Fuso on a growth path

Ten percent market share by 2020 … that’s the goal set by Daimler Trucks & Buses South Africa for its Fuso Trucks brand.

With the Mercedes-Benz brand now positioned exclusively in the extra-heavy segment of the market, Fuso is now the dedicated brand in the stable for mediums and heavies. The brand has, therefore, undergone a few changes … and received a key new model.

A large investment is being made in the Fuso brand, including its people, products and dealers. Going forward, customers will walk into Fuso-dedicated dealers and deal with Fuso-dedicated staff (the Fuso team has been increased by 46 percent so far). The brand is already off to a good start, achieving gold in the 2017 dealer-satisfaction survey.

Part of the plan includes introducing new models every year – as the Fuso team has done each year since 2014. Introduced last year, but officially launched now, is the baby in the Fuso Trucks range: the Canter LIFT FE4-130.

The FE4-130 offers a 4,9-t gross vehicle mass and a payload of 2,9 t. It can be had with a manual or Duonic automated-manual transmission, though only in 4×2 drive configuration. The chassis can be fitted with up to 50 different body variations.

Furthermore, the Fuso Canter TD range (originally launched in 2006) has received a cosmetic facelift.

“Our aim of achieving ten-percent market share requires 60-percent growth from our current base. That does not happen overnight … but we have brand awareness, dedicated people and solutions, the right products and there are lots of opportunities,” concludes Jasper Hafkamp, executive director, Daimler Trucks & Buses South Africa.