Mitsubishi 2002 Annual Report Download - page 36

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34
In February 2002, MMC launched a new low-emission version of the FUSO
CANTER
small truck. The large-displacement LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) engine complies
with local regulations restricting vehicle emissions introduced by the city of Tokyo and
certain Japanese regional governments.
In April 2002, MMC launched the newly developed
AERO MIDI ME
series of no-step
small buses within the 2-meter width class. The series targets rising demand for buses
that can be used on community and urban routes, and which are maneuverable enough
to navigate around relatively narrow city streets. The introduction of the
AERO MIDI ME
series extended MMC’s lineup of no-step buses to cover the full range of bus categories,
from large to small models.
In June 2002, MMC introduced the first model changes in over eight years to the FUSO
CANTER
(2-ton load) and
CANTER GUTS
(1.5-ton load) lineups of small trucks. Early
anticipation and commercialization of the technical needs of small-truck users over the
years have helped both ranges become class leaders in Japan. They are also exported
to over 150 countries around the world, with exports accounting for about half of total
production. Superior durability and reliability have helped these trucks become estab-
lished as international products, with a broad user base spanning many parts of the world.
In 1996, production of these small trucks also commenced in Portugal. DC sales chan-
nels began marketing
CANTER
trucks in Europe in 2001.
Also in June, hybrid HEV large public service buses, the first in Japan, began running
on city bus routes. These “green” buses achieve a 43% increase in fuel efficiency and
60% reduction in NOx emissions. What’s more, they require no new infrastructure as well
as meet social and welfare needs.
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
Total exports of trucks and buses by MMC fell 20.1% year on year to 28,000 units.
North America
MMC unit sales decreased 16.7% to 46,000 units.
Europe
MMC unit sales increased 3.1% to 9,000 units.
Australia
MMC unit sales decreased 15.2% to 2,000 units.
Indonesia
MMC unit sales climbed 39.2% to 32,000 units.
Taiwan
MMC unit sales decreased 24.4% to 8,000 units.