Mitsubishi Fuso launches New Generation Canter in Middle East

Mitsubishi Fuso has organized a regional event covering 10 countries for a product presentation in the Middle East. Two days earlier, more than 200 fleet customers and representatives from distributors and dealers were offered the opportunity to preview the Mitsubishi Fuso key product for this important overseas market.

Bert van Dijk, MFTBC Board member and responsible for International Sales & Services, said: "The New Generation Canter offers more interior space, more comfort and more safety while maintaining the durability and reliability resulting in a very competitive product offering value for money. With this new product we will expand our strong position in this region." The Canter for the Middle East & Africa region comes with custom-made specifications for the Gulf Cooperation Council markets and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In addition, Mitsubishi Fuso offers general export versions for the other markets.

The Middle East is the most important region for Mitsubishi Fuso outside Asia in terms of sales. In fiscal year 2003 which ended in March 2004, the company achieved group sales of 12,200 trucks and buses (2002: 11,300 units, plus 8%) in the Middle East. This represents 13% of Mitsubishi Fuso overseas sales in fiscal year 2003. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2004 (April - June), shipments ahead of the Canter introduction surged by 200% to 2,200 units. The largest Mitsubishi Fuso markets in the region are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Kuwait.

Mitsubishi Fuso offers a comprehensive range of trucks and light buses in this region. In fiscal year 2003, the company sold through its distributors 9,900 trucks. In addition, 2,300 units of the Rosa light bus were sold. This means that 38% of all Rosa light buses produced by Mitsubishi Fuso reach customers in the Middle East region.

In March 2004, MFTBC became a fully consolidated subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG. By raising its share to 65%, DaimlerChrysler expressed its full long-term commitment to Mitsubishi Fuso. As an integral part of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the world, MFTBC is better positioned than ever to master its current challenges in Japan and to compete in the increasingly competitive global truck and bus market.