Mitsubishi Fuso Increases Sales in
First Half 2008 Based on International Growth

Kawasaki – Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) today announced its overall sales (including international markets and Japan) increased 9.6% in the first half of 2008 to 95,619 units (Jan.-June 2007 = 87,254 units). This growth was based on strong international sales, which more than off-set reduced volumes in the Japan domestic market. For the period January through June 2008, the company sold 75,038 units outside its home market of Japan. This represented a 28.1% improvement year-over-year (Jan.-June 2007 = 58,591 units).

“With a strong brand, efficient products and an effective distribution network, Mitsubishi Fuso is well positioned in international markets,” said Mr. Kai-Uwe Seidenfuss, MFTBC Vice President of Sales & Service International. “Due to this robust global presence, MFTBC was able to achieve high international sales in the first half of 2008.”  

Key factors in MFTBC’s international sales growth in the first half of 2008 were significant sales increases in the company’s main export markets.

Several markets have contributed:

In Southeast Asia, sales increased 72.3% to 26,772 units (Jan.–June 2007 = 15,540 units), due to growth in the company’s largest export market Indonesia.
 
In the Middle East, sales increased 20.4% to 15,706 units (Jan. –June 2007 = 13,040 units).

Strong sales growth was also achieved in most other major markets worldwide, including in Africa (+32.6%), Europe including Turkey (+15.2%) and Latin America (+34.2%). 

The sales gains in international markets are helping to compensate for a very challenging Japan commercial vehicle market, which is affecting all of Japan’s truckmakers. Due to persistent, difficult market conditions, MFTBC domestic Japan sales decreased 28.2% in the first half of 2008 to 20,581 units (Jan. – June 2007 = 28,663 units).

In this situation, Mitsubishi Fuso has retained the number-2 market share position in the Japan total truck and bus market.

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.