Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) inaugurated the very first Fuso dealership outlet in the country that will be dedicated to the sale of brand new Fuso vehicle and aftermarket services. The FUSO dealership, under the management of Diamond Motor Corporation (DMC), is strategically located along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City.

With approximately 2,891 square meters lot area, DMC FUSO Quezon Ave. (DMC FUSO QA) is fully-capable of accommodating the aftersales demands of FUSO customers, from Light-Duty up to their Heavy Duty trucks. DMC FUSO QA has a total of five work bays, complete tools, equipment and genuine spare parts, and manufacturer-certified technicians. Its showroom is open to customers from 9:00am until 6:00pm during Monday to Saturday while the service shop is open from 7:00am until 4:00pm from Monday to Friday.

At the same event, MMPC unveiled two new truck models, the Fuso FI and FJ in an effort to gain a later share of the truck market. Previewed at the 6th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) last September, the Fuso FI and FJ were officially unveiled. These two world-class Fuso workhorses will fill in Fuso’s line-up in the medium and heavy-duty category.

The 6-wheeler FUSO FI 1217R with a Gross Vehicle Weight of 11,990 kilograms is FUSO’s additional entry in the Medium Duty Truck segment. Equipped with a new generation 4D37 diesel engine, the FUSO FI is capable of delivering 172 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque while lowering operating cost. Its 6-speed manual transmission is designed for smoother operation to improve driving efficiency.

Aside from the high performance powertrain, the durability of the FI is also indisputable. With the deeper and thicker frame members in the chassis that are shot-peened and powder-coated, it gained greater surface strength and resistance to corrosion. The rear suspensions are also installed with taller stack of laminated leaf spring to provide higher capacity to carry bigger loads.

One of the appealing points of the Fuso FI is its new stylish and aerodynamic front fascia design which makes it more fuel efficient and reduces wind noise for a quieter cabin. It is also equipped with wide halogen lamps with manual adjust headlamp leveler allowing the driver to adjust the illumination distance for better road visibility at night, depending on the vehicle load.

The Fuso FI is also the first in its class to have a standard air-conditioning system. Another unique feature of the Fuso FI is the power up/down windows with central door lock system as a standard equipment. It also has a tilt-telescopic steering wheel enabling the driver to set the optimal steering position for his comfort.

For safety features, the Fuso FI is equipped with full-air/pneumatic brakes for more reliable braking performance especially at high speed and downhill driving. In case of accidents, the driver and passenger are well protected by the all-steel rigid and heavy duty cab frame and side impact bars built into the doors. For added safety, it is installed with side rear view mirrors with additional convex-type proximity mirrors and under view mirror for better visibility and maneuvering in tight spaces.

Meanwhile, the 25-tonner 10-wheeler FJ 2528R is the first Heavy Duty Truck in the country to have a natural 32-feet cab to end frame chassis. Powered by fuel efficient 6S20 diesel engine, the FJ is capable of delivering an output of 282 horsepower and 1100 Nm of torque. The 6S20 engine is mated to a 9-speed transmission that’s designed for smoother operation, better acceleration and fuel economy.

The FJ shares the same technology for durability with FI. Its frame members are also 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.

Same with the FI, the new FJ flaunts a stylish and aerodynamic front fascia design which helps save fuel and reduces wind noise in the cabin. The FJ also has a manual headlamp leveler for easy adjustment of illumination distance. For the interior features, the FJ also offers an air-conditioning system as a standard feature. It also boasts a multi-adjustable air pressure driver’s seat, power windows and central door locking system. Together with the tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, the driver is allowed to choose the optimum driving position thereby reducing driver fatigue.
For the safety features, aside from thicker and wider brake linings, the FJ is also equipped with full-air brakes for a more reliable braking performance. However, what sets the FJ apart from the other trucks in its segment is the Anti-lock Braking System or the ABS which controls air brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up due to sudden braking. Similar with the FI, for added safety, the FJ is installed with side view mirrors with additional convex-type proximity mirrors and under view mirror.

The FUSO FI 1217R is available in the market at a suggested introductory retail price of P 1,900,000 while the FUSO FJ 2528R is at P 3,000,000. Both the Fuso FI and FJ models are manufactured by Daimler India Commercial Vehicles.

MMPC aims that with the opening of a Fuso dedicated outlet and the expansion of its Fuso model line-up, they will be able to fully serve the growing demand of the Philippine truck market for reliable, durable, high-quality Trucks and Buses that will perfectly match their business needs and requirements.