truck and Bus South Africa, said the brand’s goal was to achieve a ten-percent market share by the end of 2020.

“At the end of last year, Fuso’s share of the market stood at 5,3 percent. We would like to see that increase to 7,0 percent by the end of this year, and to ten percent by the end of 2020,” he said. “Despite an unpredictable economy, our projections show that there is likely to be growth in the construction, distribution and long-haul segments of the market. We believe the models we have introduced will go a long way to meeting the needs of those sectors.”

Hafkamp said in the 12 months since July last year, Fuso’s order intake had increased by 23 percent, with four out of every ten of the brand’s trucks sold going to new customers. “Fuso trucks are known for their reliability, quality and fuel efficiency,” he said. “What’s more, the brand shares technology and development expertise with Mercedes-Benz, so there’s plenty of pedigree in the nameplate. One of our major aims in the southern African region is to build customer loyalty.”

Ziyad Gaga, head of Fuso Trucks, reiterated that introduction of the new models and the upgrading of the old was to ensure that the brand’s products were constantly improved to meet customer needs. He listed performance, fuel-efficiency, safety and driver comfort as being among the features that had received the attention of development teams.

“Engines have been equipped with E-viscous fans that operate only when necessary, improving fuel economy by reducing the load on the powertrain. Variable engine rev control provides demand-based rpm settings, while the addition of cruise control helps to promote fatigue-free driving and reduce fuel consumption on the open road.”

To add comfort to the cabin environment, he said windscreens now incorporated sun filters. Additional cabin roof storage provided more space and convenience for drivers. Audio systems had been added and LED lamps installed for better interior illumination and improved aesthetics. A seat-belt reminder was another feature that promoted safety, along with dual-chamber headlamps that included daytime running lights.

“All in all, the various safety features complement strong and sturdy vehicles. With a reputation for top class ability across a range of applications, the new and upgraded Fuso trucks are attractive, reliable, economical and comfortable,” Gaga said.

He added: “We continue to grow in the various market segments in which we compete as a result of constantly being in close contact with our customers. This means we know that one of the major challenges faced by customers is the inherent complexity of operating in the current transport industry.

“Simplicity applies to providing vehicles that are flexible, allowing for a wide number of applications. Superior trucks are crucial to all market segments. Customers also demand we provide them with simply better trucks in order to achieve their objectives.”