Kuala Lumpur – Mitsubishi FUSO Truck & Bus Corporation, one of Southeast Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched the new generation Canter truck in Malaysia today. The new EURO 2 Canter, a versatile light-truck, bears all the brand’s hallmarks of reliability and durability while offering more power, greater fuel-efficiency and eco-friendly features.

 

According to Peter Honegg, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, the new generation Canter represents a big step forward in the company’s drive towards environmental sustainability while demonstrating continued commitment and leadership in innovative commercial truck technology.

 

A key feature of the new Canter is its proven performance in power with its turbocharged intercooler engines that are also environmental friendly. Better yet, it provides customers the benefits of a fuel-efficient vehicle which does not compromise on power while it is EURO 2 compliant by lowering emissions and improving fuel economy.

 

Beside its enhanced performance, the new generation Canter offers a host of new and upgraded features for improved functionality and comfort such as the RISE (Realised Impact Safety Evolution) cab, a more spacious cabin with excellent ergonomics, improved chassis structure for maximum safety and in-dash gearshift for convenience.

 

There are various durability improvements in the Canter including rust prevention, water proofing for wire connectors in the chassis and a timing gear that lasts as long as its engine’s lifespan making it more reliable, unlike timing belts and chains that require periodical replacements.

 

Rainer Schaefer,Vice President for Commercial Vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia explained that customers within this market always look out for light trucks that are not only powerful and economical but demonstrate outstanding safety and reliability qualities.

 

“This is exactly what the EURO 2 Canter provides. I am confident that with the enhancements and new features built into the Canter, we are able to satisfy our customers’ trucking needs in every way.” 

 

The Malaysian trucks market has been experiencing a steady growth over the last six months as the economy andmanufacturing sector begin to show signs of recovery. Total volume for the 4-ton and above GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) truck segment increased 5.4 per cent in the first two months of 2010, compared to the same period last year.  

Sales of Mitsubishi FUSO in the first quarter of 2010 are in tandem with this growth and reflect the positive sentiment amongst consumers. Retail sales of FUSO units grew an impressive 69 per cent against its performance in Q1 2009.

 

Honegg said the Canter is undoubtedly the shining star in the FUSO stable and is expected to driving volumes for Fuson trucks up by over 20 per cent this year. To date, the company has already received over 360 pre-launch orders and is confident of more to follow.

 

“We target to sell 1700 units of the various FUSO models this year with the new Canter taking the lead. Demand for the Canter has been extremely encouraging and we envisage our market share within this segment to grow proportionately,” he said.

 

The new Canter models range spans from 4.5 tons to 7.5 tons GVW and will be available for distribution in Malaysia by end of April 2010. The new Canter will be assembled in the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia plant in Pekan alongside other FUSO models already being assembled there.

 

Mitsubishi FUSO is one of the leading truck brands in Asia with a strong presence throughout the region. Based on 2008 performance, Mitsubishi FUSO has the biggest market share in its segment in Singapore (33.5 per cent), Taiwan (49.2 per cent), Indonesia (49.8 per cent) and Brunei (51.7 per cent).
 

        

               ( From Left) Mr. Takeshi Noguchi, Mr. Peter Honegg,               Group Photo of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Top 
                  Mr. Rainer Schaefer and Mr. Kai-Uwe Seidenfuss.                Management, VIP guest from MFTBC and FUSO 
                                                                                                                          dedicated staffs



Mr. Rainer Schaefer, Vice President of Sales & Marketing - Commercial Vehicle, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is
giving a speech during the launch event.