Here are 3 advantages of Fuso trucks over competitors

Recently, Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation (SFP) revealed that it enjoyed a 35 percent growth in 2024 with a 13.2 percent share of the truck market among members of the Truck Manufacturer’s Association. 

On that note, Zigwheels Philippines asked SPF General Manager Dan Jalbuna about the brand’s edge over its competitors. The marque’s executive cited three examples that set Fuso trucks apart from others. 

Driving comfort 

The first advantage Jalbuna noted was the comfort one gets to enjoy when driving a Fuso truck. 

It is understandable why commercial vehicle drivers would opt to use a truck that would ease their work, given the demanding daily tasks they have on their shoulders. In addition, the tropical climate we have tends to add to the load they have to bear when out on the field. 

That said, the Fuso Canter FE71 light-duty truck is fitted with amenities that would make drivers and their assistants comfortable. 

For example, the said nameplate boasts driver’s seats with side bolsters. Not only does the side support make the seat more plush, but it also makes sitting and driving for long hours more bearable. The seat cushion for this model — according to the brand’s literature — has also been expanded. 

The design and layout of the truck’s cabin are also made more stylish while retaining some utilitarian elements. According to Fuso, what this does is “it brings peace to the interior as well as the driver,” providing a “professional setting” for those who spend their working hours on the road. 

Keeping the cabin tidy is also easy as the Fuso Canter FE71 is equipped with plenty of storage options. Those who are interested in knowing where they can stow away their daily items (like pens, folders, and paperwork) can refer to the list below: 

• Overhead shelf
• Floor console 
• Center tray

Cost of ownership, aftersales experience

Next, the Fuso General Manager told the author that their trucks also shine when it comes to the long-term cost of ownership and the overall aftersales experience. 

He explained that while the upfront cost of purchasing a Fuso truck might be on the expensive side, the succeeding cost of maintaining and operating one will prove to be cheaper compared to those of trucks from other brands. 

“That is something customers have to be aware (cost of ownership), because upfront, our vehicles might tend to be priced higher, but in terms of aftersales and cost, we are better than the competition,” Jalbuna stated. 

Fuso Health Check 

A while back, SPF launched the Fuso Health Check, which targets fleet accounts to receive a free 30-point inspection (which will be done on-site for added convenience) and up to 25 percent discounts on additional replacement parts recommended by the Fuso Service Team. 

Upon checking the company’s website (link to page, here), the said program is still active until the end of the month, March 31, 2025. 

Fuso Mobile Sevice 

Some trucks can still run into problems despite proper care and maintenance, that is why SFP  is offering emergency roadside assistance for vehicles that might encounter a breakdown while on the road. 

Based on the company’s website, the Fuso Mobile Service Truck that will attend to its customers is equipped to handle light to heavy servicing and corrective repairs such as:

• Engine oil, filter replacement
• Tune-up 
• Brake inspections 
• Lubricant, fluid checking, replacement
• Belt, brake component replacement
• Clutch repairs

Wide dealership network

Finding a dealership should fleet managers and operators need to talk to mechanics, technicians, and sales people will also be easy. 

In 2022, SFP was honored with the Daimler Truck Network Expansion Award for its efforts in spreading its reach in the Philippines. At the time of writing, Fuso has 19 standalone dealership outlets (with 20 shared facilities) across the country. 

You may find them in the table below: 

	Standalone dealerships	Shared facilities
Luzon	Tarlac, Cabanatuan, Urdaneta, Pampanga, Otis, Pasay, Makati, Cainta/Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, Carmona, Kawit, Lipa, Palawan	Bulacan, FB Harrison, Jose Abad Santos, Balintawak, Alabang, Las Pinas, San Pablo, Naga, Taytay
Visayas	Mactan, Iloilo	Mandaue, Cebu South, Roxas, Bacolod, Tacloban, Ormoc, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete
Mindanao	Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Davao	Butuan, Ozamiz, Zamboanga

 

Fuel efficiency 

Lastly, Jalbuna noted that Fuso trucks are fuel-efficient, making them good investments.

Some time in 2023, SFP introduced the automated manual transmission (AMT) to the previously mentioned Canter FE71. Per the truck brand, its AMT technology combines the fuel efficiency of a manual transmission and the ease of driving one enjoys with an automatic slushbox. 

In a fuel economy run (observed by the Automobile Association of the Philippines), the Fuso Canter FE71 with AMT clocked in at 11.6 kilometers per liter at mixed driving conditions (with regulated speed limits and light to no traffic). The truck covered some 356 kilometers with a 100-kilogram load. 

“Fuel efficiency, yun’ yung hindi usually nakikita. Pero we have customers who have been commenting such (fuel efficiency, that’s what you don’t usually see. But we have customers who have been commenting such), Jalbuna commented. 

Also read:

Fuso PH sells nearly 1.4K units in 2024, enjoys 35% growth

AP Cargo adds more Fuso Canter FE73 units to boost fleet

Fuso PH turns over Canter trucks to Ilocos Sur LGU