THE FREIGHTLINER/FUSO division represents the Freightliner Corporation and Mitsubishi FUSO Truck and Bus Corporation in South Africa. 

Mitsubishi FUSO Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is 65% owned by DaimlerChrysler AG and in South Africa this marque represents the FUSO truck range, which includes the popular Canter models. 

During 2004 the Mitsubishi FUSO range was expanded in South Africa with the addition of more Canter  models to expand that range to 4 models. Cloete said that the Canter range will be further expanded in 2005. 

The heavier FUSO FK and FM ranges were introduced to the South African market in 2004. "This is the first step to expand the FUSO model offerings in South Africa and to also compete in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segments," said Cloete. 

The FK and FM range starts with a 10 tonne freight carrier (FK10-162) and extends to a 16 tonne freight carrier (FM16- 253). A 14 tonne freight carrier ((FM14-213) and 15 tonne tipper ((FM15-253) completes the current line-up. 

Engines are 6-cylinder in-line, water cooled direct injection diesel for the FK10-162, with the rest of the models featuring a turbo with intercooler. 

"These new models have been selected specifically for their suitability to the South African operating conditions and we are confident that these trucks will further strengthen our position in the South African market," Cloete said in conclusion.