Mitsubishi Fuso Launches New Generation Canter Light-Duty Truck
In North America As Sales and Market Share Increase

Kawasaki, Japan/Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), one of Asia’s leading truck manufacturers, has unveiled its new “Canter” light-duty truck for the North America market. This represents the first international launch of the new generation vehicle following its debut in Japan in November 2010.

The launch also ushers in a series of other “firsts” for Mitsubishi Fuso and the North America commercial vehicle industry. These include the company’s first use of the BlueTec® emissions reduction system in North American vehicles and the region’s first dual-clutch transmission for commercial trucks. MFTBC is also using the “Canter” name in North America for the first time.

The truck was introduced to dealers, customers and members of the media during events at The Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A, on March 8.

“With the launch of the new generation Canter in North America, Mitsubishi Fuso brings one of the world’s most advanced and efficient light-duty trucks to our valued U.S. and Canadian customers,” said Mr. Kai-Uwe Seidenfuss, MFTBC Vice President of Sales and Service International. “With its extremely low emissions and low cost of operation, we anticipate the new Canter will further boost momentum in a market where we have significantly increased both sales and market share.”

According to Mr. Seidenfuss, Mitsubishi Fuso sales increased 80.8% to 2,981 units in 2010, (Jan. –Dec. 2009: 1,649 units) as fleet and individual customers returned to the market and economic conditions improved. In addition, the company last year increased its share of the U.S. and Canada Class 3-7 low cab-over engine market to 21.4%.
Globally, MFTBC sales increased 41.3% in 2010 to 140,681 units (Jan.-Dec. 2009: 99,543 units).

The new Canter rolling out in North America is the eighth generation of the renowned light-duty truck and the first new generation for the U.S. market since 2004.

Overall, the new truck is designed to achieve lowest total cost of ownership through its new integrated powertrain, enhanced product durability, higher payload capacity and extended maintenance interval.

Now Called “Canter” in North America

The new light-duty trucks carry the “Canter” name for the first time in North America. Previously, they had been known only as the “FE and FG” work trucks in the U.S. and Canada. With the new product generation, Mitsubishi Fuso is leveraging the renowned “Canter” brand which stands for efficient and reliable truck performance around the world.

Distributed Through MFTA

The new Canter will be distributed by Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. (MFTA) Headquartered in Logan Township, N.J., MFTA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MTFBC. With a 25-year heritage in North America, MFTA has sold more than 100,000 vehicles. Today, MFTA has a network of over 200 dealer locations throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

In North America, Mitsubishi Fuso vehicles serve a wide variety of industries including beverage, catering, refrigerated and dry cargo delivery fleets, vehicle recovery, towing, pest control, plumbing, light construction and landscaping.

More International Launches to Come

Following the North American launch, MFTBC plans to roll out the new generation Canter in Europe, Australia and several more international markets by the end of 2011. It will be introduced in more than 40 new markets by the end of 2012.

Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2010, the company sold a total of about 140,700 vehicles including light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Daimler AG owns 89.29% of MFTBC shares and various Mitsubishi group companies own 10.71% of MFTBC shares. MFTBC is an integral part of the Daimler Trucks Division of Daimler AG.