According to Freightliner LLC, its Sterling Truck Corp. unit next year will offer a new low-cab-over-engine truck developed in partnership with Mitsubishi Fuso, the Japanese OEM controlled by Freightliner’s parent, DaimlerChrysler AG.

The new low-cab-over-engine truck will be available through select Sterling dealerships across North America by mid-2006. Further development of other mid-range offerings is also in the works, according to the OEM.

“Adding a truck that covers Classes 3, 4 and 5 to the Sterling lineup is a logical next step in the growth of our business because it enables us to be a full-line provider of professional work trucks,” said John Merrifield, Sterling Truck’s senior vp of sales & marketing.

“Mitsubishi Fuso is a well-respected company with a great reputation for producing outstanding vehicles, and we look forward to working together,” Merrifield continued. “The technology used in these vehicles is acknowledged to be world class, in keeping with the Sterling brand’s reputation, and is already familiar to the North American marketplace.”

“We are very pleased to join forces to seize this new business opportunity while we continue to pursue our successful operations in North America under the Mitsubishi Fuso brand and its network,” said Bert van Dijt, Mitsubishi Fuso senior vp of international sales & service. “In addition, the dealer networks will complement each other geographically.”