The Canter, a light duty truck sold by Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), is sold in more than 70 markets around the world. Highly acclaimed in Japan and overseas, the Canter celebrated its 60th anniversary in March 2023.

As global momentum builds towards decarbonization, MFTBC released the “eCanter” in 2017 as Japan’s first series-produced electric light duty truck that emits no CO₂ or other gases when driving. Following the introduction in 2020 of the second generation featuring cutting-edge safety functions, MFTBC launched the fully remodeled third generation eCanter in March 2023 in Japan, in the milestone 60th anniversary year.

The word “canter” in English refers to a horse moving forward, much like a gallop, but smoother and slower. The first generation of the Canter, T720, was introduced in March 1963 at a time when transportation needs were increasing both in terms of distance and speed due to Japan’s rapid economic growth. The 2-ton cabover model featuring a wide field of view and easy operability was the first light duty truck to be launched under the FUSO brand. Equipped with a 68-horsepower high-performance compact diesel engine, the T720 was highly acclaimed for its excellent traveling performance and fuel economy.

Soon after its launch, the Canter made inroads into overseas markets over the 1960s. In Indonesia, the product became a long seller, having now maintained the top market share in the light duty truck segment for the past 48 years. These days, knock-down production (a production method in which components are exported and assembled locally) is carried out in 12 overseas markets, and the completed vehicles are exported to over 60 countries around the world including in Africa, Central and South America, and the Middle East. The Canter thus leads the light duty truck segment in the global market.

Throughout its six-decade history, the Canter has taken on new challenges to meet the needs of the times, succeeding, for example, in offering driver comfort and greater traveling performance, achieving environmental performance through higher levels of fuel efficiency and hybrid technology, pursuing durability, strengthening safety through the development of advanced safety technologies, and adopting a stylish exterior design. In 2020, MFTBC unveiled a new model with a redesigned exterior featuring the FUSO brand’s now signature “black belt” as the first light duty truck in Japan to be equipped with Active Sideguard Assist, a safety feature that helps prevent collisions with pedestrians or cyclists when making a left turn. As such the Canter continues to evolve.

Mari Takemura of MFTBC explains the philosophy behind the success. “The pioneering spirit of staying ahead of the times for the benefit of customers and society has been passed on throughout the long history of the Canter,” she notes. “The truck will keep evolving by honing its leading edge to achieve even greater safety, security, and innovative performance.”