MFTBC is taking orders for the truck in Hong Kong through Universal Cars Limited (UCL), the Mitsubishi Fuso distributor in the Chinese special administrative region. Following the recently announced orders from Ireland and Australia, Hong Kong is now the third market for hybrid trucks outside the company’s home market of Japan.

In October 2009, the Electricity Supply Board in Ireland ordered ten Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid trucks, making it the first customer outside of Japan to order the light-duty truck. In February, MFTBC announced it had also received an order for 25 vehicles from Star Track Express, one of Australia’s leading freight companies. For 2010 as a whole, MFTBC intends to further expand its hybrid truck sales by expanding into new markets.

Around 800 Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid trucks have been delivered to customers in Japan since the vehicle was introduced in 2006. The Canter Eco Hybrid features a parallel hybrid system, delivering an up to 20% increase in fuel efficiency over conventionally powered models, with an associated reduction in CO₂ emissions.

Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. In 2009, the company sold a total of about 100,000 vehicles, including light, medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Daimler AG owns 85% of MFTBC shares. MFTBC is an integral part of the Daimler Trucks Division of Daimler AG.