Mitsubishi Fuso Launches New Fighter as ARCHION Begins Major Truck Platform Plan

Mitsubishi Fuso has unveiled a new generation of its Fighter medium-duty truck in Japan, but the biggest change is deeper than the badge on the grille. The model is the first major product to emerge from ARCHION’s plan to share truck platforms between Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino Motors.

The new FUSO Fighter was announced on August 26 alongside an updated Hino Ranger. Under the project, Hino is supplying its existing medium-duty platform to Mitsubishi Fuso, giving both brands access to a broader range of configurations while keeping their separate identities.

ARCHION says the strategy will gradually bring together major parts of truck development, including powertrains, chassis, cabs and electronic systems. Sharing those components is intended to reduce the number of different parts required, increase production scale and allow new models to reach customers faster.

For operators, the Fighter also brings practical changes. Mitsubishi Fuso has expanded the range for jobs such as construction, heavy transport and operations in snowy or difficult terrain. New configurations include higher-GVW dump chassis as well as 4WD versions, increasing the number of jobs the medium-duty truck can cover.

The new model uses an A05C diesel engine rated at 240 PS, with six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission options. Mitsubishi Fuso says the downsized engine is designed to combine strong torque with lower fuel consumption, an important point for fleets watching operating costs.

Safety technology has also received attention. The Fighter offers a Site Around Monitor System, including radar-based detection for moving vehicles or road users approaching areas that can be difficult for the driver to see at intersections and during turns.

A new high-roof cab has been added to improve driver space and comfort, while Mitsubishi Fuso’s Truckonnect telematics system is fitted across the new range. The connected service allows fleet operators to monitor vehicle information remotely, adding another layer to maintenance and fleet management.

The new Fighter is scheduled to begin reaching Mitsubishi Fuso dealers in Japan from early September 2026. The launch also shows where ARCHION intends to take the two manufacturers next. After the medium-duty program, Mitsubishi Fuso is expected to supply its existing electric light-duty truck platform to Hino, with production planned to begin during the current fiscal year.

ARCHION itself was formed on April 1, 2026, following the business integration of Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino Motors. The group plans to keep both FUSO and Hino as separate brands even as more engineering and vehicle platforms are shared behind the scenes.