Fuso’s new freighter – built for more

Fuso Trucks Southern Africa’s new product showcasing event lived up to its promise of an “unforgettable experience”. THATO TINTE reports

The launch, which took place on October 15 and 16, drew the attention of the many guests in attendance – as Fuso unveiled its light- to medium-duty FA9-137 truck.

Fuso Trucks Southern Africa – a division of Daimler Trucks and Buses – hosted guests (including dealer networks) at the impressive “reveal venue”, Steyn City – the mega lifestyle estate developed by insurance mogul, Douw Steyn.

Following addresses from head of Fuso Trucks Southern Africa, Naeem Hassim, and executive director for Daimler Trucks and Buses, Kobus van Zyl, an overview of the FA9-137 was presented by Harry Makitla, product manager at Fuso Trucks SA.

This newest member to the South African Fuso product family is hailed as “the truck poised to dominate the region”.

The FA9-137 is the first vehicle to be imported by Fuso Trucks Southern Africa from its Daimler India Commercial Vehicle (DICV) production plant, in Oragadam near Chennai, India.

DICV, a Daimler AG subsidiary, is one of the leading manufactures in the Indian commercial-vehicle market. Characterised by its “Indian engineering with German DNA”, DICV aims to focus on safety, reliability and comfort.

Fuso says this new truck signals the expansion of its range in the country, and will “set the pace for more built-in-India products in the future”.

Remarking on Fuso’s direction towards the expansion of its Indian-manufactured imports, Hassim states that, with the huge potential of the Indian market, its intention is to participate in this growing arena.

He adds that other benefits include leveraging the skills within India, as well as Fuso’s need to go where its customers are. Van Zyl proudly states that in future the FA9-137 will be assembled in South Africa.

Makitla says the 4×2 FA9-137 is equipped with a Daimler engine and fits between Fuso’s Canter and Fighter models. It has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 9,6 t that allows for a payload of up to five tonnes.

This six-speed manual-transmission truck comes with a newly developed 4D37 diesel engine and boasts an impressive output of 100 kW at 420 Nm.

Adding to the truck’s value proposition is its ability to be a “versatile workhorse”. The FA9-137 model can be fitted with various bodies such as drop side, van/box, curtain side, aerial platforms, cherry pickers, cranes, water drilling equipment, tankers and light-duty tippers.

The ergonomic cab’s functional design has many comfort features including: twin co-driver seats with headrests, cup holders, a sliding rear window, tiltable and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, smooth gear shift and a standard demister with air-conditioning.

Over and above this, accessing the FA9-137’s cab is easy as its doors open to 70o. The cabin tilts 45o to allow for convenient maintenance. Drivers will also welcome the high level of safety bolstered by the cab’s side intrusion bars in the doors.

Known as the “Bharat Benz” in India, Fuso says the truck demonstrates Daimler’s uncompromised standards, efficiency and superior quality. It currently serves all major customer segments with DICV exporting the vehicles to Asia, Africa and the Middle East, with South America to follow soon.

On the Steyn City grounds, Fuso provided guests the opportunity to experience the FA9-137. The order of the day entailed product orientation and test drives in the various truck models.

“Already successfully launched and leading in various markets, the FA9–137 is a vehicle that represents a key step in Fuso Trucks Southern Africa’s strategy of enhancing customer satisfaction, perfecting operational excellence and demonstrating our commitment to Africa’s growing markets,” Hassim enthuses.