The heavy-duty Quon, integrated with the accumulated engine technologies of the Big Thumb series, including electronics and environment-conscious technologies, hit the market in 2004 and became the company’s flagship vehicle.
The Quon’s eco-friendly technologies, in particular, were highly praised. Although strong voices echoed around the world that meeting the high standards of long-term emission regulations set to go into effect in Japan in 2005 was impossible, the company succeeded one year ahead of schedule, introducing a top-level urea selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system called FLENDS (Final Low Emission New Diesel System) in the exhaust gas purification system. This marked a first in the industry and resulted in a substantial boost in environmental performance and fuel economy.
Among its other distinguishing features, the GE13 engine mounted on the Quon adopted a unit injector, with the top-end model realizing up to 520 horsepower. In terms of design innovation, repeated wind tunnel testing resulted in a new cab with vastly improved aerodynamic performance.
Other ingenious additions demonstrated the company’s incredible attention to detail to fully meet customer needs. Engineers from the company took rides in customers’ trucks to experience comfort over long distances, and based on this analysis, designed a round cockpit characterized by enhanced comfort and superior operability aimed at preventing fatigue on long hauls; while the front passenger seat could be flipped up, allowing occupants to stand up and get changed inside the cab. In terms of safety, the Quon introduced a new structure that included highly rigid cab construction and the world’s first knee airbag as well as new brake standards to reduce damage in the event of a collision. A number of IT-driven features such as a voice-assist function and Internet-based remote checking function transformed the heavy-duty truck into a “smart” vehicle for the next generation.