Daimler launches Fuso range of trucks in Zimbabwe

World’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer Daimler is all set to ramp-up its operations in Asia and Africa. As part of their expansion plans, the subsidiaries of Daimler AG, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (DICV) along with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, Japan (MFTBC) launched the Fuso range of trucks in Zimbabwe. The newly launched trucks are made in DICV’s Oragadam, Chennai facility making it the 4th African market since the start of export in May 2013.

Daimler launched 5 models spanning over medium to heavy-duty trucks ranging from 25 to 49 tons GVW in FJ, FO and FZ series and light to medium-duty trucks with 9 to 16 tons capacity in FA and FI series. The trucks will be sold through ZIMOCO, the authorized local distributor in Zimbabwe. Daimler is already selling these trucks in Kenya, Sri Lanka, Zambia and Tanzania with more markets on their radar in Africa and Asia.

The expansion of Daimler AG in Asia commenced with the Asia Business Model introduced in 2013. This business model unites the MFTBC and DICV under the umbrella of Daimler Trucks Asia. The Fuso range already has presence in over 35 markets also enjoying healthy sales in the first quarter of 2014 by selling 2000 units. Daimler claims this figure is almost double compared to the sales in the first quarter of 2013. The Chennai plant will manufacture trucks for most of the upcoming market where the company sells, making India a major player as a commercial vehicle manufacturing market.