Mitsubishi to Stop Selling Mercedes Trucks

08/15/96

Kyodo reported that Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will stop importing and selling Mercedes-Benz manufactured commercial vehicles.

Under a 1987 contract which expires at the end of September, Mitsubishi serves as a sales agent for Mercedes-Benz trucks and other commercial vehicles. A Japanese daily reported that Mitsubishi will not renew the contract because of slack sales due to high prices. Mitsubishi was unavailable for comment due to the company's summer holidays.

According to the 1987 contract, Mitsubishi markets Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses through its sales network. In 1989, the two carmakers established a joint venture in Japan. They liquidated the joint company in September 1994, reflecting sagging sales resulting from high prices.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel