Japanese automakers compete to sell fuel-saving trucks

Manufacturers of light trucks in Japan have intensified efforts to reduce the fuel consumption of new vehicles that are required to meet newly tightened exhaust regulations, with the aim of highlighting their economic efficiency to consumers. Mitsubishi Fuso Bus and Truck Corp. overhauled the design of its Canter light truck for the first time in eight years and put it on the market this month. The Canter 2-ton model can travel a maximum of 10.6 kilometers per liter of fuel, about 20% more than the conventional model. Meanwhile, Hino Motors, Ltd. and Isuzu Motors Ltd. have introduced hybrid-powered trucks. Hino Motors will launch a hybrid-type light truck by the end of next year. Its fuel cost will be 30% to 40% lower than conventional diesel vehicles, according to the company. Isuzu Motors is developing a plug-in hybrid light truck that can be charged from ordinary power sources. (November 18, 2010)