Amid the pandemic-fueled economic downturn, Japanese truck and bus maker Mitsubishi Fuso has announced that it will stop selling new trucks in North America.
In a press release the company did not clarify what the primary cause behind the decision was—be it the coronavirus or other impacts to its business—saying only that it will “shift to a service-focused operation” in the U.S. and Canada. Mitsubishi Fuso’s parent company is Daimler AG.
What this means is that Mitsubishi Fuso’s North American dealerships will remain operational, though they will transition all sales dealerships into parts and service-dedicated locations. Those locations with remaining retail truck stock will continue to sell through that stock “for a period of time,” the company says.
The company adds that it will retain its North American headquarters in Logan Township, New Jersey, as well as its parts distribution and technical training centers.
In the near term, the company says it plans to continue to employ “a majority” of its North American employees.
The company says its customers in the U.S. and Canada will “remain supported through the authorized Fuso service network for warranty repairs, maintenance services and replacement parts through 2028.” Customers who bought the company’s all-electric eCanter trucks in the U.S. will continue to be supported “under the terms of each customer’s respective special lease,” the company adds.
“Working with FUSO dealers, we have developed a strong team throughout the United States and Canada that always places the customer first,” said Justin Palmer, president and CEO, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. “MFTA is fully dedicated to making this transition a smooth one for our customers, and we remain committed in supporting a parts and service network for many years to come.”