Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Al Mulla Group Talal Al Mulla.

KUWAIT:  Believing in the need to build a successful partnership between them and their customers, Al Mulla Group, the exclusive agents of Fuso brand for commercial vehicles and buses in Kuwait, invited its business customers to the launching ceremony of the new 2016 Fuso trucks, which were manufactured in a modern manufacturing facility in the Daimler factory in India.

The ceremony was attended by more than 300 customers, senior officials of the Japanese Fuso company, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Al Mulla Group Talal Al Mulla, Head of the Automotive Group Imad Flayhan, and General Manager of the Automotive Sector Hisham Fakih, as well as by executives in the Group.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer Talal Al Mulla held his speech and welcomed the attendees and thanked them for accepting the invitation and for participating in this prestigious event during which the 2016 amazing Fuso trucks category are launched.

He said: "We are proud to be part of the Daimler family manufacturing elite trucks in the world. Al Mulla Group, since its establishment by the late Abdullah Al Mulla in 1938, sought to look for opportunities for growth by providing the best products and services to consumers in the Kuwaiti market".

He pointed out that under the guidance of Al Mulla Board of Directors, and thanks to the efforts exerted by the dedicated team, the Group grew to become one of the major companies in the region, through a diversified portfolio operating in different fields in eight states with 40 business activities including the automotive sector, the financing services, engineering, manufacturing, real estate, health and education.

He explained that this growth would not have been possible without the partners knowing that Fuso is one of the strategic partners, where Al Mulla Group obtained the rights to distribute Fuso products in the local market in 1977. Thus, Al Mulla was able to provide a wider range of different products to its clients. He stressed that the dedication of this partnership through continuous investment and the ongoing support of Fuso enabled Al Mulla Group to grow in this area and to achieve a market share of 53 percent in 2015 for light trucks sector. Talal Al Mulla continued: "Today, we celebrate with you the launch of an exciting line of new products that will enhance our products in the local market. He added that Daimler India Commercial Vehicles will produce several new models with a capacity load of 9.5 tons to 25 tons, all of which are based on the Mercedes-Benz technology. There is no doubt that this new line will enable us to meet all the needs of our customers. "

He explained that in order to ensure the best ownership experience for customers, the Group was keen to invest in sales and after sales services. He added that sophisticated and modern sales facilities and services related to Fuso products have been allocated, in addition to providing effective special programs such as "Let's Grow Together," which in turn ensures lower cost of ownership through 5 years enhanced warranty or a 200 thousand kilometers drive (whichever occurs first), and finally special prices on service and spare parts.

Al Mulla resumed that with the introduction of the new class of Fuso trucks, we are confident that Fuso will grow dramatically in the Kuwaiti market to remain the favorite brand for a lot of customers who will get the best purchase experience possible for the products of this leading brand.

The New Category

For his part, the CEO of Daimler Commercial Vehicles for the Middle East and North Africa Roland Schneider stated that the new Fuso class has been manufactured in a modern manufacturing facility in India - Daimler factory India Commercial Vehicles, and that the new category features a new Fuso logo.

He pointed out that today, after more than 80 years later; Fuso brand has developed itself as the first Daimler trucks, with a presence in more than 160 markets around the world, including the prominent high growth markets in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

Schneider pursued that Fuso offers the same reliability, quality and accurate customer service trucks, along with a wide range of trucks to meet the continuing needs of customers worldwide, starting from the globally known model of trucks, such as Canter and light bus model like Rosa up to the heavy-duty Fuso category on major roads.

He further explained that Fuso has always been Fuso at the front place in the light truck sector through the sale of iconic Canter truck since more than 50 years.

He concluded that Fuso directs its focus on the dedication to customer service as the customer service department is considered the most important for clients in order to maintain, operate and use the vehicles for a longer period with high reliability.

Extensive Products

Fuso Daimler Middle East Head of Sales Murali, said: "The new Fuso category offers a wide range of high and medium reliability products, and that compared with the previous generation of Fuso, the new model takes a more aggressive and pneumatic shape with sharp carving of the structure lines and a bolder front. Moreover, the smooth front lines determine the shape of the multiple-reflections headlights of the HDT category. He explained that the front lower inclined bumper that is heading up gives Fuso a stylish and attractive look. In addition to the softness of the exterior design, there is the aerodynamic vehicle design".

Murali pointed out that this new category features thickness of the laminated springs of the rear suspension system which promotes both endurance and durability. However, the aerodynamic design of the vehicle thereby reduces the wind resistance. At a time when the fuel efficiency is increased, it reduces the noise for quieter and more comfortable drive. He explained that the new Fuso offers additional space for passengers and extra size for transport of goods. Fuso also provides a driving position similar to the normal car with more comfort and confidence. Every surface, all the interior door handles, steering wheel and other parts were designed to be easily used and operated.

Prestigious Prizes

On the same note, he said that the comfortable cabin lessens the driver's fatigue and increases his productivity. However, the steering wheel and the three adjustable seats allow the driver to run a wide range of features without having to raise his hand off the steering wheel, thus avoiding potential distractions. Additionally, the double light LED panel in smart meters makes the vital information clearer while hearing the warning alarm as the engine overheats.

Additionally, he said that the new category from Fuso has sophisticated and reliable technologies, high flexibility and a distinctive high and economic performance. He explained that the new category, which has been displayed in 20 markets around the world, includes both the FA, FI, FJ, FO and FZ trucks and offers a wide choice for customers, of five models ranging from the 9-16 tons of FA / FI medium-heavy-duty trucks to the 25-49 tons of FJ, FO and FZ medium-heavy-duty trucks.

The FA / FI model, which recently joined the Fuso family in Kuwait, and as is the case with all Fuso trucks, the new truck that belongs to the medium and heavy duty trucks features convenience and higher economic performance, along with a set of new exclusive features of this model. All types of this model are available with direct injection engine and provide sufficient energy, fuel consumption efficiency and overall operating cost discount. It is also equipped with six-speed transmission with high flexibility, which works on reducing driver's fatigue. Moreover, these types are equipped with a reinforced chassis to bear additional burden and with a rear axle to support the load, which contributes to increasing the truck load to up to 9.6 - 13 tons.

Fuso FJ model has the advantage of being part of the heavy truck category equipped with a6.4-liter turbo diesel engine and 9 speeds automatic transmission ensuring ideal levels of comfort for the driver, as well as operational efficiency. The carrying capacity for this model is up to 25 tons while the structure is characterized with strength, durability and resistance to natural conditions, which enhances the reliability of the truck over the long term.

He concluded: "We invite each person looking in the market for new and efficient truck to come and try these new distinctive trucks and compare it with other trucks within the same category. We are confident that anyone trying the new Fuso truck, it will exceed his expectations thanks to the many cutting-edge technology and price advantages, in addition to great reliability."

Let's Grow Together  

For his part, the Fuso Assistant Sales Manager Bassem Sader reveals the advantages of "Let's Grow Together " program special to Fuso vehicles, which aims at maintaining the Fuso vehicles for a longer period with high reliability. He indicates that the new program offers a comprehensive warranty of 5 years or 200 thousand kilometers (whichever occurs first), and provides drivers with training courses for environmentally friendly driving along with technical courses for maintenance technicians. Additionally, the program allows the sixth periodic maintenance for free after each five periodical maintenance practices. Customers will be able through this program to obtain special discounts on all spare parts starting from 25 percent and additional discounts on electrical parts,air conditioning parts and parts to repair external damage up to 35 percent. This is in addition to the fact that the program offers incentives for spare parts up to 5 percent.

The program also grants Fuso customers more comfort and efficiency, a mobile service unit ready to serve the truck at any time and any place. In addition to the fact that the program allows the conclusion of annual maintenance contracts in accordance with the customer needs with flexible payment methods commensurate with the nature of their business.

He added that out of Al Mulla Group's belief in Fuso commercial vehicles, considered absolutely one of the best and most reliable vehicles in the construction and transport sectors, the Group guarantees the best purchase cost at all, the best after sales value, the lowest maintenance and repair cost, the lowest spare parts cost, the best consumption fuel in its category, and the most suitable maintenance contracts, in addition to the best durability and reliability.

Integrated Solutions

As a conclusion, Al Mulla Group is considered a leading service provider company in construction and other industries in Kuwait, with demand and service at the scale of heavy vehicles and machinery, including trucks, buses and cars. Moreover, the Group offers customers an unrivaled choice from among the best brands with exceptional standards of customer service and after-sales service.

The Group offers today a variety of services from industries and commercial projects covering transport, construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, warehousing, public sector and individuals.

The Group confirms that the Fuso trucks are one of the favorite trucks in the Kuwaiti market thanks to the brilliant features, the innovative technology and the value for money. Al Mulla is confident that the new trucks will have Fuso be on top of the sales in the local market. Mitsubishi Fuso, over the past years and in partnership with Al Mulla Group, has been able to put itself on top of the Kuwaiti market providers of leading commercial vehicles where Mitsubishi Fuso has a number of the best models of these commercial vehicles ranging from light, medium and heavy, as well as buses that are commensurate with all commercial requirements".

Quality and Competence

As for Fuso brand, it is known for its quality, economic efficiency, robust and functional design and for its committed customer service. The Japanese leading brand is known for its record full of technological innovations and high customer satisfaction on the basis of lower total cost of ownership.

The new category has been manufactured in Daimler India commercial vehicles in Chennai, from where the vehicles are exported to the Middle East. Daimler India Commercial Vehicles is a 100 percent subsidiary of Daimler AG, Stuttgart, Germany, and is working with Mitsubishi Fuso Company for trucks and buses under the umbrella of Daimler Asia for trucks. Both companies are an integral part of Daimler trucks Asia, the global manufacturer of trucks. Daimler Trucks also develops and produces vehicles globally for brands like Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Western Star, and Thomas Bewold Buses, Fuso and BharatBenz.