The FINANCIAL — Mitsubishi Fuso Europe increased unit sales by 9.9% to 10,200 vehicles of the Canter model series in 2007 (2006: 9,300), thereby selling more vehicles than ever before in Europe since Daimler obtained a majority interest in Mitsubishi Fuso.
This success in Europe also contributed to the sales record set by Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) in its export markets, where sales increased by 16.6%.
The high demand for the Canter caused production volume at the Mitsubishi Fuso Trucks Europe production plant in Tramagal, Portugal, to rise by 13.7% in 2007. “The approximately 40% increase in new orders posted in the first quarter of 2008 also makes us optimistic that the business development of Mitsubishi Fuso Europe will remain positive throughout the year,” says Alexander Müller, Head of Sales & Marketing at Mitsubishi Fuso Europe. “The Mitsubishi Fuso Canter just keeps performing better and better in Europe; the model has been able to win over both individual and fleet customers.”
Mitsubishi Fuso Europe will expand its presence in Eastern Europe in 2008 by launching the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter in Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, and Montenegro. This move will give the company a comprehensive sales network covering 30 countries in Europe for the first time. Mitsubishi Fuso Europe’s most important sales markets to date are France, the UK, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Italy also was the market recording the biggest increase in demand for the Canter in 2007.
In June 2007, Mercedes-Benz’ German Sales Organization (MBVD) took over responsibility for wholesale marketing of the Mitsubishi Fuso brand in Germany from the former exclusive importer, Mitsubishi Motors Deutschland. Mitsubishi Fuso Europe is hoping that this changeover and the integration into MBVD will lead to significantly higher sales in the key German market, as well as an accompanying increase in market share in the segment for light duty trucks of 3.5 to 7.5 tons GVW.
The first Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid truck in Europe was handed over to Deutsche Post World Net at the end of January. The company will thus become the first logistics specialist on the continent to test hybrid trucks in everyday operations. The testing will begin at DHL Express locations in the UK, and additional Canter Eco Hybrid trucks will be delivered throughout the year.
Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2007, the company sold a total of about 188,700 vehicles including light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Daimler AG owns 85% of MFTBC shares. The remaining 15% of shares are held by various Mitsubishi group companies. MFTBC is an integral part of the Daimler Trucks Division of Daimler AG.
Discussion about this post