LOGAN TOWNSHIP, NJ - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. (MFTA) has signed eight new Canadian dealers to its network so far in 2009, and expects to add at least three more, expanding its dealer network across the country by nearly 50 percent, according to the company.

Business opportunities created by the closure of Sterling and the announced cutbacks in model lineups by Isuzu/GMC and Hino have spurred the company to aggressively pursue top dealers in Canada.

According to Mike Rumsey, vice president, sales operations, "We've always found Canada a good market for our trucks. Fuso models are rugged and known for their reliability, which is particularly valuable in tough operating environments. Our exclusive warranty package helps owners control their costs, and predictable costs help any company build profitability."

MFTA recently announced it will continue its industry-exclusive 3+4+5 Warranty package for its 2010 model-year trucks. This warranty package includes a three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, a four-year rust-through warranty, plus a five-year/280,000 km (FE/FG models) or 5-year/400,000 km (FK/FM models) powertrain limited warranty.

Regarding the warranty, Rumsey notes, "One thing not everyone realizes right away is that our five-year warranty includes not only the expected engine and drivetrain components, but also bolt-on components such as the starter, alternator, water pump - even the turbocharger. No one else in the business matches that level of commitment to its customers." Mitsubishi Fuso dealers have complete details.

As for Canadian operations, the company reports sales have been accelerating for several years. "It took us just over five years to sell our first 1,000 trucks in Canada. It only took an additional 26 months to sell our second 1,000, and that pace continues to accelerate," says Rumsey. "The new dealers we've signed this year are crucial to our growth plans going forward, and we will continue to identify new dealer opportunities."