Enduro will be the official name of Fuso New Zealand’s hotly anticipated, nine-strong workhorse range due for release in March this year.
Known as ‘Project Kymera’ during its research and development phase, the Enduro range has been given a name that embodies its fundamental characteristics of toughness, endurance and durability – no-nonsense trucks that’ll get the job done.
With prices ranging from $44,850 to $119,850 across 4x2, 6x2, 6x4 and 8x4 configurations, the Enduro range complements Fuso’s premium Canter, Fighter and HD models and allows more operators to get into a new Fuso.
“Enduro fills gaps in our existing line-up and allows us to reach new customers,” said Fuso NZ managing director Kurtis Andrews. “Our evaluation process showed that these units are well-suited to demanding short and medium-haul applications, and businesses where a truck is required but where transport is not the core focus, such as excavation contracting, scaffolders and STMS.
“The range will also appeal to operators, who might usually purchase second-hand trucks but be attracted by the benefits of a brand-new truck and the protection of a 36-month manufacturer warranty – all for a relatively comparable price,” said Andrews.
Middleweight contender
With GVM figures of 9 to 40 tonnes, Enduro sits across the middleweight spectrum. The smaller FA and FI models feature a proven Canter drivetrain on a Fighter chassis, while the FJ, FO and FZ models have a Mercedes-Benz Axor drivetrain and chassis at their core.
Two factory-built tipper units (the 4x2 FI1217 and 6x4 FJ2528) can be put to work straight off the yard. Get them dirty inside and out – the entire range features an easy-to-clean vinyl interior.
Every Enduro has full air brakes, ABS, central locking, radio with USB and auxiliary inputs, and a spring-park brake on the rear axle as standard. All models have 15,000km service intervals.
Fuso NZ stocks 2,000 Enduro parts lines as well as a range of high-quality accessories, such as weathershields, headlight covers, air deflectors, stone guards and floor mats.
Proven performance
The Enduro range is manufactured at Daimler’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chennai, India, and built to withstand the demanding nature of Kiwi roads.
To ensure that is the case, Fuso NZ conducted a robust, six-month evaluation with a number of Kiwi operators – several of whom purchased the truck they had on trial.
“We acted on our customers’ feedback to ensure these units are up to the job,” said Andrews. “It was a robust process, which has validated our confidence in these trucks.”
Tauranga-based Taylor Bros Transport Ltd put an 8x4 FO3128 through its paces, carting bulk materials to construction sites around the region. Managing director Andrew Taylor said he wasn’t sure what to expect, but was “absolutely blown away” by what he saw.
“I thought ‘we’ve got to have one of these’!” said Taylor, who was immediately impressed by its height off the ground, providing excellent ground clearance at both ends. His driver was happy too.
“It’s very stable on the road and rides through corners well. The cab layout is comfortable and functional, and the upright seat gives you a good view of the road.
“It’s got all the basics and that’s what you want for a working man’s truck.”
The 280hp 31T GVM truck is built for hard work with few “frills” but is pretty much “perfect” for the job, according to Taylor. “The pricing was bloody sharp too!”
Click here to read more operator reaction to the all-new Enduro!
Models from the Enduro range will be on show at regional events and dealerships around the country in March, beginning with Northland Field Days (1-3 March); the Trucking Industry Show – Christchurch (9-10 March); Central Districts Field Days (15-17 March) and also National Fieldays in June.