PRESS RELEASE

Mitsubishi Fuso Launches Heavy-Duty Truck Line in South Africa

March 17, 2006

Tokyo, Japan/East London, South Africa – Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation, one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has launched a line of heavy-duty trucks for the South African market. The FP & FV Series trucks, with gross vehicle weight (gvw) from 17.9 to 26.0 tons, will be available later this month for South Africa customers. The vehicles were introduced to customers and press at events held in East London.

Bert van Dijk, MFTBC Board member and responsible for International Sales & Service, said, “The introduction of the Fuso heavy-duty FP & FV Series trucks marks a new chapter for Mitsubishi Fuso in South Africa. With the addition of these highly capable, reliable vehicles to our existing product line, we plan to further grow our business in this important commercial vehicle market.”

In 2005, Mitsubishi Fuso almost doubled its South Africa sales to 878 units (wholesale). In Africa as a whole, the company achieved a 31% sales increase in 2005, to 7,389 vehicles (wholesale).

South Africa Product Line

Mitsubishi Fuso already markets in South Africa the light-duty Canter truck (gvw 3.5 – 8.0 tons) as well as the medium-duty FK & FM range of trucks (gvw 10-15 tons). The new vehicles give the company an important new product offering in the heavy-duty segment (called ‘extra-heavy-duty’ in South Africa).

The FP 4x2 truck tractor is ideal for a wide spectrum of transport needs. The FV 6x4 truck puts an emphasis on power, and is available in dump, mixer and cargo models, for a variety of heavy-duty transport requirements.

The vehicles will be assembled locally in East London at a facility owned and operated by Ikhwezi Trucktech (Pty) Ltd. Fuso vehicles are distributed in South Africa through DaimlerChrysler South Africa.

“DaimlerChrysler is a strong partner for Fuso in the South Africa market,” van Dijk added. “We look forward to continuing our successful relationship as we grow the Mitsubishi Fuso business in South Africa.”

About MFTBC

In 2005, MFTBC sold in the international markets outside Japan approximately 119,000 commercial vehicles, +4% versus 2004 and a new international sales record for the company.

DaimlerChrysler AG owns 85% of MFTBC shares. The remaining 15% of shares continue to be held by various Mitsubishi group companies. Mitsubishi Fuso is an integral part of DaimlerChrysler’s Truck Group.