Already in use by customers is the 12-ton Mercedes-Benz Atego BlueTec Hybrid, which logistics company DHL is currently testing in Germany. In Europe’s biggest fleet testing project, eight customers have been on the road with ten Fuso Canter Eco Hybrids since August 2008. (Earlier post.)

The Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Eco-D. Click to enlarge.

The Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid, already on sale in Japan, consumes up to 15% less fuel and releases as much as 40% fewer emissions. Making its European premiere is the concept Fuso Canter Eco-D, a light dump truck variant with a futuristic design and hybrid technology. Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Coroporation (MFTBC), part of Daimler Trucks, first introduced the Eco-D at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007.

The central components of the Canter Eco-D’s hybrid system are a 3-liter DOHC diesel engine (92 kW); an ultra-slim electric motor/generator (35 kW); a high performance Li-ion battery; and the INOMAT-II automated mechanical transmission. The Canter Eco-D adopts a similar parallel hybrid system to that of the Canter Eco Hybrid light-duty truck, in production since July 2006. The Canter Eco-D uses the electric motor for the power take-off to operate the dump body.

The Freightliner brand owned by Daimler Trucks of North America (DTNA) will be represented in Hanover with the Business Class M2e Hybrid truck. (Earlier post.) This vehicle is already in use by customers in the US.

Mercedes-Benz will also highlight the Sprinter van. The Sprinter 316 NGT with natural gas drive delivers fuel savings of up to 30% and is as much as 80% quieter than a model with a conventional drive system. The second generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Plug-in Hybrid has been undergoing customer testing since summer 2008 and consumes up to 40% less diesel than a conventionally powered model. (Earlier post.)

Two versions of the Citaro urban bus will be on display: the Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid (customer testing will begin at the start of 2009) and the Citaro F-Cell fuel cell bus (with 36 units on the road worldwide already having driven more than two million kilometers.)

In August, Daimler inaugurated its new Global Hybrid Center at MTBFC in Kawasaki. Located within the company’s R&D facilities, the new center will be the worldwide hub for Daimler Trucks’ hybrid development. All of Daimler Trucks hybrid activities will be aligned under the Center. (Earlier post.)

(A hat-tip to John!)