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Latest generation Fuso Canter truck introduced in Malaysia and the Philippines
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Fuso sales in Southeast Asia up by almost 50 percent in first quarter 2010 compared to same period last year
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Demand for Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid continues to increase, with sales of almost 900 units worldwide
Kawasaki, Japan – Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) today announced the launch of the latest generation Fuso Canter light-duty truck in Malaysia and the Philippines. MFTBC is injecting the new products into a region which is experiencing a solid commercial vehicle sales recovery. The company also posted good sales figures in the first quarter 2010, with sales in Southeast Asia increasing by 49.1 percent, from 7,740 vehicles in the same period last year to now 11,550.
“Within 2010, Fuso trucks will achieve a strong sales development in Southeast Asia, our largest export region,” said Dr. Albert Kirchmann, President and CEO of MFTBC. “With the launch of the new Fuso Canter in Malaysia and the Philippines, we plan to further build momentum in these markets while strengthening our leadership position in the region. Southeast Asia is one of the current bright spots of the worldwide commercial vehicle markets — and thus very important for us, given the challenging global economic environment.”
The Fuso Canter trucks for Malaysia and the Philippines are sold through the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines sales networks, respectively. The latest generation Fuso Canter has a model range from 4.4 to 7.5 tons GVW and features significant advances in safety, reliability and efficiency compared to its predecessor.
On products like the Fuso Canter and a comprehensive service network, Fuso is the leading commercial vehicle brand in Southeast Asia. Strong sales in the region were supported especially by the increases in Indonesia, Fuso’s biggest export market. Sales in Indonesia rose by 55.5 percent to 10,620 units in the first quarter 2010, compared to 6,830 units in the same period last year. Fuso has a leading market share of 56.1 percent in the light-duty truck segment in Indonesia.
Demand for the hybrid version of the Fuso Canter is currently increasing as well, with almost 900 vehicles sold. Back in February, MFTBC announced the sales start of the Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid in Hong Kong as well as the purchase of 25 trucks by Star Track Express, one of Australia’s leading freight companies. In October 2009, the Electricity Supply Board, Ireland’s premiere electricity utility, ordered ten Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid trucks, making it the first customer outside of Japan to order the light-duty truck. For 2010 as a whole, MFTBC intends to further expand its hybrid truck sales by expanding into new markets.
Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2009, the company sold a total of about 99,500 vehicles, including light, medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Daimler AG owns 85 percent of MFTBC shares. MFTBC is an integral part of the Daimler Trucks Division of Daimler AG.
