FUSO expanded its presence in the Southern Tagalog region with the recent opening of its newest dealership in Kawit, Cavite.
Helmed by Best Southern Genesis Motors Inc. (BSGMI), one of the major automotive dealer groups in the region, the company recently inaugurated its new showroom within the developing area along Centennial road.
Gracing the occasion were Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) President and CEO Mutsuhiro Oshikiri, Daimler Regional Center for SEA Vice President of Fuso Sales and Customer Services Antonio Randazzo, BSGMI Fuso President Clyde Chua, MMPC Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Corporate Secretary Dante Santos, Sojitz Corp. General Manager for Automotive Department 3 Hideo Hatada, and Sojitz Corp. Assistant General Manager for Automotive Department 3 Takatsugu Nitanai, along with local government officials.
The new dealership offers an expansive 260-square-meter floor area with eight service bays—fully capable of accommodating vehicle sales, parts and service requirements of its customers. Outside, meantime, the property has a wide service area driveway and generous parking area up front. Moreover, the building layout boasts a neat façade with an all-glass front panels to attract more natural daylight and high ceiling with good ventilation, making trucks on display to be more visible from the outside.
With the newly inaugurated BSGMI Fuso Kawit dealership along with the timely upgrade of the Fuso lineup, customers now have a wider choice of truck models for all business applications and servicing requirements. Likewise, Fuso aims to augment its product and operational offerings to further address the growing market demand for reliable, durable, and high-quality trucks and buses nationwide.
Meanwhile, two of Fuso’s models—the 2018 FI and FJ truck series—that have become the prime choices for today’s commercial businesses since its introduction were also presented. These truck models are key steps to Fuso’s vision as the market for medium- and heavy-duty trucks are steadily increasing. Aside from the Euro 4 emission compliance, the truck manufacturer engineered significant ancillary improvements to the FI and FJ models to allow for smoother operations and driver efficiency.
Fuso FI
The six-wheeler FI 1217R presents a competitive advantage in the medium-duty segment. This 12-tonner truck is powered by a new-generation 4D37 diesel engine generating 175 hp and 520 N-m of maximum torque. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, it offers consistent gradeability on the road, as well as smooth and improved driver turnaround time. For improved functionality, the FI 1217R is integrated with a Variable Engine RPM Control that enables the driver or porter to set his or her preferred RPM setting varying from the load required by the Power Take-Off (PTO).
The updated aerodynamic front fascia highlights an aggressive look. Aside from the style factor, the aerodynamic styling also promotes better fuel economy and reduces wind noise inside the cabin. Ancillary improvements on the FI’s cab exterior include the new Solar Windshield, which reduces the amount of heat being transmitted to the cabin. Moreover, door openings are made wider for ease of ingress and egress. The FI series interior, meantime, is fitted with LED room lamps for better cabin illumination and an additional storage compartment by ceiling. Fuso has also installed a new Intelligent Meter Cluster for liquid crystal display of vital driving indicators. As an added convenience, the cabin comes with a single-DIN audio system with a USB port. Aside from the auxiliary fog lamps and clear FTSL auxiliary lamps within the bumper for added illumination at night and during inclement weather, the FI is also equipped with a Cruise Control option for added driving ease and avoiding speed-limit violations.
Fuso FJ
Representing the heavy-duty lineup, this 25-tonner and 10-wheeler FJ 2528C can lade up to 16 cubic meters of variable load application. These specifications allow the variant to accommodate various types of body applications, including Mixer and Dump bodies. Powered by a fuel-efficient 6S20 diesel engine, it delivers 285 hp and 1,120 N-m of maximum torque. Paired to a nine-speed manual transmission, the FJ 2528C’s powertrain is well-designed for improved gradeability, better acceleration, and fuel economy. Additionally, this truck comes with a Differential Lock Buzzer that alerts the driver of the differential lock-on condition. Frame members with added thickness are shot-peened and powder-coated for greater surface strength and resistance to corrosion. Taller stacks of main and helper springs are also installed to its rear suspension for increased load carrying capability.
Sporting a modern aerodynamic front fascia, Fuso is designed for fuel-efficiency and cabin noise reduction. For better illumination, the Fuso FJ is equipped with new Dual Chamber Headlamps with integrated LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRL). Interior-wise, the 2018 FJ comes with improved ergonomics and newly designed fabric seat material for additional comfort plus an additional LED Room Lamp for increased cabin illumination. There’s also a single-DIN audio system integrated with a USB port. For safety features, the added Cruise Control and Variable RPM control will be useful for long drives across major highways. Moreover, all variants are configured with a Seat Belt Reminder, Central Lock mechanism, and are also fitted with wider doors for easy ingress.
Image credits: Randy S Peregrino