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PRESS RELEASE

Sales of Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid
Light-Duty Truck Reach 500 Units

March 5, 2009

•  More than 500 Units Sold Since Market Launch in 2006
•  About 250 Units Delivered in 2008 Alone, Up 64%
•  Rising Awareness of Environment Protection and Fuel Economy Boosts Sales of Canter Eco Hybrid

Kawasaki – Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) today announced that accumulated sales of its Canter Eco Hybrid light-duty hybrid truck have reached more than 500 units. With rising awareness of environment protection and fuel economy in society, sales were brisk in the latter half of 2008 and recorded about 250 units for the full-year 2008, up 64% compared to the previous year.

The Canter Eco Hybrid, the first light-duty truck to comply with Japan’s New Long-term Emissions Regulations, one of the most stringent emission regulations in the world, is an excellent mix of eco-friendliness, economy and easy driving. The trucks have been used mostly in urban settings since their market launch in 2006. This is because the hybrid truck’s fuel efficiency benefits really take effect in stop-and-go traffic and delivery operations for parcel services and wholesalers, for example. With the Canter Eco Hybrid’s diesel-electric system, driving is both environmentally friendly and economical.

Looking to overseas market development of hybrid products, MFTBC has delivered ten Canter Eco Hybrids to eight customers in London for a three-year evaluation. The test will examine the use of the 7.5-ton hybrid trucks by customers and demonstrate the diesel-electric hybrid drive's high level of efficiency.

Mitsubishi Fuso Hybrid Developments

Mitsubishi Fuso has an over 10-year history of hybrid development. Today, the company offers fuel efficient, low emissions products like the Canter Eco Hybrid light-duty truck with a parallel hybrid system, and a series hybrid system Aero Star Eco Hybrid bus for the Japan market.

Recently in January 2009, the Aero Star Eco Hybrid received the “19th Energy Conservation Center Chairman's Prize,” sponsored by the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry - Resources and Energy Agency and Energy Conservation Center.

Another example of hybrid development is the “Canter Eco-D,” a concept hybrid light-duty dump truck which has already premiered at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007 and at overseas shows such as at the Indonesia International Motor Show in 2008.

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. All of Daimler Trucks hybrid activities are aligned under the Center.

“Shaping Future Transportation”

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.


About MFTBC

Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2008, the company sold a total of about 197,700 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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