OREANDA-NEWS. May 07, 2010. The news was announced at the “Comtrans 2010” show during a press conference attended by officials from Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), OJSC KAMAZ and FUSO KAMAZ Trucks Rus (FKTR). The first Canter truck assembled in Russia was presented there too.

The joint venture was established at the end of 2009 within the bounds of strategic partnership development between OJSC KAMAZ and Daimler AG, the primary shareholder of MFTBC. The production areas of the JV (12,000 square meters) are used for assembly, quality control, and logistics. At the initial stage vehicles are being assembled from semi-knocked-down (SKD) kits shipped from Japan. The active search for the Russian OEM suppliers has already been started. A program of further localization will start in the near future.

"KAMAZ is very pleased to see the start of Mitsubishi Fuso truck production and sales in Russia," said Sergey Kogoghin, Director General of OJSC KAMAZ. "This project will not only allow us to introduce our customers a quality product, but will also give us modern technology vehicles and opportunities to integrate the world automobile industry."

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

“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 aftersales and the quality of our services will be our priorities.”

Mitsubishi Fuso is entering the Russia market with the 7.5-ton Canter light-duty truck. The Canter is known worldwide for its reliability, fuel efficiency and everyday durability. Key features include: a more spacious and comfortable cab; the RISE (Realized Impact Safety Evolution) cab and chassis structure for maximum safety; and an in-dash gearshift for convenience and comfort.

The Canter for Russia will be powered by a robust, 4.9-liter Mitsubishi Fuso engine, with output of 110 kw and 471Nm torque and 6-speed gear box. The engine is optimized to deliver maximum performance and economy, while meeting Euro 3 emissions regulations for clean performance.

Four wheelbases will be offered for maximum flexibility. Payload capacity will top out at 4,500 kg, ensuring high productivity and performance.

MFTBC gives a three-year warranty on this vehicle.

A modern construction of Mitsubishi Fuso Canter, four versions of the length of chassis, compactness and efficiency, and also a wide range of superstructures will enable to satisfy the demand for vehicles of small business, communal services, large and medium companies. The Canter is ideal for inter- and intra-city delivery. Typical configurations will include: van body, refrigerated body, cargo bed and cargo bed with crane. Special modifications (hydraulic towers, space-saving garbage trucks, wreckers) will be offered clients to satisfy the needs of state structures and local authorities.

An attractive retail price and a wide choice of leasing and credit proposals will secure potential buyers’ interest in the Canter model.

Sales will be started after the dйbut of Mitsubishi Fuso trucks at the COMTRANS 2010 Exhibition. The first dealers of FKTR in Russia are: “Mercedes-Benz Sever” in Moscow and “Fuso Center Kazan” in Kazan.

An initial core group of approximately 30 dealer locations is being established to cover major cities including Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and Krasnodar. The network will include dealers affiliated with KAMAZ and Mercedes-Benz trucks, as well as independent shops.

To guarantee customers a strong quality of service and efficient technical assistance, FKTR is also launching a Corporate Training Center for dealer technical and sales personnel. Parts support and fast availability, as a key factor of commercial success, will be the main task for a Central Spare Parts Warehouse.

The start of Mitsubishi Fuso production and sales in Russia is a principal step for FKTR, which was established in 2009 to handle the importation, production and wholesale operations for Mitsubishi Fuso trucks in Russia. The joint venture is 50% owned by KAMAZ and 50% owned by MFTBC’s primary shareholder Daimler AG.

FKTR has set up headquarters facilities in Kazan. Mr. Albert Yagudin was assigned as President of the Company; Mr. Thomas Unger as Chief Financial Officer; Mr. Mr. Alexey Kalitsev as Vice President of Sales & Marketing; and Mr. Yasuyuki Tamegai as Vice President of Production.

For MFTBC, KAMAZ and Daimler Trucks, the entry of Mitsubishi Fuso trucks into the Russia market represents a key, strategic development. For KAMAZ, already the Russia truck market leader, it provides new opportunities for sales, representation of a new product, new technologies for its promotion and for widening its model range. For MFTBC, it opens up the high potential Russian market and allows the company to serve one of the world’s largest future truck markets with a strong partner with wide network and presence.

For Daimler Trucks, it continues the implementation of its Global Excellence Program. Launched in 2005, the Daimler Trucks’ Global Excellence Program includes a Growth and Market Penetration initiative aimed at enabling its brands to enter new markets with high growth opportunities in order to strengthen the division’s global presence.