Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid Tops 1,000 Sales Milestone

Daimler announced today its Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) has reached a major milestone in hybrid truck sales. The company has now sold over 1,000 units of the Canter Eco Hybrid light-duty truck since its market introduction in 2006. Most of the trucks have been sold in Japan, followed by Ireland, Australia and Hong Kong.

“In the second generation, the hybrid truck, with its parallel hybrid system, significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions while providing easy operation on the job,” Daimler says in a statement.

The company will continue to make investments in hybrid development. In December 2010, it will open a specialized hybrid test bench within its Kitsuregawa Proving Ground, Japan.

The new facility will be capable of testing hybrid powertrains in various real-life environment and driving modes, with real-time testing possibilities such as virtually changing battery size and output on site. The facility will be a key tool to developing even cleaner and more fuel efficient hybrid vehicles in the future.

MFTBC also announced a new Head of the Global Hybrid Center (GHC), Genichiro Ishii, who has served in numerous roles in Mitsubishi Fuso Research & Development, including leading Mitsubishi Fuso’s activities in the Daimler Trucks initiative to develop a new heavy-duty engine concept for use in group vehicles worldwide.

Ishii succeeds Fumio Akikawa, who has reached retirement age, but remains as a consultant for hybrid sales strategy. “MFTBC thanks Mr. Akikawa for his strong contribution in the founding and start-up of the GHC, and looks forward to further utilizing his expertise as the hybrid business continues to grow.”