Freightliner/Mitsubishi Fuso Division of DaimlerChrysler SA has had an outstanding month of truck sales with volumes reaching 101 for Freightliner and 106 units for Mitsubishi Fuso for the month of May 2006.

“We believe this to be a truly remarkable achievement, not only an outstanding record performance topping the 100 mark, but also historical,” said Johan Cloete, Divisional Manager, Freightliner/Mitsubishi Fuso Division of DaimlerChrysler SA.

Freightliner recently celebrated ten years of operation in South Africa and now celebrates 25 years of Freightliner LLC as part of DaimlerChrysler AG.

“We attribute these fantastic sales to our loyal customers and the efforts from our dealers, both sales and service. In February this year additional Freightliner sales dealers were introduced and this is an influencing factor for increased sales,” said Cloete. Furthermore the Freightliner and Mitsubishi Fuso dealer footprint is now much wider from a sales and service point of view, thereby giving the customers an improved after market support.

“These excellent sales are a clear indication of the current buoyant economy. Our continued good performance and success is indicative of the trust we receive from our customers who through their loyalty confirm that Freightliner is the preferred long haul vehicle,” said Cloete.

Mitusbishi Fuso has also beaten the 100 unit mark due to the recent introduction of the Mitsubishi Fuso extra-heavy trucks, which complements the Mitsubishi Fuso sales into the SA market. “This achievement would not have been possible without the support of the dealer and the customer,” said Cloete.

The value package and positioning of Mitsubishi Fuso is extremely favourable in a very competitive market. The Mitsubishi Fuso is primarily found in three market segments, general cartage, building and construction and local distribution.

Furthermore, Freightliner Finance & Mitsubishi Fuso Finance had a superb month in May, and take pride in their exceptional penetration into the truck market. They have financed in excess of 40% of all Freightliners and Mitsubishi Fuso's sold in 2005 and year-to-date 2006.

“The truck Finance team are part of the DaimlerChrysler Financial services team, who are the only stand alone truck finance company in South Africa, and the largest truck financier in the world. The Freightliner & Mitsubishi Fuso finance team have an implicit knowledge of the truck market in South Africa, which goes far beyond traditional balance sheet analysis, as is traditionally the norm in the SA financing market,” says Graeme Wood, Director: Sales, DaimlerChrysler Financial Services.

“We are pleased to be part of the Freightliner/Mitsubishi Fuso world and we commit ourselves to assist the division to differentiate themselves in the market,” concluded Wood.