Meet Varruna Setty BM, a 27-year-old student from Mudigere, India, currently participating in a FUSO internship. Pursuing his master’s degree in transportation and automotive design from the National Institute of Design, Varruna has embarked on a thrilling adventure at Mitsubishi Fuso’s Design Center in Kawasaki, Japan.

His main project—a groundbreaking overland 4×4 concept vehicle designed for his graduation thesis—forms the crux of his journey, which began through a university faculty connection that ultimately led to his FUSO internship.

“I applied to Daimler India Commercial Vehicle (DICV) and was interviewed by Tanay Patel, my current manager at FUSO, who encouraged me to apply at FUSO Japan,” he said, highlighting how a simple recommendation led to a unique opportunity.

LIVING A DREAM IN JAPAN  “In India, it’s hard to truly immerse yourself in car culture as it is just beginning to flourish. Japan has an extraordinary history of automotive innovation. For any transportation designer, visiting Japan is like living the dream—everything you see on Instagram is a reality here!”  

“When I first arrived,” Varruna reflected, “I was a bit shy about showcasing my work, but FUSO actively nurtures a supportive environment. From day one, my colleagues made me feel comfortable—there was karaoke, laughter, and lots of collaboration.”

A MELTING POT OF IDEAS  “Working with people from India, Brazil, Germany, and beyond opened my eyes to different design philosophies and cultures. Each nationality brings unique ideas to the table, enriching the project I’m working on.”

In FUSO’s creative environment, Varruna enjoyed the connections he built. “The bonds you make here have a lasting impact. We have intern communities that regularly enjoy social outings together. It’s wonderful how FUSO fosters this collaborative spirit.”

THE OVERLAND CONCEPT  Varruna decided to create an overland concept vehicle set in the year 2035, using the current FUSO Canter chassis. His inspiration arose from discussions with his managers about what modern drivers might want in a vehicle designed for adventure. They sought to create an overlanding truck embodying FUSO’s vision beyond commercial vehicles. 

“Overlanding isn’t just about reaching a destination. It’s about the journey, the experiences, and the freedom to explore. We wanted to design a vehicle that complements that adventurous spirit, allowing users to connect with the environment.”

A FUTURE-PROOF CMF STRATEGY  As part of the process, the team explored emerging personas to create a robust CMF (Color, Material, Finish) strategy for 2035. By mapping personas onto archetypes, they assigned suitable CMF elements based on their traits. 

Three main persona groups emerged: extroverts driven by adrenaline and rebellion (“Adrenaline,” “Outlaw,” “Active”), introverts with a grounded nature (“Instinct,” “Earthy”), and influencers who blend traits of both extroverts and introverts. We symbolized them as “Ignite” (fire), “Terra” (earth), and “Breeze” (water and wind).

Using these personas, the team developed CMF theme boards, focusing on sustainable materials like cork, recycled leather, bamboo fabric, and jute. Graphics for each variant were inspired by natural terrains: dunes for “Ignite,” tree rings for “Terra,” and glaciers for “Breeze.”

They felt this CMF strategy not only resonated with 2035 personas but also emphasized sustainability and a connection to nature. 

DIVING INTO DESIGN  The process for the concept was both creative and analytical. “We knew we needed to ground our vision in research and user understanding,” he stated. Varruna explored market trends, technological advancements, and user lifestyle preferences, and looked at everything from fashion trends to geopolitical issues—in a landscape 11years from now. 

The team concluded that crowded public transport will further dominate urban living coupled with a feeling of information overload through screens and digital content. Thus, the concept was built around returning to nature and one’s primal instincts.

With an understanding of potential users, the creative phase began. “We started sketching, throwing all ideas onto paper. I presented some initial thoughts, but what was exciting was the level of collaboration. Everyone, from designers to engineers to marketing professionals, contributed ideas.” 

The team aimed for groundbreaking concepts while ensuring they remained feasible. “We spent a lot of time discussing key features. For instance, should the design prioritize comfort as campers deal with nature, or should it reflect minimalism with an emphasis on the outdoor lifestyle?” 

Feedback proved invaluable. “Seeing reactions to sketches and getting input from experienced colleagues were incredibly insightful. It helped shape our ideas into more defined concepts.”

“This project not only allowed me to stretch my design capabilities but also instilled a sense of teamwork and community.”

As the design matured, they began prototyping with software to visualize their concepts. “We employed Photoshop for initial sketches and then moved on to 3D modeling software like Alias and Blender to start building our design digitally. This hands-on approach allowed us to test the ergonomics and feasibility of our ideas.” 

They also created a clay model to give form to their vision. “Working with clay is a unique experience. It lets you feel the form and adjust features on the fly. This tangible interaction helps in refining details that can often be lost in digital formats.” 

ENGAGING WITH USERS  Needing input, the design team arranged interviews with people passionate about overlanding. “These discussions were eye-opening. We wanted to understand their preferences and habits in outdoor settings. One user made an impactful observation: they’d rather experience nature without the confines of luxury—using the truck as a tool rather than a home. It was about embracing freedom.”

“We scrapped some of the more luxurious ideas in favor of concepts that prioritized the user’s connection with nature. It shaped our approach entirely and led to exciting features. We aimed to equip the vehicle to help users feel comfortable exploring the outdoors while providing the essentials to enhance their adventures.” 

FINALIZING THE CONCEPT  Varruna is excited to present the final design. “We created three 1:18 scale models to demonstrate the impact of CMF. Presenting these prototypes will illuminate the collaborative effort that’s gone into this project, showcasing how various departments at FUSO work together,” he said. 

“This project not only allowed me to stretch my design capabilities but also instilled a sense of teamwork and community,” he added. “FUSO has a working culture that truly inspires me. If an opportunity arises after I complete my master’s, I would love to stay and contribute to this exceptional team.”

JOIN US  Varruna’s story is one of many that encapsulates the essence of interning at Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation. With vibrant teamwork, support, and opportunities to innovate, FUSO invites aspiring designers, engineers, and business students to explore internship opportunities across all departments and provide opportunities to undertake exciting and challenging projects. 

Are you ready to embark on your own FUSO internship journey? Discover the internship opportunities waiting for you at MFTBC and take the first step toward your future! ■

Our long-established internship program won the “Excellence/Outstanding Performance” Internship Award awarded by MyNavi, the Cabinet & Nikkei in 2022.  Click here to learn more!