Celebrations have been held in Japan to mark a significant anniversary for the Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation.
May 2022 marks the 90th anniversary of the formation of the Japanese heavy vehicle manufacturer.
To mark the anniversary, Mitsubishi Fuso has given us a comprehensive look back at the history of the brand:
The origin of the FUSO name dates back to May 1932, when Mitsubishi’s first gasoline bus, the “B46 type shared car”, manufactured at the Kobe Shipyard of the former Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, was branded “FUSO”.
The vehicle’s name, selected among proposals from employees at the company, was suggested by an engineer at the shipyard.
The proposal argued for FUSO because the name is (1) “suitable to represent Japan,” (2) a “simple Japanese name that symbolizes Japan and Mitsubishi,” and has (3) “a smooth and familiar sound, which gives a clear image and stays in one’s mind.”
The word “Fuso” originally refers to a large sacred tree that was once said to be in the place of the sunrise in China.
The word is now used as a name for the hibiscus flower. It is also said that it was used as a synonym for Japan in ancient China.
History of the FUSO brand
Following the first vehicle, the nickname “FUSO” was used one after another for major products such as the gasoline engine 4-ton truck KT1 (1946), Japan’s first large cab-over truck T380, and Japan’s first minibus, the Rosa (1960).
In line with Japan’s high economic growth in 1950s – 70s, the product lineup includes a full range from small to large trucks and buses, playing an important part in economic development.
To the present and future of FUSO
MFTBC, the manufacturer of FUSO brand vehicles, was born when Mitsubishi Motors Corporation separated its commercial vehicle division from the passenger car business in 2003, while a part of former Daimler Chrysler.
In the spring of 2006, MFTBC joined the truck group organized within Daimler Chrysler. It is now an integral part of Daimler Truck AG.
FUSO now delivers trucks and buses to more than 170 countries and regions, supporting transportation and businesses not only in Japan but around the world.
The light-duty “Canter” truck is highly regarded around the world and holds the top share in many countries.
In 2017, FUSO launched Japan’s first mass-produced electric light-duty “eCanter” truck, leading the electrification of commercial vehicles.
FUSO aims to continue as a beloved and trusted brand, developing products with “quality, environment, safety” as top priorities.
