Mitsubishi Fuso Philippines is bringing its commercial vehicle heritage into focus while signaling its direction toward electrification, with the Canter diesel truck and all-electric eCanter taking center stage at the first Philippine International Truck Show (PITS).
Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corp. (SFP), the local distributor of Mitsubishi Fuso commercial vehicles, presented both trucks at Hall 1 of the SMX Convention Center Manila on October 22 to 24. The exhibit carried the theme “Reliable Mobility since the 1960s” and marked the reintroduction of the Mitsubishi Fuso Three-Diamond logo.
The display offered look at the brand’s established products and its next step in commercial transportation. On one side was the familiar Canter, represented by the FE73 variant with a 14-foot loading span. On the other was the eCanter, an electric light-duty truck presented in the same trim as its diesel-powered counterpart.
The Canter has been part of Mitsubishi Fuso’s global lineup since 1963. Over the decades, it has served businesses with transportation needs across small, medium and large-scale operations. Its long-running presence has also made the nameplate one of the brand’s most recognizable offerings in the light-duty truck segment.
The eCanter builds on that foundation, applying electric power to a familiar commercial vehicle format. Its appearance at PITS highlights how electric mobility is beginning to feature more prominently in the conversation about business transportation, although the announcement did not detail the truck’s range, battery capacity, charging requirements or local pricing.
For businesses considering a transition to electric vehicles, those figures will ultimately matter when assessing operating costs, daily routes and charging arrangements. Still, presenting the electric truck alongside the conventional Canter gives customers a direct way to understand the two directions Mitsubishi Fuso is pursuing.
“The FUSO Canter as a long-standing legacy in the light-duty truck segment, and the eCanter, reflecting our direction toward a more sustainable and electrified future,” said Yosuke Nishi, president and CEO of SFP. He added that both vehicles share the purpose of supporting Filipino customers and helping their businesses move forward.
The Three-Diamond logo served as the visual link between the two trucks, connecting Mitsubishi Fuso’s history with its ambitions for future commercial mobility.
For the Philippine market, the display is a reminder that truck electrification is not limited to passenger vehicles. The eCanter’s local showcase introduces another option to consider as businesses and fleet operators evaluate the future of their transport operations. Whether it becomes a practical fit will depend on the specifications, ownership costs and support available to local buyers.
Autocar’s Take
Mitsubishi Fuso Philippines is making a sensible statement by displaying the Canter and eCanter together. Commercial vehicle buyers tend to prioritize reliability, operating costs and practicality over novelty, so an electric truck must prove it can meet the demands of daily business.
The eCanter’s appearance at PITS is a welcome step, but local fleet operators will need details on driving range, charging, pricing and after-sales support before making informed decisions. The Canter’s established history gives the brand a familiar foundation. The real test is whether the Japanese brand can translate that legacy into an electric offering that works for Philippine businesses.
