- Since the first bus was introduced in 1932, FUSO has been supporting transportation needs in Japan and around the world
- Moving toward a brighter future with customers under the brand tagline “Future Together”
Muscat, Oman: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), represented in Oman by General Automotive Company (GAC), is celebrating the FUSO brand’s 90th Anniversary.
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 “suitable to represent Japan,” a “simple Japanese name that symbolises Japan and Mitsubishi,” and has “a smooth and familiar sound, which gives a clear image and stays in one’s mind.” The word ‘Fuso’ originally referred to a large sacred tree once said to be in the place of the sunrise in China. The word is now used as a name for the hibiscus flower and was also said to be used as a synonym for Japan in ancient China.
FUSO set “Future Together” as its new brand tagline in 2021. Under this tagline, FUSO has led the transformation of commercial vehicles with its customers in the automobile industry, which is facing a historic turning point. “Future Together” also communicates ambitions for a future with safer and more sustainable transportation solutions.
Beginning of the FUSO brand:
In 1932, the ‘FUSO’ name was used for the first time for the B46 bus manufactured at Kobe Shipyard of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. (currently Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.). The 7-metre, 38-seater bus was equipped with a 7-litre, 6-cylinder, 100-horsepower gasoline engine. Commemorating the first delivery of the B46 type bus to the Ministry of Railways, ‘FUSO’ was selected from among the internal proposals for its nickname.
History of the FUSO brand:
Following the first vehicle, the nickname ‘FUSO’ was used one after another for significant 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 the 1950s – 70s, the product lineup included a complete range of trucks and buses from small to large, playing an essential 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 still a part of the former Daimler Chrysler. In the spring of 2006, MFTBC joined the truck group organised within Daimler Chrysler, and 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 in Japan and worldwide. 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.
FUSO in Oman:
GAC has been the exclusive distributor of FUSO vehicles in Oman for the past five decades. As the authorised distributor, GAC offers customers an extensive range of Fuso vehicles, including light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks as well as passenger buses. Fuso is known for its outstanding performance and dependability, making it a highly sought-after brand in the Omani market. This reputation, combined with GAC’s exceptional sales and service network and customer support, has enabled the company to establish a strong market presence and maintain a loyal customer base.
FUSO vehicles are available at the FUSO Truck Centre in Azaiba, Muscat, with Branches in Sohar, Nizwa, Ibri, Barka, Sur, Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, and Salalah. For more information on the FUSO range of commercial vehicles, please visit your nearest showroom or follow FUSO Oman on Facebook to learn more.
