January 26th, 2024

Hong Kong – Universal Cars Limited and FUSO announced the launch of the all-new FUSO eCanter electric light-duty truck at the FUSO Service Center in Yuen Long. It marks the first overseas release of the new generation eCanter in the Asian market outside of Japan, highlighting FUSO’s strong commitment to the electric truck market in Hong Kong and its significant step towards meeting the increasingly critical standards of eco-friendly freight transport. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions, we partner with the local freight industry and truck users in our journey towards carbon-neutral transportation. The unveiling ceremony was presided over by Mr. Kyu-Sang Cho, Vice President of Daimler Commercial Vehicles South East Asia Pte. Ltd., and Mr. Will Fung, Director of Commercial Vehicle of Sime Darby Motors Hong Kong. Two models of the eCanter were showcased at the event, allowing attendees to experience the charm of the eCanter up close.

Embracing the environmental movement towards a future of sustainability
Upholding Sime Darby’s longstanding philosophy of emissions reduction, Universal Cars Limited is committed to building an energy-efficient product portfolio, increasing investments in sustainable innovation, and supporting the Group’s overarching agenda of delivering sustainable futures. The exceptional all-electric eCanter is readily available for immediate order and is expected to arrive at the second quarter of 2024 at its earliest to fulfil the need of eager businesses, allowing them to achieve the realization of the sustainability strategy (ESG) and the construction of an environmentally conscious society. eCanter serves as a valuable asset in helping corporates achieve their sustainability goals and foster the development of a greener society.

Incomparable Flexible
Being the first Japanese electric truck in Hong Kong, the eCanter offers great flexibility in terms of its wheelbase, payload capacity, and the types of bodies that can be installed. Universal Cars Limited offers a total of 7 models with 3 battery capacities and 6 wheelbase options, catering to diverse body requirements. The eCanter can be equipped with an electric Power Take-off Unit (ePTO) that is compatible with the existing diesel truck body equipment such as tipper bodies, refuse collection bodies, or even refrigerated bodies.

Optimal Cost Efficiency
The latest eCanter is equipped with a newly developed eAxle that integrates the motor with the rear axle, facilitating a more compact drivetrain structure. Utilizing innovative technologies such as regenerative braking, the eCanter offers performance comparable to diesel Canter trucks while enjoying the cost efficiency advantages of electric vehicles. The eCanter is also equipped with the unique FUSO telematics solution, “Truckonnect®️”, which allows users to access vehicle information via the internet, such as remaining battery capacity, vehicle status, and range. By enabling quick responses to different business situations, the Truckonnect®️ enhances operational efficiency.

Latest Safety Feature
FUSO eCanter had undergone road tests for more than 1 million kilometers before its official release. Since its launch in 2017, eCanter has been on the road in many regions including Japan, Europe, and Australia. It has a total driving distance of more than 10 million kilometers, which is equivalent to encircling the earth approximately 200 times, fully demonstrating its reliability.*

* According to MFTBC studies as of January 2024

The all-new eCanter is equipped with upgraded safety features that prioritize the protection of drivers and other road users. The Active Sideguard Assist® 1.0, introduced for the first time on FUSO light-duty trucks, reduces the risk of accidents during turning and lane changes by monitoring the blind spots on the sides of the truck. The Active Attention Assist® analyzes the information gathered from the white line recognition camera and issue warnings when necessary. The Intelligent Headlight Control ensures optimal visibility by automatically adjusting the headlights to adapt to different light environments, providing the best visibility in any lighting conditions.

Modern interior and exterior design
Seamless flowing lines from the dashboard to the left and right pillar grips create a unified aesthetic and spacious cabin, while the vibrant orange colour throughout conveys a sense of agility. The multifunctional dashboard, integrated with the steering wheel and a 10-inch full IPS panel, provides drivers with more information at their fingertips.

About FUSO eCanter
The eCanter is the first series-produced, all-electric truck in the Japanese market, developed by MFTBC as a solution to urban environmental issues such as noise, exhaust gas, and CO2 emissions. With its electric motor, the eCanter achieves zero local emissions and generates less noise and vibration compared to conventional diesel-powered vehicles. This makes it well-suited for inner-city routes and operations during late night and early morning hours.

Following the launch of the initial model in 2017, MFTBC introduced an improved version with enhanced safety features in August 2020. In September 2022, MFTBC unveiled a fully remodeled new model. Since its introduction, the eCanter has gained popularity among customers in Japan, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The new model is scheduled to be rolled out in more overseas markets.

For more information, please contact:

Universal Cars Limited
Elaine Chan / Janice Yeung
Tel: 3913 8030
Email: fuso@simedarby.com.hk

Universal Cars Limited at a Glance

Universal Cars Limited has been the sole agent of Mitsubishi automobiles in Hong Kong and Macau since 1968. We offer an extensive variety of vehicles, ranging from passenger cars to commercial and public vehicles, in hope of providing customer with commuting solutions as well as exclusive driving experiences. Our commercial vehicles are responsible for transporting goods and delivering services in a safe and efficient manner, making us a reliable partner of many entrepreneurs.

FUSO at a Glance

FUSO is a Daimler Truck brand, offering a range of commercial vehicles from light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks and buses, to industrial engines and connectivity solutions for over 170 markets worldwide. A longstanding landmark in Japan’s commercial vehicle landscape, the brand has leveraged Japanese quality and craftsmanship to set benchmarks in efficiency, safety, and comfort for more than 90 years. FUSO is particularly renowned for its offerings in the light-duty segment. The Canter light-duty truck claims the top market share in various markets around the world. In 2017 the eCanter became the first series-produced all-electric light-duty truck in Japan, establishing FUSO as a pioneer in eMobility. FUSO promises customers a “Future Together,” a bold claim that continues to drive the brand’s contributions to safe and sustainable transport.

MFTBC at a Glance

Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer. The company offers customers light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks and buses under the FUSO brand, with 89.29% of its shares owned by Daimler AG and 10.71% by various Mitsubishi group companies. MFTBC is an integral part of the Daimler Trucks division of Daimler AG.

Daimler Trucks Asia at a Glance

Daimler Trucks Asia (DTA) is an organizational unit that jointly operates Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) – an icon of the Japanese commercial vehicle industry with more than 80 years of history – and Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a young challenger in the Indian market. DTA has a strategic business model that allows its group entities to collaborate in product development, production, exports, sourcing and research activity to provide the best of value products.