Mitsubishi Trucks

Canter Mitsubishi's light-duty series

The T720 was designed and developed in 1962 and was officially introduced to the market the following year. Popularly known as the Canter, the T720 was an economical light-duty truck with a cargo capacity of 2 tons. It was powered by a fuel efficient 4-cylinder, 2000cc 4DQ diesel engine delivering 68ps at 4,200rpm. Its design was based on the 4DP diesel engine which received the 1961 "Japan Machinery Academy Award". The 4DP engine boasted the highest power output per cc of any diesel engine on the market at the time. The T720 set the standards for the Canter's famed versatility and balanced performance capabilities, the basic qualities that have continued to keep Mitsubishi's light-duty truck lineup at the head of its class through five generations. Through all five model changes, the Canter series has evolved in line with changing user needs and market trends, facts which has allowed the Canter to gain widespread consumer recognition.

Canter's first major model change occurred in 1968 and was released as the T90 adopting the 75ps, 4DR1 diesel engine. Many of the chassis components were common with the medium-duty Jupiter model making the Canter extremely durable and adding to its product reputation. A longer wheelbase version and a gasoline powered engine were added to the lineup to offer a wider choice. In 1972, the payload was increased to 3.5 tons. The T90 was also the fastest running truck in the light-duty class.

The Canter T200 series was released in 1973, the 3rd generation of the line. The T200 featured a newly designed straight frame and incorporated the environmentally conscious MCA (Mitsubishi Clean Air) System. The T200 offered an engine lineup comprised of the 100ps KE47, the 95ps KE42 and the 80ps 4DR diesel engine.

In 1978, the popular Canter series underwent its fourth major model change and was renamed the FE and adopted the 90ps, 4D30 diesel engine. For added versatility, the Canter added a wide body version to the lineup. In 1980, the Canter 1.5 series was added in response to users with more modest transport needs. It was powered by the 80ps, 4DR5 diesel engine. Again in response to the ever growing consumer requirements, Mitsubishi in 1980 added a 3.5-ton wide cab model and in 1981, a double cab which increased the passenger capacity by adding a bench seat in the rear of the extended cab. The first turbocharged direct injection diesel engine in this class came onto the scene in 1982 when Mitsubishi introduced the 120ps, 4D31T engine. For further operational ease, automatic transmission models were made available in 1984.

In 1985, the Canter underwent yet another full model change. The 5th generation Canter came standard with ventilated disc brakes to enhance stopping performance. The new lineup was powered by either the 110ps, 4D32 direct injection diesel engine or the upgraded 130ps, 4D32T direct injection diesel engine. Powered by the 4D32 direct injection diesel engine the FG the first 4WD model in the Canter lineup was released and in 1986, a wide cab 4WD version was also added. Also in 1986, the Canter made world motoring news by being the first Japanese manufactured truck to be entered into and finish a major rally -- the Wynn's Safari Rally in Australia. The Canter FG also received the "G-Mark" from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry that same year. In 1987, the 1.5-ton Canter was renamed the Canter Guts in Japan to increase product recognition in this competitive weight class.

In 1994, the Methanol Canter was commercially launched. Powered by an environmental-friendly methanol engine, this model represents one aspect of Mitsubishi Motors dedication to producing vehicles that helps to protect our precious environment.

In 1993, the Canter underwent its fifth full model change. The 6th and latest generation Canter was designed to offer upgraded operational enjoyment and high user-friendly performance. The aesthetically pleasing interior boasts the latest in human engineered design technology for a dramatically enhanced operational ease and overall comfort. The stylish new exterior design presents a friendlier face and aerodynamic lines which reduce the air drag thereby enhancing interior noise reduction. The wider windshield offers new panoramic field of vision to upgrade driver operation as well as touring pleasure.

In 1996, the Canter line for Japan was extended to include a 7.9-ton G.V.W. model, the FF659. It is powered by the 165os intercooled turbocharger equipped 4D34 diesel engine.