Fuso Canter Sales Expand in Southeast Asia

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) today launched the new generation Fuso Canter light-duty truck in Malaysia and the Philippines. The trucks have a model range from 4.4 to 7.5 tons GVW and various enhancements in safety and efficiency compared to its predecessor.

The Fuso is one of the most popular vehicle brands in Southeast Asia. Sales figures for the the first quarter of 2010 showed an increase of 49.1 percent, from 7,740 vehicles in the same period last year, to 11,550.

“Within 2010, Fuso trucks will achieve a strong sales development in Southeast Asia, our largest export region,” said Albert Kirchmann, President and CEO of MFTBC. “With the launch of the new Fuso Canter in Malaysia and the Philippines, we plan to further build momentum in these markets while strengthening our leadership position in the region."

“Southeast Asia is one of the current bright spots of the worldwide commercial vehicle markets — and thus very important for us, given the challenging global economic environment,” added Kirchmann.

Back in February, MFTBC announced the sales start of the Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid in Hong Kong, followed by Australia and Ireland. There have been 900 vehicles sold since its launch, and the demand is currently increasing. MFTBC intends to further expand its hybrid truck sales to new markets.

Fuso’s biggest export market, however, is Indonesia. Sales in Indonesia rose by 55.5 percent to 10,620 units in the first quarter 2010, compared to 6,830 units in the same period last year. In fact, Fuso has a leading market share of 56.1 percent in the light-duty truck segment in Indonesia.