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Mitsubishi Fuso Launches New Generation Canter in South Africa
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| Tokyo, Japan/Pretoria, South Africa - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation (MFTBC), one of Asia's leading
commercial vehicle manufacturers, has officially introduced its new generation
Canter light-duty truck to the South Africa market. The new Canter offers
more interior space, more comfort and more safety, while maintaining the
vehicle's reputation for durability, reliability and efficiency. The vehicles
will be built at MFTBC's manufacturing plant in Kawasaki, Japan, and imported
to South Africa as KD (knocked-down) kits for local assembly. Bert van Dijk, MFTBC Board member and responsible for International Sales & Service, said, "Mitsubishi Fuso is very pleased to bring the new generation Canter to South Africa. The new Canter has been very well received in international markets. We expect this high quality product will meet the increasing requirements of the South African customers. With this new introduction, we build sales momentum and positive brand perception for Mitsubishi Fuso in South Africa." Leading features of the next generation Canter include: a spacious cab; the RISE (Realized Impact Safety Evolution) cab and chassis structure for maximum safety; in-dash gearshift for convenience and comfort; and powerful and efficient engines. The product's model range in South Africa spans from 5.5 tons to 7.5 tons GVW (gross vehicle weight). The vehicles will be assembled locally in East London, South Africa, at a facility owned and operated by Ikhwezi Trucktech (Pty.) Ltd. Fuso vehicles are distributed in South Africa through DaimlerChrysler South Africa. The new Canter launch constitutes the second major 2006 product introduction for Mitsubishi Fuso in South Africa. In March of this year, Mitsubishi Fuso launched the FP & FV line of heavy-duty trucks with GVW from 17.9 to 26 tons. The Fuso product line in South Africa also includes the medium-duty FK & FM series of trucks in the range of 10-15 tons GVW. "South Africa represents an important and growing export market for Mitsubishi Fuso," Mr. van Dijk said. "Our position in South Africa is now further strengthened with new generation products in the light- and heavy-duty segments, and with the continuing support of DaimlerChrysler South Africa in distributing the Fuso vehicles via a strong sales and service network." In 2005, Mitsubishi Fuso almost doubled its South Africa sales to 878 units (wholesale). In Africa as a whole, the company achieved a 31% sales increase in 2005, to 7,389 vehicles (wholesale). About MFTBC Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2005, the company sold a total of 178,900 vehicles including light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. In the international markets outside Japan MFTBC sold approximately 119,000 units (wholesale) in 2005, a new international sales record for the company. DaimlerChrysler AG owns 85% of MFTBC shares. The remaining 15% of shares are held by various Mitsubishi group companies. MFTBC is an integral part of DaimlerChrysler's Truck Group. |
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