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PRESS RELEASE

Global Hybrid Center at Mitsubishi Fuso
Marks One-Year Anniversary

August 3, 2009

•  First Opened August 1, 2008 as Hub of Daimler Trucks Global Hybrid Development
•  Focused on Aligning Group Development and Advancing Technology for Higher Fuel Efficiency, Lower Emissions, Greater Cost Effectiveness
•  New Hybrid Products and Sales Milestones in Past 12 Months
•  Part of “Shaping Future Transportation“ Initiative

Kawasaki –  Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), one of Asia’s leading truck manufacturers, is marking the one-year anniversary of its Global Hybrid Center (GHC). Opened August 1, 2008, the GHC is the worldwide hub for Daimler Trucks hybrid vehicle development. The company celebrated the occasion during a ceremony at the GHC facility, which is located within the company’s R&D operations here. MFTBC is an integral part of the Daimler Trucks division of Daimler AG.

“Mitsubishi Fuso continues to foresee much wider adoption of hybrid technology in global commercial vehicle markets over the next decade,” said Dr. Albert Kirchmann, MFTBC President and CEO. “Under the Global Hybrid Center, we seek to speed this adoption by increasing the cost effectiveness of hybrid trucks and buses, while striving for ever greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions.”

“The Global Hybrid Center at Mitsubishi Fuso has made significant progress in its first year,” said Dr. Eike Boehm, MFTBC Vice President of Product Engineering. “The GHC is well on its way to fulfilling its role of synchronizing Daimler Trucks’ hybrid activities on a global basis while pushing the boundaries of commercial vehicle hybrid development.”

“The Global Hybrid Center team looks forward to continuing our work, to realize a future of many more hybrid vehicles operating on streets and highways,” said Mr. Fumio Akikawa, Director of the Global Hybrid Center. “We view hybrids as not only a business opportunity, but a chance to make the earth a better place for current and future generations.”

GHC Focus in First Year

In its first year of operation, the GHC has concentrated on advancing overall hybrid development including new product generations. A key area of focus also included conducting research, analysis and evaluation of hybrid technologies already developed by each brand within Daimler Trucks. Jointly, the group features a variety of hybrid vehicles: Mitsubishi Fuso with the Canter Eco Hybrid light-duty truck and Aero Star Eco Hybrid non-step route bus; Mercedes-Benz with the Atego BlueTec hybrid and Freightliner Trucks with the M2 hybrid.

The GHC is exploring possibility of synergy effects within the group’s hybrid products. By making the most out of those accumulated know-how and experiences, the GHC will further focus on hybrid development on a worldwide scale in the future.

Significant Hybrid Progress Since GHC Opening

Mitsubishi Fuso has made further significant progress in hybrid development, testing and sales since the GHC’s opening one year ago. Highlights of the past 12 months include:


 

1. Start of U.K. Hybrid Fleet Test

In August 2008, MFTBC launched a three-year evaluation of Canter Eco Hybrid light-duty trucks operating in London. MFTBC delivered ten Canter Eco Hybrids to eight customers in London to examine the use of the 7.5-ton hybrid trucks by customers and demonstrate the diesel-electric hybrid drive's high level of efficiency. The test is ongoing and showing very positive results.

2. Energy Conservation Prize for Aero Star Eco Hybrid Bus

In January 2009, the Mitsubishi Fuso Aero Star Eco Hybrid large non-step route bus received the “Energy Conservation Center Chairman's Prize.” The award is presented by the Energy Conservation Center of the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The Aero Star Eco Hybrid bus was in the category “Excellent Energy Conservation Equipment/System” in the 19th Energy Conservation Grand Prize Awards.

3. 500-Unit Sales Achievement for Canter Eco Hybrid

In March 2009, MFTBC announced that total sales of its Canter Eco Hybrid passed the 500-unit milestone. As of July 2009, sales have exceeded 600 units. The Canter Eco Hybrid has been commercially available in Japan since July 2006.

4. Launch of New, Enhanced Canter Eco Hybrid

In April 2009, the company launched an enhanced version of the Canter Eco Hybrid light-duty truck, providing even greater fuel economy. The latest version provides fuel economy of about 11.0 km/liter, depending on operating conditions. Mitsubishi Fuso has also improved drivability by optimizing the hybrid system and added new variations like a long wheel base model.


Shaping Future Transportation

Mitsubishi Fuso’s hybrid activities including the Global Hybrid Center work are part of the “Shaping Future Transportation” initiative of Daimler Trucks and Buses. “Shaping Future Transportation” aims at redoubling ongoing efforts to achieve a major reduction in the fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of commercial vehicles. Hybrid vehicles play a significant role in these efforts, because of their high potential for emissions reduction and fuel efficiency.


About MFTBC

Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2008, the company sold a total of about 197,700 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.



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