Mitsubishi Fuso Debuts New Canter Light-Duty Truck in Australia

Kawasaki, Japan / Brisbane, Australia - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), one of Asia’s leading truck manufacturers, has introduced its new “Canter” light-duty truck in Australia. This marks the second international introduction of the revolutionary new vehicle, following the North American launch in early March, and brings key advantage for Fuso customers in this highly competitive Australia market.

The new Canter is the centerpiece of a renewed and extended product portfolio that Fuso is rolling out in Australia. The lineup, which also includes a new Fighter medium-duty truck for Australia, was introduced to dealers and customers on May 4 and to members of the media and the public at the 2011 Brisbane Truck Show May 5-8.

“MFTBC is proud to bring the all-new Canter light-duty truck to Australia and to participate in this important commercial vehicle event,” said Dr. Albert Kirchmann, MFTBC President & CEO. “Our plans call for us to continue a global product offensive in 2011, even as we focus on returning to full production and supporting the relief efforts in Japan. This Australia launch is a strong symbol of this commitment to our customers and partners globally.”

“With the launch of the new generation Canter, we bring one of the world’s most advanced, efficient and powerful light-duty trucks to our valued Australia customers,” said Mr. Kai-Uwe Seidenfuss, MFTBC Vice President of Sales & Service International. “We believe our new product portfolio offers our customers expanded possibilities and will further boost our momentum in the Australia market.”

New Canter: Various “Firsts” for Fuso and the Australia Market

The new Canter introduced today is the eighth generation of the renowned light-duty truck and the first new generation for the Australia market since May 2005.

It brings various “firsts” for Fuso and the Australia market. These include the first commercial truck in the world and Australia to incorporate a dual-clutch transmission, DUONIC® (6-speed automated dual clutch-type manual transmission); and the company’s first use of the BlueTec® emissions reduction system in the Australia market. The advanced BlueTec® emissions reduction system is incorporated on selected new Canter light-duty truck models with high engine outputs (129 kW).

Leading features of the new generation Canter include:

Overall, the new truck is designed to achieve lowest total cost of ownership through its new integrated powertrain, enhanced product durability, higher payload capacity and extended maintenance interval.

On Display: Extended Product Line-Up Including New Fighter

MFTBC is displaying a total of seven trucks at the 2011 Brisbane Truck Show.

In addition to the new Canter, the company is also showcasing its new Euro 5-compliant Fighter medium-duty truck for the market. Incorporated with advanced BlueTec® emissions reduction system, the new Fighter achieves class-topping service intervals while achieving low fuel consumption and reduced exhaust gas emissions.

The new Fighter’s advanced features include:

Mitsubishi Fuso in the Australia Market

The new Canter and new Fighter will be distributed through a dedicated Fuso sales organization headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with a national network of around 40 authorized dealers.

In 2010, about 3,400 Fuso vehicles were sold in Australia. Through the past five years 2006-2010, the company has sold about 22,800 trucks and buses in total. Adding on to the success of its Rosa small bus, the market leader in the small bus segment in 2010, MFTBC intends to further boost its sales in the company’s key Australia market with its renewed and extended lineup.

More International Launches to Come

Following today’s market introduction, MFTBC plans to roll out the new generation Canter in New Zealand, Europe and several more international markets by the end of 2011. It will be introduced in more than 40 new markets by the end of 2012.

Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2010, the company sold a total of about 140,700 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.