Mitsubishi Fuso Aero Star Eco Hybrid Bus
Receives Energy Conservation Award

Kawasaki – Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) today announced that its Aero Star Eco Hybrid large non-step route bus received the “Energy Conservation Center Chairman's Prize.” The award is presented by the Energy Conservation Center, which is part of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy in the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The Aero Star Eco Hybrid bus was in the category “Excellent Energy Conservation Equipment/System” in the 19th Energy Conservation Grand Prize Awards.

The Energy Conservation Grand Prize Awards aims at creating an energy-conserving society by supporting the development and promotion of equipment, materials and systems with excellent energy conservation performance. It also strives to promote effective usage of resources and energy, and to reduce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.

The awards ceremony will take place on February 10, 2009, during the ENEX2009 33rd Energy and Environment Exhibition held at the Tokyo Big Sight facility, in Tokyo, Japan.

Features of the Aero Star Eco Hybrid:

Equipped with a new series-type hybrid system friendly to people and the environment, the hybrid large non-step route bus features extremely low energy usage. The bus is also very quiet as the generator engine is inactive when charging is not required

Mitsubishi Fuso has been developing hybrid vehicles for over 10 years and today offers fuel efficient, low emissions products like the Canter Eco Hybrid light-duty truck and the Aero Star Eco Hybrid bus for the Japan market. The company has also developed the “Canter Eco-D,” a concept hybrid light-duty dump truck and is conducting a fleet test of hybrid vehicles together with customers in London.

In August 2008, MFTBC opened the Global Hybrid Center of Daimler Trucks located in Kawasaki, Japan. The Center is the worldwide hub for Daimler Trucks hybrid vehicle development. The role of the Global Hybrid Center is to direct and synchronize Daimler Trucks hybrid development activities on a global basis. All of Daimler Trucks hybrid activities are aligned under the Center, including regional hybrid personnel at Daimler Trucks divisions including MFTBC, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Daimler Trucks North America LLC.

MFTBC’s continuing efforts in hybrid development are part of the “Shaping Future Transportation” initiative of Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses. This initiative is aimed at redoubling ongoing efforts to achieve a major reduction in the fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of commercial vehicles. “Shaping Future Transportation” encompasses alternative drive system initiatives across various commercial vehicle brands. Hybrid technology plays a key role in these vehicles, as it can reduce diesel consumption by up to 30 percent, depending on the application.

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.