Mitsubishi launches Canadian sales network

MONTREAL (Oct. 26, 1999) — Under the banner of MFTA Canada Inc., Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America has launched a full-fledged presence in the Canadian market, appointing longtime Volvo Canada executive Brian Shantz as director of sales and opening a headquarters in Mississauga, Ont.

The new company plans to offer the same wide range of class-3 to -7 cabover straight trucks and chassis that its New Jersey-based affiliate has been providing in the U.S. since 1985, and a total of 25 Canadian dealers should be in place by the end of 2001.

“We will market 10 different models and a total of 72 different configurations in Canada,” Shantz, who most recently was v-p of sales and marketing for IMCO Industrial & Marine Coatings in Dundas, Ont., says. “Our trucks span the GVW spectrum from 12,000 to 32,900 pounds, and have a proven track record in applications that include general P&D, refrigerated delivery, vehicle recovery, grounds maintenance, utility contractors, and other specialties.”

The Canadian operation will report directly to Mitsubishi Fuso in Japan, and is not a subsidiary of the U.S. operation. However, at least in the immediate future, the Canadian inventory will be imported from Japan through the port of Baltimore, Md., and the Mitsubishi Fuso parts warehouse in Bridgeport, N.J., will support the needs of MFTA Canada.

Company officials hinted that longer-term plans include the establishment of a dedicated Canadian parts facility, and the development of an outright manufacturing capability “somewhere in North America”.

“Our initial dealer-development thrust will be in Ontario, followed by Western Canada,” Shantz explains. “We have 16 dealer locations on our ‘A’ list, and when that network has been established, weÕll carry on to create another nine or so in the ‘B’ markets. Ultimately, we’ll be coast-to-coast, and we expect to conclude these representation agreements with established dealers who already offer heavy-duty trucks and service.”

A mid-term goal of 1800 to 2000 sales per year was indicated for MFTA Canada Inc., and the company has already joined the Canadian Transportation Equipment Association.

MFTA Canada is located at 2810 Matheson Blvd. East, Suite 200, Mississauga, ON L4W 4X7; 905/629-0994.