Production Starts at Fuso Kamaz Trucks Rus

Only two months after revealing it has decided to raise its stake in the Russian truck maker, Daimler announced the start of production of the Fuso Canter truck in Russia. The model will presented to Russian trade visitors for the first time at the Comtrans trade show for commercial vehicles, which is being held in Moscow from April 20 to 24, 2010.

For MFTBC, Kamaz, and Daimler Trucks, the entry of Fuso trucks into the Russian market represents a key strategic development.

“With the official entry of Mitsubishi Fuso into the Russian market, MFTBC takes an important step in a key growth market. MFTBC sees great further potential in the Russian commercial vehicle market and believes Mitsubishi Fuso vehicles can play an important role here,” Albert Kirchmann, President and CEO of MFTBC, said in a release.

The Fuso trucks are being produced in Naberezhnye Chelny, the second-largest city in the Russian republic of Tatarstan. The production area spreads over some 12,000 square meters including assembly, vehicle inspection, and logistics. Vehicles are being assembled from semi-knocked-down (SKD) kits shipped from Japan.

“With the arrival of the world famous Canter light-duty truck, we give our potential customers the opportunity to appreciate all the advantages of its economy and reliability and at the same time offer them a very comfortable vehicle,” said Mr. Albert Yagudin, FKTR President. “I would like to stress that after sales and the quality of our services will be our priorities.”

Sales of the 7.5-ton truck produced by the joint venture Fuso Kamaz Trucks Rus (FKTR) will start in June.