Mitsubishi Fuso Reaches Hybrid Truck Sales Milestone,
Will Open New Hybrid Test Bench

Kawasaki - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has reached a major milestone in hydrid truck sales. The company has now sold over 1,000 units of the Canter Eco Hybrid light-duty truck in Japan and international markets. At the same time, the company announced further developments in its hybrid business including the construction of a new hybrid test bench and the appointment of a new head of the Global Hybrid Center.

Sales Milestone for Canter Eco Hybrid, Now with Best Fuel Efficiency in 2-Ton Class

The sales milestone of 1,000 units of the Canter Eco Hybrid was reached following the vehicle’s launch in July 2006. Most of the trucks have been sold in Japan, but a number have now been sold in Ireland, Australia and Hong Kong. The hybrid truck, with its parallel hybrid system, significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions while providing easy operation on the job.

Since its introduction four years ago, the Canter Eco Hybrid has built on its success and made significant improvements in fuel efficiency and technical features. The latest version launched in Japan on August 5, 2010, significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions while increasing fuel economy to about 11.6 km/liter (2-ton truck) depending on operating conditions, making the Canter Eco Hybrid the most fuel efficient hybrid truck in Japan in the 2-ton class.

New Hybrid Test Bench to Open in Late 2010

Building on the success of the Canter Eco Hybrid, MFTBC continues to invest in hybrid development. In December 2010, the company will open a specialized hybrid test bench within its Kitsuregawa Proving Ground, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The facility will be one of the first of its kind in the world. The new test bench will be capable of testing hybrid powertrains in various real-life environment and driving modes, broadening real-time testing possibilities such as virtually changing battery size and output on site. The facility will be a key tool to developing even cleaner and more fuel efficient hybrid vehicles in the future.

New Head of Global Hybrid Center, Mr. Genichiro Ishii

MFTBC today is also announcing a new Head of the Global Hybrid Center (GHC), Mr. Genichiro Ishii.

Mr. Ishii has served in numerous roles in Mitsubishi Fuso Research & Development, including leading Mitsubishi Fuso’s activities in the Daimler Trucks initiative to develop a new heavy-duty engine concept for use in group vehicles worldwide.

Mr. Ishii succeeds Mr. Fumio Akikawa, who has reached retirement age, but remains as a consultant for hybrid sales strategy. MFTBC thanks Mr. Akikawa for his strong contribution in the founding and start-up of the GHC, and looks forward to further utilizing his expertise as the hybrid business continues to grow.

Opened in 2008, the GHC is the worldwide hub for Daimler Trucks hybrid vehicle development. It is charged with synchronizing Daimler Trucks’ global hybrid efforts including activities at Daimler Trucks North America in the NAFTA region and Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Europe.

“Shaping Future Transportation”

Mitsubishi Fuso’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. The aim of this initiative is to turn the zero-emission commercial vehicle of tomorrow into reality with efficient and clean drive systems and alternative fuels. 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 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.

Canter Eco Hybrid Light-Duty Truck