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PRESS RELEASE

Mitsubishi Fuso Launching New Products in Southeast Asia
As Sales Show Positive Trend

April 28, 2010

•  Latest Generation Canter Light-Duty Truck Introduced in Malaysia and the Philippines
•  Sales in Southeast Asia: Q1 2010 Up by 49.1 Percent Compared to Q1 2009
•  ‘Building Further Momentum in the Growing Southeast Asia Region’

Kawasaki, Japan – Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, today announced the launch of the latest generation Canter light-duty truck for Malaysia and the Philippines. The company is injecting the new products into a region which is experiencing a solid commercial vehicle sales recovery. MFTBC’s Q1 Southeast Asia sales increased 49.1 percent over the same period in 2009.

“Within 2010, Mitsubishi Fuso is now achieving a strong sales development in our largest export region Southeast Asia,” said Mr. Kai-Uwe Seidenfuss, MFTBC Vice President of Sales & Service International. “With the launch of the new Canter in Malaysia and the Philippines, we plan to further build momentum in these markets while strengthening our leadership position in the region - bringing new products to our partners and customers.”

Mr. Seidenfuss continued, “Southeast Asia is one of the current bright spots of the worldwide commercial vehicle markets - and thus very important for Mitsubishi Fuso’s international sales. Given the challenging economic environment in several other regions, this is all the more relevant.” 

Furthermore, he added, “MFTBC is glad that our long-standing commitment to our markets and customers shows such mutually favorable results.”

Growth in Overall Southeast Asia

On the strength of products like the Canter and a comprehensive service network, Mitsubishi Fuso is the leading commercial vehicle brand in Southeast Asia. Through the first quarter January to March 2010, MFTBC has sold about 11,550 units in the region, increasing by almost half over the same period in 2009 (Q1 2009 = 7,740 units). Strong sales were supported especially by the increases in the Indonesia market, the company’s biggest export market. Sales in Indonesia rose by 55.5 percent to 10,620 units in the first quarter 2010 (Q1 2009 = 6,830 units), with a leading market share of about 56.1 percent (wholesale) in the light-duty truck segment.

Launch of Latest Generation Canter Light-Duty Truck

The new Canter light-duty truck now launching in Malaysia and the Philippines brings significant advances in safety, reliability and efficiency.

Key features include the following:


•  Spacious and comfortable cab with excellent ergonomics.
•  RISE (Realized Impact Safety Evolution) cab and chassis structure for maximum safety.
•  In-dash gearshift for convenience and comfort.
•  Powerful and efficient Euro2-compliant engines.
•  Model range from 4.4 tons to 7.5 tons GVW.

These products for Malaysia and for the Philippines are exported as CKD kits from Japan, assembled locally and sold through Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines networks, respectively.


About MFTBC

Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2009, the company sold a total of about 99,500 vehicles including light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Daimler AG owns 85% of MFTBC shares and various Mitsubishi group companies own 15% of MFTBC shares. MFTBC is an integral part of the Daimler Trucks Division of Daimler AG.



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