•	Roll-out of first BharatBenz medium-duty truck line at new production plant in Chennai, India, together with Daimler India Commercial Vehicles
•	9-ton and 12-ton trucks based on Daimler Trucks technical platform; Fuso Fighter medium-duty truck on the chassis and the Canter light-duty truck on the cabin
•	India’s most fuel-efficient trucks in the segment
•	BharatBenz 25-tons to 31-tons heavy-duty truck line launched in September 2012 continuing success with more than 1,000 units sold
•	Fuso leveraging Daimler Trucks network under FUSO 2015 “Profitable Global Player”

Kawasaki - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, today took part at a BharatBenz product launch ceremony hosted by Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (DICV) in Oragadam-Chennai on February 20, 2013, in the presence of media, financiers and dealers of BharatBenz. The medium-duty BharatBenz trucks will now be commercially available through a growing number of state-of-the-art dealerships in India.

The all-new medium-duty BharatBenz trucks bring at least 10% more fuel efficiency than a comparable product in the market and are suitable for a wide range of applications. The vehicles, which are used primarily for distribution (914R/1214R) and construction (1217C), come with a 100 kW (136 PS) or 120 kW (170 PS) engine output respectively.

According to Dr. Albert Kirchmann, MFTBC President & CEO and Head of Daimler Trucks Asia, the company, under its 5-pillar growth strategy ‘FUSO 2015,’ aims for additional growth in the promising markets like India by leveraging strengths, expertise, and network within the Daimler Trucks group. “I am extremely happy with the excitement Daimler India is creating with BharatBenz in Indian trucking. In fact, the entire Daimler Truck world is watching this new brand with interest – a new market, new brand, new products and a great team. Daimler Trucks has everything needed to take these markets to newer levels in trucking, and Fuso is very proud to be part of this success story.” The medium—duty truck platform is based on the well-established Daimler Trucks technical platform – the Fuso Fighter for the chassis and the Fuso Canter for the Cab.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Marc Llistosella, Managing Director and CEO, DICV, said, “In September 2012, we delivered our first promise through our heavy-duty trucks. We are extremely encouraged by highly positive feedback and through repeat orders. Today is another important milestone for DICV and BharatBenz. Our medium-duty trucks will add a new dimension to reliable trucking by being very fuel efficient along with superior driving dynamics.”

With its growth strategy FUSO 2015, the Fuso has embarked on a clear company initiative aimed at increasing operational excellence in all aspects. It is based on 5 strategic pillars, including “Leader in Green Innovation,” “Profitable Global Player,” “Efficiency Leader,” “Customer Number One in Japan,” and “Employer Number One.”

Under “Profitable Global Player,” MFTBC aims for significant increase in global sales, including an overall target to sell over 200,000 units annually, while ensuring a strong home base. FUSO 2015 is a holistic improvement program, encompassing all parts of the business. It addresses major drivers to grow the business in all aspects, building on the cost and efficiency gains of its realignment program.

Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2012, the company sold a total of about 174,000 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.