Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (DICV), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler AG, along with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) of Japan, also a Daimler company, has launched its robust FUSO trucks in Zimbabwe, making it the fourth African market since commencement export in May 2013. As a part of the first 15 export markets for DICV under the new Asia Business Model, Zimbabwe is a potential market in Africa. The trucks, to be sold through ZIMOCO, an authorized local distributor in Zimbabwe, are already present in the markets of Kenya, Sri Lanka, Zambia and Tanzania, with more markets to follow in Africa and Asia.
The FUSO truck range produced at the DICV Oragadam plant covers five models spanning medium/heavy-duty (25-49 tonnes referred to as ‘FJ’, ‘FO’ & ‘FZ’) and light/medium-duty (9-16 tonnes referred to as ‘FA’ & ‘FI’). The fuel-efficient trucks developed to meet the growing customer expectations in the growth markets reinforce the vehicle’s large presence in Africa. Rigorous testing has been conducted under most strenuous driving conditions to ensure maximum reliability of the trucks.
FUSO has strong growth potential in Africa with its presence in over 35 markets. Sales have almost doubled in the first quarter of 2014 to 2,000 units, compared to the same period in 2013. With the addition of this new range of trucks into its product portfolio, FUSO offers its customers a wider choice of trucks that are robust, reliable and fuel efficient, backed by a wide distribution network.
With a clear view on the growth potential in Africa, FUSO is trying to foray into newer markets. Daimler Trucks Asia expects to gain additional growth momentum in the future markets with its new Asia Business Model introduced in 2013. This model creates synergies by combining the strengths of MFTBC and DICV under the umbrella of Daimler Trucks Asia.