Mitsubishi's "Power-saving Automotive Air Conditioner" wins US EPA award

"Power-saving Automotive Air Conditioner" jointly developed with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries wins U.S. EPA award

Tokyo, May 25, 2007 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces that it has won a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2007 Climate Protection Award in recognition of its contribution to protection of the global climate for the Power-saving Automotive Air Conditioning Unit that it has developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

In its selection of the Power-saving Air Conditioner for the award, the EPA cited the significant reductions in power consumption it achieves as a result of improvements to the air conditioner itself and to its control system. In the joint project, MHI developed a new compressor and other components and undertook developmental testing of the system. MMC, for its part, fitted the air conditioner to a Mitsubishi Outlander on-road SUV model and boosted the operational efficiency of the system by making improvements to the vehicle body and to the control system and was also responsible for practical utility testing.

The Power-saving Automotive Air Conditioner developed by MMC and MHI clears the 30% improvement target in air conditioner system efficiency called for under the Improved Mobile Air Conditioning (I-MAC) research program launched by the Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) and the EPA in 2004.

The EPA awards are made to individuals, bodies, corporations and governmental organizations in recognition of exceptional technological achievements in the field of climate protection. The award system was introduced in 1998 following the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. Nominations are reviewed by an international panel of judges comprised of past award winners from government, industry, and non-governmental organizations. EPA makes the final award selections.

MMC will introduce an Outlander model fitted with the Power-saving Air Conditioner onto the North American market in the fall this year.

MMC has adopted an all-embracing approach in addressing such issues as the environment and the diversification of energy sources. The company is actively engaged in the development of a wide range of technologies including the iMiEV next-generation electric vehicle, a next-generation clean diesel engine, and a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) capable of running on various blends of gasoline and ethanol. Last year the company also launched the "Pajero Forest & Local Mountain Restoration Initiative" that aims to conserve and cultivate Japan's forests and woodlands.

-Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Black Hawk Colt Special Edition [UK]

18th May 2007

* Mitsubishi launches special edition Black Hawk Colt 3-door and CZT models.
* Distinctive sporty looks with twin-stripes, privacy glass, alloy wheels and low-profile tyres.
* Value-for money style featuring economy and performance.

The Mitsubishi Colt has earned its stripes – with the launch of two special edition Black Hawk models.

Both are based on three-door versions of Mitsubishi’s funky hatchback, the distinctive Black Hawk styling giving the car’s already fun and sporty looks an additional dose of street-cred.

As its name suggests, customers can choose any colour they like - as long as it’s black. But with two silver stripes running from front-to-back, over the centre of the bonnet, roof and tailgate, plus privacy-glass fitted to the side and rear windows, the Black Hawk will certainly stand out from the flock.

The Colt Black Hawk features Mitsubishi’s nippy 1124 cc 3-cylinder, 12-valve, DOHC engine, which delivers pocket-friendly motoring by achieving an impressive 50mpg and delivering an insurance group rating of just 3E.

This smaller-engined version of the two comes complete with a set of purposeful 16” alloy wheels, which are surrounded by low profile 205 / 45 tyres. Added to this is the option of air-conditioning, all of which makes this a very cool car indeed.

The Colt Black Hawk CZT is based on the high-performance member of the Colt family - the turbo-charged, 1468cc, MIVEC-engined CZT. Capable of reaching 62mph in just 7.2 seconds and a top-speed of 132mph, this Black Hawk has wings.

As well as featuring all of the equipment levels offered with the top of-the-range Colt: sports seats, rear tailgate spoiler, front fog lamps, sports grille, disc brakes all round and a six-speaker CD/radio with steering wheel remote controls, the Black Hawk CZT is also fitted with a set of mean-looking 17” diameter, 7” wide, special ‘Black Hawk’ alloy wheels and ultra-low profile 205 / 40 tyres.

Just 400 Colt Black Hawks have been produced, with prices ranging from £8021 OTR to £8616 OTR for models fitted with air-conditioning. The CZT version is priced at £13,026 OTR and, with only 200 made, it could well be regarded as a rare bird of the British Isles.

The Colt Black Hawks can be spotted at Mitsubishi dealers all over the UK from this month onwards.















-Mitsubishi Motors UK

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse [US]

The new-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe combines "Driven to Thrill" design and performance with outstanding value to offer the sport coupe customer an attainable exotic. New for 2008, Eclipse offers a limited-production SE Package that combines a specially developed aerodynamic body package, a unique exterior graphic treatment and interior enhancements.

The Eclipse GT gains standard 18-inch alloy wheels for 2008, and the SE Package now includes Active Skid Control (ASC). SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio is now added with the available Rockford-Fosgate(R) Premium Audio system, including six month complimentary service. All models for 2008 gain a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Eclipse is offered as the GS and the high-performance GT. The GS is powered by a 162-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine teamed to a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. The GT's 3.8-liter V-6 produces 263 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. peak torque and is teamed with a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed automatic. Both Eclipse engines employ the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system to help optimize efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range.

Both Eclipse automatic transmissions feature Sportronic(TM) shifters to allow manual gearshift control.

A rigid platform enables the four-wheel independent suspension to give the Eclipse sporty road manners and a compliant, comfortable ride. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all models, with anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), plus larger, ventilated rear discs on the GT.

Eclipse combines exotic-looking interior design with long-distance comfort and safety, including standard advanced dual-stage front air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and front seat curtain side air bags. Eclipse's high-back front bucket seats, inspired by Mitsubishi involvement in motorsports, feature integrated, open head restraints for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility. The 50:50 split-folding rear seatbacks provide cargo versatility.

The available 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate(R) Premium Audio system combines AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback capability, PUNCH(R) control, a six-disc, in-dash CD changer, a 10-in. subwoofer, and SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio. It is one of the most powerful factory-installed mobile audio systems available and plays all types of music with stunning clarity and impact.

Key Specifications

Wheelbase: 101.4 in.
Length: 179.7 in.
Height: 53.5 in. (53.8 in. with 18-in. wheels)
Width: 72.2 in.
Curb weight: GS, 5-speed manual - 3,274 lbs. / GT, 6-speed manual - 3,483 lbs.

Major Standard Features
* 140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability and six speakers
* 17-in. alloy wheels (GS)
* 50:50 split fold-down rear seat backs
* Air conditioning
* Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors
* Front seat mounted side-impact air bags
* Front seat side curtain air bags
* Anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
* Cruise control
* Engine immobilizer anti-theft system
* Fog lamps
* Keyless entry
* Power windows, locks and mirrors
* Tilt steering wheel
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Eclipse GT adds:

* 263-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine and six-speed manual transmission
* 18-in. alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires
* Center display with outside temperature and compass
* Electronic traction control
* Larger ventilated rear disc brakes

Optional Deluxe Sun and Sound Package (GS and GT):

* 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate(R) Premium Audio system with SIRIUS(R) Satellite radio
* Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
* Center display with outside temperature and compass (already standard on GT)
* Glovebox with damper
* Illuminated ignition key cylinder
* Power glass sun roof
* Steering wheel audio controls
* Rear cargo shelf
* Rear window wiper
* Windshield shade band

Optional GT Premium Sport Package (GT Only):

* 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate(R) Premium Audio system with SIRIUS(R) Satellite radio
* Aluminum pedals
* Aluminum scuff plates
* Automatic climate control system
* Auto-dimming rear view mirror
* Heated front seats
* Heated mirrors
* Leather front seating surfaces
* Power drivers seat
* Power glass sun roof
* Steering wheel audio controls
* Sword Silver lipless 18-in. alloy wheels
















-Mitsubishi Motors

GS Yuasa, MC and MMC to Establish New Company to Manufacture Lithium-ion Batteries

GS Yuasa, MC and MMC to Establish New Company to Manufacture Lithium-ion Batteries

— Mass production of large capacity / high performance batteries, that can be used in electric vehicles —

Tokyo, May 8, 2007 — GS Yuasa Corporation (President Makoto Yoda, Head Office Minami-ku, Kyoto), Mitsubishi Corporation (President Yorihiko Kojima, Head Office Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (President Osamu Masuko, Head Office Minato-ku, Tokyo) have begun collaboration on establishing a joint venture company to manufacture large capacity and high performance Lithium-ion batteries that can be used in electric vehicles (EV). The three partners aim to complete the details and set up the new company sometime within half a year.

GS Yuasa is expected to own a 51% share of the new company, with MC and MMC owing 34% and 15% respectively. The new company's headquarters will be located within GS Yuasa's Kyoto head office. During the first stage of development, 3 billion yen will be invested to install automated mass production lines within GS Yuasa's Kyoto head office plant, capable of manufacturing 200,000 cells per year. Operations are slated to commence by 2009.

Application of Large Lithium-ion batteries is expected to increase dramatically across a wide variety of industries, including automobiles. Construction of systems that can quickly meet these market needs has become a vital issue. GS Yuasa possesses advanced technologies in Large Lithium-ion batteries and is striving to broaden their applications. Meanwhile, MC intends to enter the battery manufacturing business and aims to create other related businesses as well. MMC is working to increase the use of the "cleanest" possible vehicles i.e., EV. The three companies decided that by combining their unique strengths, they could exhibit optimum synergy through the establishment of this new company.

The batteries that will be produced by the new company are based on the "LIM series" of Large Lithium-ion batteries manufactured by GS Yuasa (currently the only mass producer of Large Lithium-ion batteries in Japan) and thanks to a review of the certain factors such as cell-structure and electrode materials, improve energy density and power density. These new batteries have ten times the capacity of those for hybrid electric vehicles, and are the perfect choice for EVs. MMC plans to install the batteries to its next generation EV "i MiEV" (i Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle), which it aims to introduce to the market by 2010. The batteries can also be supplied to EVs manufactured by other auto-makers and to industrial applications for energy storage use.

Furthermore, the new batteries are characteristic of high-speed energy input and output which comply with high-speed charge specifications under consideration by electrical power companies and potentially with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEV). We hope that our product will become the de facto standard for Large Lithium-ion batteries, and that new company shall increase production capacity and line-up of the products in response to the expanding market.

[ Overview of New JV Company ]
1. Name Yet to be announced
2. Period of establishment Aim is within half a year
3. Location of Headquarters and factory 1, Inobanba-cho, Nishinosho, Kisshoin, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Japan
(at GS Yuasa's Kyoto Head Office)
4. Size of factory 7000m2
5. Capital Around 3 billion yen
6. Investors and percent ownership GS Yuasa 51%, MC 34%, MMC 15% (planned)
7. Type of business Manufacturing of Large capacity Lithium-ion batteries
8. Production scale 20,000 units / year in first fiscal year

[ Overview of GS Yuasa Corporation ]
1. Name GS Yuasa Corporation
2. Established April 1st, 2004
3. Head Office 1, Inobanba-cho, Nishinosho, Kisshoin, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Japan
4. Capital 16.3 billion yen
5. Type of business Manufacturing & Sales of batteries, power supply systems and lighting equipment, other batteries and electric equipment

[ Overview of Mitsubishi Corporation ]
1. Name Mitsubishi Corporation
2. Established April 1st, 1950
3. Head Office 3-1, Marunouchi 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
4. Capital 199.2 billion yen
5. Type of business General trading company (sogo shosha)

[ Overview of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation ]
1. Name Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
2. Established April 22nd, 1970
3. Head Office 33-8, Shiba 5-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
4. Capital 657.3 billion yen
5. Type of business Automobile development, production, sales and exports

MITSUBISHI SCORES DOUBLE-TOP FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING AT THE PROFESSIONAL LIGHT TRUCK AND VAN AWARDS

MITSUBISHI SCORES DOUBLE-TOP FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING AT THE PROFESSIONAL LIGHT TRUCK AND VAN AWARDS

2nd May 2007

* L200 wins pick-up category
* Shogun wins utility 4x4 category

For the second year in succession, Mitsubishi’s L200 pick-up and Shogun 4-Work models have been voted top of their categories in the Professional Light Truck and Van magazine awards. The trophies were presented at a ceremony held last week, following the first-day of the Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC.

Once again, the L200 beat competition from the likes of Nissan, Toyota, Ford and Isuzu to take the title of ‘Pick-up of the Year’, whilst the Shogun had its market-leading position confirmed by winning the ‘Utility Vehicle of the Year’ award.

Over the past 12 months, the magazine’s journalists have driven every light commercial vehicle available in the UK. A final assessment is then carried out, which comprises a day with a panel of judges made up of fleet buyers, transport managers, professional drivers and staff from the magazine. After taking into account a range of criteria, the judges decide the best vehicles in each of the 17 categories.

The magazine attributed the success of the L200 to its style and versatility, together with its extensive range of variants. With the option of single, double or club-cab configurations, coupled to differing load area sizes, the choice is far greater than that of any other manufacturer in the pick-up sector.

The magazine went on to say, “When the new L200 was launched, it set new standards in terms of looks and luxury in the pick-up market, but this stylish and comfortable vehicle has lost none of the marque’s renowned practicality.”

Commenting on the Shogun, the magazine said, “Unlike many other manufacturers, Mitsubishi continues to make a very effective ‘commercial’ version of its Shogun 4x4 range which fulfils the needs of a significant sector of the working community, to the extent that others are now seeking to do the same.”

The judge’s assessments were based on a 2006 model Shogun – a factor that makes the award even more significant, as Mitsubishi’s iconic on/off-roader has just been superseded by the new-model Shogun that was launched in February. With the improvements in ride, comfort and equipment that come with the latest version of the Shogun, there is an excellent chance Mitsubishi could win this category again next year.

“I am delighted that our L200 and Shogun models have been voted best in class for a second year,” said Managing Director for Mitsubishi Motors UK Jim Tyrrell. “Commercial vehicles are manufactured to do a job and these awards endorse the durability and versatility of our vehicles.”

Mitsubishi Motors is now the number one provider of 4x4 light commercial vehicles in the UK. Its range of four models and 22 variants includes the award-winning L200 and Shogun LWB and SWB, plus the new Outlander, which is soon to join the 4-Work fleet.

Whilst the L200 continues to out-sell any other pick-up on the market, Mitsubishi offers its ‘car-derived-vans’ to customers looking for the comfort and drivability of a passenger car together with load-carrying capability – in addition to the ‘go-anywhere’ versatility offered by a Mitsubishi 4x4.







-MME