6 cover story
focus: In addition to the more
SOP-focused projects, Fuso and
AVL cooperated on the development
of the Fuso eCanter Sensor
Collect. What was the driver for
Fuso to collaborate with AVL and
what characterized AVL in this
project?
Çakmaz: Fuso’s eCanter, the ideal
zero emission light-duty truck for
city application, is already running
with over 150 units in different
countries including their home
country, Japan.
As part of the continuous endeavor
to enhance trucking to higher levels
of socially responsible operation
through advanced technology, Fuso
decided to explore the city garbage
collection operation as a specific
use case. To make it greener, more
efficient and safer. Thus, the concept
of eCanter Sensor Collect was born.
Since it was more efficient to work
with an external partner to realize
a proof of this concept, AVL,
a long-standing technology partner
of Daimler Trucks/MFTBC who
also had the relevant know-how and made the best proposal, was chosen as
our partner. AVL in this project was characterized by excellent and appropriate
know-how, high professionalism, extremely high levels of flexibility
and responsible cooperation in the post COVID-19 pandemic.
focus: Since assisted driving systems and automated functions are becoming
more popular and are offering attractive business cases, do you
see many of these applications realized in commercial vehicles in the
near future?
Çakmaz: Automation and electrification of commercial vehicles are the two
most important topics in the truck industry. As Daimler Trucks, we already
announced that we will be only offering zero emission vehicles in the Triade
markets from 2039 onwards. This means huge efforts on our side to further
push battery electric and fuel cell electric powertrains.