Bristol-based Charles Saunders Foodservice has bought two Fuso Canter light trucks, largely persuaded by the vehicle's Duonic automated transmission system.
Both of the firm's new 7.5-tonners are 7C15 models, powered by 150bhp engines, matched to the Duonic gearbox – the world's first dual-clutch automated manual transmission for light trucks.
Colin Bardsley, operations director at Charles Saunders Foodservice, says he was impressed by claims for the Duonic transmission – that it combines the safety of an automatic with the advantages of a manual, and particularly improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.
"The auto 'box makes life easier for our drivers when making multi-drop deliveries around town," comments Bardsley.
"It also contributes to safety by leaving them free to concentrate fully on the road, and will help to reduce our maintenance costs, because clutch plates won't wear out and need replacing."
Charles Saunders Foodservice's 7.5-tonners were supplied by Mercedes-Benz dealer City West Commercials, and are now being used to deliver fresh and frozen fish in the South West.
Despite their insulated Solomon bodies and dual-temperature Hubbard refrigeration units, the vehicles provide impressive 3.0-tonne carrying capacity.
