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PRESS RELEASE

Mitsubishi Fuso Makes Russia Debut

April 20, 2010

•  Production Launching at Naberezhnye Chelny
•  Sales Starting in June
•  Debuting Mitsubishi Fuso Canter at Comtrans 2010 Show in Moscow, April 20-24
•  Mitsubishi Fuso Takes “Important Step in Key Growth Market”

Moscow/Kawasaki - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), one of Asia’s leading truck manufacturers and an integral part of Daimler Trucks, today announced the start of truck production in Russia and unveiled its products for the Russia market. The developments mark the official start of Mitsubishi Fuso operations in Russia, following the set-up of the joint venture company FUSO KAMAZ Trucks Rus (FKTR) in 2009. The news was announced at the “Comtrans 2010” show here during a press conference attended by officials from MFTBC, Kamaz Inc. and FKTR.

“With the entry of Mitsubishi Fuso into the Russia market, MFTBC takes an important step in a key growth market,” said Dr. Albert Kirchmann, MFTBC President and CEO. “MFTBC sees great further potential in the Russia commercial vehicle market, and believes Mitsubishi Fuso vehicles can play an important role here.”

“With the arrival of the world famous Canter light-duty truck, we give our potential customers the opportunity to appreciate all the advantages of its economy and reliability and at the same time offer them a very comfortable vehicle,” said Mr. Albert Yagudin, FKTR President. “I would like to stress that aftersales and the quality of our services will be our priorities.”

Production Start  in  Russia

FKTR is launching the production of Mitsubishi Fuso trucks for Russian market at a facility in Naberezhnye Chelny. The first vehicles have now been produced. The Fuso production area encompasses some 12,000 square meters including assembly, vehicle inspection and logistics. Vehicles are being assembled from semi-knocked-down (SKD) kits shipped from Japan. A program of further localization will start in the near future.

Introducing the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter for Russia

Mitsubishi Fuso is entering the Russia market with the 7.5-ton Canter light-duty truck. The Canter is known worldwide for its reliability, fuel efficiency and everyday durability. Key features include: a more and comfortable spacious cab; the RISE (Realized Impact Safety Evolution) cab and chassis structure for maximum safety; and an in-dash gearshift for convenience and comfort.

The Canter for Russia will be powered by a robust, 4.9-liter Mitsubishi Fuso engine, with output of 110 kw and 471Nm torque and 6-speed gear box. The engine is optimized to deliver maximum performance and economy, while meeting Euro 3 emissions regulations for clean performance.

Four wheelbases will be offered for maximum flexibility. Payload capacity will top out at 4,500 kg, ensuring high productivity and performance.

The Canter is ideal for inter- and intra-city delivery. Typical configurations will include: van body, refrigerated body, cargo bed and cargo bed with crane.

The Mitsubishi Fuso Canter in Russia is expected to serve the needs of small-scale businesses, large companies and also municipal institutions and public services.

Debut at Comtrans

Mitsubishi Fuso is debuting the Canter for Russia at the “Comtrans 2010,” a commercial transport exhibition in Russia. It runs April 20-24, 2010 at the Crocus Expo Centre in Moscow.

Sales and Network  Development

Mitsubishi Fuso Canter sales will start in June. An initial core group of approximately 30 dealer locations is being established to cover major cities including Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and Krasnodar. The network will include dealers affiliated with Kamaz and Mercedes-Benz trucks, as well as independent shops. The first dealers of FKTR in Russia are: “Mercedes-Benz Sever” in Moscow and “Fuso Center Kazan” in Kazan.

To guarantee customers a strong quality of service and efficient technical assistance, FKTR is also launching a Corporate Training Center for dealer technical and sales personnel.  Parts support and fast availability, as a key factor of commercial success, will be the main task for a Central Spare Parts Warehouse.

FKTR Operations Underway

The start of Mitsubishi Fuso production and sales in Russia is a principal step for FKTR, which was established in 2009 to handle the importation, production and wholesale operations for Mitsubishi Fuso trucks in Russia. The joint venture is 50% owned by Kamaz and 50% owned by MFTBC’s primary shareholder Daimler AG.

FKTR has set up headquarters facilities in Kazan. Mr. Albert Yagudin was assigned as President of the Company; Mr. Thomas Unger as Chief Financial Officer; Mr. Alexey Kalitsev as Vice President of Sales & Marketing; and Mr. Yasuyuki Tamegai as Vice President of Production.

In the coming months, FKTR will strengthen its operations in order to meet expected future brand and market growth. As the Russia truck market recovers, Mitsubishi Fuso sales volumes are expected to rise to several thousand units annually in the coming years, with Russia becoming one of the world’s largest truck markets.

Strategic Move in Expected Growth Market

For MFTBC, Kamaz and Daimler Trucks, the entry of Mitsubishi Fuso trucks into the Russia market represents a key, strategic development.

For MFTBC, it opens up the high potential Russian market and allows the company to serve one of the world’s largest future truck markets with a strong partner with wide network and presence.

For Kamaz, already the Russia truck market leader, it provides new opportunities for sales, representation of a new product, new technologies for its promotion and for widening its model range.

For Daimler Trucks, it continues the implementation of its Global Excellence Program. Launched in 2005, the Daimler Trucks’ Global Excellence Program includes a Growth and Market Penetration initiative aimed at enabling its brands to enter new markets with high growth opportunities in order to strengthen the division’s global presence.


About MFTBC

Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2009, the company sold a total of about 99,500 vehicles including light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Daimler AG owns 85% of MFTBC shares and various Mitsubishi group companies own 15% of MFTBC shares. MFTBC is an integral part of the Daimler Trucks Division of Daimler AG.

Mitsubishi Fuso is “All for you.”



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