Mitsubishi is working with a number of transport companies to trial its hybrid trucks
Mitsubishi Fuso is attempting to extend its reach in the UK by trialling its much vaunted hybrid trucks in and around London.
Mitsubishi Fuso in Europe has presented 10 Canter Eco Hybrids to eight customers in London as part of a three-year evaluation which willexamine the use of the 7.5-tonne hybrid trucks by customers and demonstrate the model’s efficiency.
The vehicles in the test can consume up to 15 percent less fuel than conventional diesel vehicles, in turn reducing carbon emissions.
The Canter Eco Hybrid’s performance will be documented in a variety of applications, including frequent stop-and-go delivery in the heart of London, as well as longer runs between stores and warehouses.
The eight customers involved in the fleet test are Amey, DHL, Hill Hire, Ringway, Royal Mail, Scottish and Southern, Tesco, and TNT.
The vehicles are tailored for European requirements and include hybrid systems with electric motor and the Euro 4 power train of the series-produced 7.5-ton Fuso Canter.
They will be equipped with a new measuring system to collect performance data and will be serviced by two specialized Mercedes-Benz service centres located in the London metropolitan area.
The move follows a decision by Daimler Trucks to use the Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) in Japan to direct and synchronize Daimler Trucks hybrid development activities on a global basis.
All of Daimler Trucks’ hybrid activities will be aligned under the centre, including regional hybrid personnel at the MFTBC, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Daimler Trucks North America.
MFTBC was chosen as the location for the centre because of the company’s history and expertise in hybrid vehicle innovation.
Mitsubishi Fuso has been developing hybrid vehicles for over 10 years and today offers fuel efficient, low emissions products like the Canter Eco Hybrid light-duty truck and the Aero Star Eco Hybrid bus for the Japan market.
The company has also developed the Canter Eco-D, a concept hybrid light-duty dump truck.