Mitsubishi Fuso Significantly Increases Sales in Indonesia,
Exhibiting Hybrid Technology at Indonesia International Motor Show

Kawasaki, Japan and Jakarta, Indonesia – Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), an integral part of Daimler Trucks, today announced it is achieving strong sales increases in its largest export market, Indonesia. At the same time, the company said it is participating in the 16th Indonesia International Motor Show 2008 with an exhibition of the “Canter Eco-D” hybrid light-duty dump truck, beginning today.

“Mitsubishi Fuso is very pleased with the development in our key market Indonesia,” said Mr. Kai-Uwe Seidenfuss, MFTBC Vice President of Sales & Service International. “Improved market conditions, excellent response to new Mitsubishi Fuso products and strong efforts of local organizations have led to the robust sales increases. We also look forward to an exciting Indonesian International Motor Show with a showing of the Canter Eco-D.”  

Through the first five months of 2008, the company’s Indonesia sales have increased 71.6% to 18,528 units (January-May 2007 = 10,795 units). (Sales figures are based on MFTBC wholesales). Mitsubishi Fuso is the number one commercial vehicle brand in Indonesia with close to 60% market share. Over the past five years, the company has sold over 170,000 vehicles in Indonesia, including light-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks and light-duty bus chassis.

Amid the positive market developments, Mitsubishi Fuso is exhibiting its latest hybrid concept vehicle at the Indonesia Motor Show, which runs July 11-20. The Canter Eco-D is a view to further uses of hybrid technology in commercial vehicles. It is the first hybrid light-duty dump truck concept.

The new Canter Eco-D shows that hybrid systems can bring distinct advantages to urban dump truck applications. It features extremely low emissions, quiet performance and sophisticated styling.

In addition to its parallel hybrid drive system, a unique feature of the Canter Eco-D is its use of the electric motor for the power take-off to operate the dump body. This approach significantly reduces emissions and noise.

This is the first exhibition of the Canter Eco-D vehicle outside Japan.

“Mitsubishi Fuso is very pleased to bring the Canter Eco-D concept truck to the Indonesia Motor Show, as a view to future uses of hybrid technology in commercial vehicles,” said Mr. Atsushi Sakai, MFTBC Director of Asia/ASEAN/Europe/North America/Oceania Markets. “The new Canter Eco-D fits with the theme of this year’s Indonesia International Motor Show: ‘Advance Motoring/High Quality Living.’ And the truck reflects the philosophy of Mitsubishi Fuso – that commercial vehicles can be productive, efficient, safe and environmentally-friendly.”

To maintain its market leadership and enhance customer support, Mitsubishi Fuso has strengthened its product line and operations in Indonesia.

In March 2007, Mitsubishi Fuso introduced the latest generation Canter light-duty truck, known as the Colt Diesel in Indonesia. The new Canter builds on the strong reputation of the former model with enhancements to safety, comfort and efficiency. It has been extremely well received in the market.

In December 2007, MFTBC announced that it had acquired equity positions in P.T. Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian Motors (KTB) and P.T. Mitsubishi Krama Yudha Motors and Manufacturing (MKM). MFTBC now holds minority shares of 18% in KTB and 32.28% in MKM.

KTB, headquartered in Jakarta, is the wholesale organization marketing Mitsubishi Fuso commercial trucks and Mitsubishi passenger cars in Indonesia.

MKM, also located in Jakarta, is a manufacturer producing parts and assembling components for Mitsubishi Fuso trucks and Mitsubishi passenger cars in Indonesia.

MFTBC’s participation in KTB and MKM came as the result of an agreement among P.T. Krama Yudha (KY) of Indonesia, Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC).

“These investments in our product line and operations are further strengthening MFTBC’s Indonesia business in all aspects, as we continue to bring the highest quality commercial vehicles and services to our customers,” said MFTBC’s Mr. Seidenfuss. “Mitsubishi Fuso is committed to Indonesia and looks forward to a bright future together with our customers.”

Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2007, the company sold a total of about 188,700 vehicles including light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Daimler AG owns 85% of MFTBC shares. The remaining 15% of shares are held by various Mitsubishi group companies. MFTBC is an integral part of the Daimler Trucks Division of Daimler AG.