Kawasaki, Japan - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, today announced it has launched and added a newly developed long wheelbase model to its Canter (local name: Colt Diesel) light-duty truck range for the Indonesian market. The new robust truck is already available at FUSO dealer network in the market since June 12, 2013.

According to Mr. Aiichiro Nishikawa, MFTBC Director of Sales & Market Management Asia, the new long wheelbase model builds on the already renowned robust Canter light-duty truck range in Indonesia and is designed to offer wider choice for customers, in particular, for inner-city merchandise deliveries: “In 2013, MFTBC plans to introduce 50 new models worldwide of which about 30 will be for FUSO stronghold markets in Asia, such as Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Singapore. By adding new models to our already robust product range and offering more choice and value for our customers, we are committed to strengthening our leadership presence in the market.”

FUSO’s performance in 2012, a third consecutive growth year, reflects the company’s success driving by the company’s performance in its Asia stronghold. Moving ahead in 2013, the company plans for further growth and next level profitability.

With its growth strategy FUSO 2015, MFTBC 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 significantly increase its international sales while ensuring a strong home base in Japan and Asia.

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.

The Canter light-duty truck, named “Colt Diesel” in Indonesia, is locally assembled and distributed by P.T. Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian Motors (KTB). MFTBC holds 18% of KTB shares. MFTBC first entered the Indonesian market in 1971, and today, the country has grown to be the company’s largest export market. In 2012, sales in Indonesia totaled about 68,000 units (wholesale) with sales reaching an accumulative 263,000 units over the past five years (Jan.-Dec. 2008-2012).

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.