•	FUSO extends export bus range beyond the small bus segment
•	First bus in Australia to feature an Idle Stop/Start (ISS) system
•	Class best-seller Rosa small bus also continues to draw show interest
•	Reflection of FUSO’s commitment to global growth

Kawasaki, Japan - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, today announced it has launched its MP300 large city-route bus to the Australian public in Melbourne. The first public showing and official launch of the new FUSO MP300 took place on Monday, July 1, 2013, at the BusVic Maintenance Conference and Expo at Moonee Valley Race Course in Melbourne, Australia.

“The launch of the all-new MP300 for Australia is a reflection of our commitment to global growth and to the Australian market,” says Mr. Kai-Uwe Seidenfuss, MFTBC Senior Vice President of Sales & After Sales. “We are extending our bus export range beyond the successful Rosa small bus, now offering medium/large buses as well. FUSO continues to add momentum to its growth story – now also in the bus segment.”

“The MP300 received lots of interest and positive comments from show guests over the two days it was on display,” said Mr. Kevin Johnston, Technical manager for FUSO Trucks and Buses in Australia. “Many show attendees expressed an interest in the new MP300 Bus, because they understand and respect the traditional Japanese FUSO brand through experiences through the Rosa buses.”

According to Mr. Johnston, the MP300 bus on the FUSO stand received overall positive comments from show guests about the simplicity of servicing, the high quality of build and the feeling that the bus was very solid in construction.

Representing FUSO’s first ever completely built-up large bus for export beyond the well-established Rosa segment, the MP300 is an ultra-low floor city-route bus which can accommodate up to 63 passengers; 34 seated and 29 standing. The MP300 is easier to navigate around tight city streets and it gives the bus a smaller turning circle of just eighteen meters curb-to-curb.

•	Incorporating proven BlueTec® emissions reduction system: Combination of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system and a regeneration-control diesel particulate filter (DPF).
•	Powered by FUSO’s 6M60 twin overhead cam, turbo charged and intercooled 7.5 liter engine backed by a six-speed automatic transmission.
•	First bus in Australia featuring an Idle Stop/ Start (ISS) which allows the bus to turn itself off while stationary to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The first MP300 bus arrived in Australia in February and was quickly snatched up by bus operator, Turnbulls. Mr. David Turnball said he is absolutely ecstatic with the bus’s performance, driver and passenger satisfaction and most of all its fuel economy. “This bus is saving us over $100 a day in fuel compared to other brands we have in the fleet. It operates up to nine hours a day, seven days a week between Traralgon and Yarram in rural Victoria.” To date, the bus has clocked up over 40,000km.

Also on display and of high interest to BusVic show visitors was the 25 seat Deluxe Rosa.

Deluxe Rosa offers the highest levels of comfort and safety available in buses of this size. A 22 seat model was recently introduced for customers seeking a slightly smaller, more maneuverable bus with improved departure angle. It has all the features of the 25 seat Rosa, however, with 3 less seats and a shorter wheelbase, this new model has a tighter turning circle and smaller rear overhang.

With its superior features and up to four more passenger seats than its competitor, it is easy to see why the FUSO Rosa bus continues to be the best selling bus in its class in Australia for nine consecutive years. (source: Vfacts: 2004-2012)

Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2012, the company sold a total of about 174,000 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.