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PRESS RELEASE

Mitsubishi Fuso To Provide Hybrid Bus
For G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit

June 30, 2008

•  Aero Star Eco Hybrid to Serve as Shuttle Bus During July 7-9 Summit

Kawasaki - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), an integral part of Daimler Trucks, will furnish its latest generation hybrid bus for use in shuttle transportation during the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit. The Mitsubishi Fuso Aero Star Eco Hybrid -- a large, non-step, hybrid route bus -- will be utilized to move meeting attendees among various venues. The G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit takes place July 7-9 in Japan.

MFTBC Chairman Keisuke Egashira said: “Environmental issues will be a key topic for the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit. Mitsubishi Fuso continues to focus on creating fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles, including hybrid trucks and buses. We are happy to respond to the request and greatly honored that various meeting attendees will ride the Aero Star Eco Hybrid and experience Mitsubishi Fuso hybrid technologies.”

• Hybrid Bus History and Features

Mitsubishi Fuso has a history of developing hybrid buses, beginning with the “MBECS,” an accumulated-pressure-type hybrid bus, released in 1994. The Aero Non-step HEV, an electric hybrid (series hybrid) bus was released in 2004. This was followed by the current Aero Star Eco Hybrid, launched in September 2007.

In the new Aero Star Eco Hybrid, a small and lightweight electric-generating diesel engine is newly adopted. Also a regenerative brake arrangement returns braking energy to the battery in deceleration, to achieve high energy efficiency. The bus achieves a high level of fuel efficiency, exceeding Japan’s future fuel efficiency standard for heavy-duty vehicles 2015.

With the Aero Star Eco Hybrid, engine accessories including brake air pressure, power-steering oil pressure and cooler compressor are now powered by electric motor, instead of the power-generating engine. Additionally, a highly efficient DC/DC converter is newly installed for 24V power source such as for headlights. When battery charging is not necessary, the power-generating engine stops, and driving is possible using the electric motor only, thus delivering very quiet performance. Also, the combination of a high-performance traction motor and a lithium ion battery makes smooth acceleration possible without shift shocks.

The newly adopted small and light power-generating diesel engine constantly rotates at the best point of exhaust gas performance. By combining a exhaust-gas after treatment device and a new DPF, the bus meets Japan’s new long-term emission regulation 2005. NOx and PM are reduced by 10% to be approved as a low-emission heavy-duty vehicle.

• Hybrid Trucks

In addition to the Aero Star Eco Hybrid bus, Mitsubishi Fuso also offers the Canter Eco Hybrid, a light-duty hybrid truck with a parallel hybrid system. It is available in Japan.

Within Daimler Trucks, MFTBC is charged with developing advanced hybrid technologies.


About MFTBC

Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2007, the company sold a total of about 188,700 vehicles including light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Daimler AG owns 85% of MFTBC shares. The remaining 15% of shares are held by various Mitsubishi group companies. MFTBC is an integral part of the Daimler Trucks Division of Daimler AG.



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