2012 Mitsubishi ASX [AU]

 2012 Mitsubishi ASX [AU]

The 2012 Mitsubishi ASX update is now on sale in Australia. The highlight of the refreshed range is the new option of a reversing camera for the entry-level model, which means the entire ASX line-up is now available with the potentially life-saving safety feature.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia President and CEO, Genichiro Nishina, said adding a reversing camera option to the front-wheel drive base model variant (which makes up 70 per cent of all ASX sales) was the main focus of the update.

All 2012 Mitsubishi ASX compact SUVs benefit from new seat materials, new interior finishes and a centre-rear armrest with cup holders.

The 2WD variant is now available with two option packages.

The $500 Convenience Pack includes reversing sensors, Bluetooth hands-free phone compatibility and steering wheel audio controls.

The $3700 Luxury Pack adds Bluetooth and full steering wheel functionality, along with an electro-chromatic mirror with rear view camera, leather upholstery, heated front seats and power operated driver’s seat. The exterior scores 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps and chrome highlights.

The ASX 4WD variant adds the electro-chromatic mirror and camera system as standard, while the top of the range Aspire model gets a few small chrome tweaks to the instrument panel.

Mechanically the 2012 Mitsubishi ASX is unchanged from the 2011 model. The 110kW/197Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine continues to use fuel at a rate of 7.7-8.1 litres/100km on the combined cycle. The 110kW/300Nm 1.8-litre diesel uses 5.9 litres/100km combined, making it one of the most fuel efficient compact SUVs on the market.

2012 Mitsubishi ASX manufacturer’s list prices (excluding government and dealer charges):

* 2WD 2.0 manual – $25,990
* 2WD 2.0 CVT – $28,490
* 4WD 2.0 CVT – $31,990
* 4WD 1.8 manual – $31,990
* 4WD 2.0 CVT Aspire – $36,990
* 4WD 1.8 manual Aspire – $36,990

Source:caradvice.com.au

MMC, ROLF Import, and Russia's Kaluga Region signs MoU on collaboration on Environmental Protection

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, ROLF Import, and the Government of Russia's Kaluga Region Sign a Memorandum of Understanding for Collaboration on Environmental Protection

Left: Mr. A.D. Artamonov, Governor of the Kaluga Region
Right: Mr. Osamu Masuko, President of Mitsubishi Motors

Kaluga , Russia August 27, 2011 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), ROLF Import, MMC's exclusive distributor for the Russian market, and the Government of the Kaluga Region signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on collaboration between the three parties to improve the natural environment of the Kaluga region. The MoU includes information sharing among the three parties regarding promotion of electric vehicle (EV) and EV infrastructure. Through this MoU, the three parties will work on reducing CO2 emissions as well as increasing energy efficiency in the region.

The three parties also have conducted negotiations to discuss organization of joint collaboration efforts to improve environmental conditions in the Kaluga region, where MMC's joint-production facility with PSA Peugeot Citroën is located.

MMC has signed similar agreements with governments of countries and regions as well as private-sector and public-sector companies around the world, aiming to better the environment through the popularization of EVs and establishment of EV infrastructure around the world; which contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and energy efficiency. Now MMC works with one of its most important partners in ROLF Import in conjunction with the local government to offer its world-class EV know-how to improve the environment for the Kaluga region, with an eye on all of Russia in the future.

2003-2006 Mitsubishi Triton recalled in Australia

Mitsubishi Motors Australia has recalled 9500 Mitsubishi Triton utes over an Australia Design Rule non-compliance issue related to the genuine accessory aluminium trays and towbars.

The recall affects two-wheel drive, four-cylinder, single- and dual-cab variants of the Mitsubishi MK Triton sold in Australia between May 1, 2003 and December 31, 2006.

The official recall notice published on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website explains:

Some combinations of genuine accessory aluminium trays and genuine accessory towbars fitted to the affected Triton model vehicles may not comply with part of the Australian Design Rules (ADR 62/01).

The position of the tray relative to the towball mounting may not comply with the Australian Standard AS4177.1 1994 which requires a three-dimensional clearance space around the towball mounting.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia is contacting all affected owners by mail at their last known address. Current owners are advised to contact their authorised Mitsubishi dealership for inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the towbar tongue.

Source: caradvice.com.au

MMNA to end production of the Eclipse and Endeavor this week.

NORMAL -- The last of the Eclipse coupes, Spyder convertibles and Endeavor SUVs will roll off Mitsubishi assembly lines at the end of the week.

Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Normal plant will then begin a retooling process that will result in the production of the Outlander Sport crossover SUV by mid-2012. Mitsubishi Motors North America will produce the Galant for about another year.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

MMNA spokesman Dan Irvin said the plant's 1,300 workers are somewhat sentimental as they say goodbye to the current models, but are excited about the future. In February, Japanese parent company Mitsubishi Motors Corp. announced a $100 million investment in the plant to produce the Outlander Sport.

"The Eclipse and Spyder are something our brand was identified with," said Irvin. "But I think everybody is looking ahead and focuses very much on that. Whether you get a new job, or house, or appliance, or car, you're more excited about the new one and the opportunities to come than dwelling on what got you this far."

Mitsubishi Endeavor

The Eclipse, Spyder and Endeavor will be available for purchase through at least the end of 2011, and MMNA will continue to make service parts for those models for six to seven years, said Irvin.

Mitsubishi to join IMIE and the METRO newspaper to launch the EcoVelocity motor show

Mitsubishi will join IMIE and the METRO newspaper to launch the EcoVelocity motor show, taking place at Battersea Power Station in London between 8th and 11th September 2011.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV UK Spec

EcoVelocity will host vehicles which provide no-compromise, low and ultra low emissions, aiming to provide prospective buyers with an insight into the new technologies.

Mitsubishi will showcase its Intelligent Motion range, which will include the first pure-electric vehicle to the UK market, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

South Africa gets facelifted Triton as CBU from Thailand

Mitsubishi is changing its Triton one-tonners in South Africa by offering a facelifted model that is imported as a fully built-up unit and not assembled locally, as has been the case in the past.

The new pick-ups will take over from the Triton line that was introduced in 2007 - the year when it replaced the Colt that has been in SA since 1990.

The Colt helped to propel Mitsubishi's success with sales of over 20 000 units.

The latest Triton models are made at a plant in Thailand that exports to all major first world countries for Mitsubishi Motors. That same plant has already exported more than a million vehicles since 1988 when it became the first Thai motor vehicle exporter and has won several quality awards for the units produced there.

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa opted for an import route for the Triton because it offers greater flexibility in terms of product specification and better supply rates than when a product is locked into local production.

The new range has an updated grille, headlights and front bumper as well as a new-look step bumper at the rear and restyled alloy wheels on all models.

Mitsubishi launches Limited Edition of Outlander Chrome in India

Japanese car maker, Mitsubishi Motors has launched a limited edition model of their SUV Outlander in India, christened as the Outlander Chrome Edition. The new features of Mitsubishi Outlander Chrome Edition includes larger rear spoiler, molding protection on the side, side air dam, roof mounted DVD player, floor illumination, door mirror cover with chrome plating and a few state of the art gadgets on the inside.

The car is now available at all the authorized Mitsubishi dealers across India. There is not a single change made in the engine department. Mitsubishi Outlander Chrome Edition will be powered by the same petrol powered four cylinder 2.4L engine. The launch of a limited edition Outlander can be termed as a marketing gimmick by Mitsubishi Motors.

We hope Mitsubishi launches a diesel variant of Outlander in India soon as that is what will create a real sense of excitement amongst Indian car buyers. Instead of adding cosmetic upgrades to their existing vehicles, Mitsubishi Motors should launch new variants, preferably hatchbacks, in the Indian auto industry in order to grow.

Source: rushlane.com

MMC and Mitsubishi Electric announces plan to develop Smart Grid technolgy using EVs

TOKYO --Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation have announced a profile of their joint project for smart grid technology development applying electric vehicles (EVs). Utilizing EVs as "moving batteries," the technology will be effective for curtailing fluctuation in output from renewable energy sources and shifting power demand peaks. The schedule envisions installation of a test facility on the premises of Nagoya Works of Mitsubishi Motors by March 2012 and start of actual activities such as connection to facility power panels and collection of data.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV x-ray view. The big rectangle in the middle is the Li battery pack.

EVs are mounted with large-capacity lithium-ion batteries. Automakers are working to heighten their added value by effective use of this feature when the vehicles are parked. The V2X Project resting on collaboration among the three firms is aimed at establishment as technology mainly for offices, factories and other such business sites. It is characterized by utilization of large-capacity power by connection of several EVs.

The test facility, which is to be constructed from this year to next year, will be a parking lot whose roof is covered by photovoltaic power generation panels. There will be several units for drawing direct-current power from the EV charging outlets. The power will be supplied to factories after conversion to an alternating current by means of a power conditioner.

Source: The Denki Shimbun

Mitsubishi Motors Ireland will sponsor Irish Olympian Derval O’Rourke

DERVAL O’ROURKE JUMPS INTO A NEW MITSUBISHI ASX

Mitsubishi Motors Ireland has announced that it will sponsor Irish athletics star and Olympic hopeful, Derval O’Rourke.

As part of the sponsorship, Derval took delivery of a new Mitsubishi ASX Crossover. On becoming the latest Mitsubishi Brand Ambassador, Derval commented: "The Mitsubishi ASX is perfect for me. It’s stylish, flexible, economical and there’s plenty of room for my two most important travel companions – my training gear and Berlino, my dog!”

Commenting on the sponsorship, Mitsubishi Motors Ireland said: “The whole Country is behind Derval as she strives for Olympic success next year and Mitsubishi Motors Ireland is delighted to be able to support her in those efforts.”

The ASX is the latest edition to the Mitsubishi range and combines the space and versatility of a family car with the looks and superior driving position of an SUV. It delivers frugal running costs, CO2 emissions so low they lower your road tax, and a drive-enhancing collection of luxurious features including; hill start assist, Bluetooth phone connectivity, telescopic steering-wheel adjustment, seven protective airbags and ABS with EBD.

Sebastien Loeb extends his Citroen WRC contract for 2 more years

Sebastien Loeb will continue in the World Rally Championship for at least another two more seasons after agreeing a deal to remain with the factory Citroen squad until the end of the 2013 season.

Loeb’s future with the French make and, indeed, the WRC has been the subject of considerable speculation in recent months with suggestions that the 37-year-old Frenchman would call time on his rallying career if he captured an eighth world crown this year. He currently leads the standings following his breath-taking victory on Neste Oil Rally Finland last month.

In a statement, Loeb said: “With the arrival of other manufacturers in the championship, the competition is going to get tougher in the years to come. All the more so with the rule changes concerning the starting order coming in in 2012 as all the drivers will be fighting on a level playing field. To take the fight to them I’m putting my trust in Citroen, a team I know inside out and the DS3 WRC, the car that I helped [develop] with Citroen Racing.”

Loeb has been part of the Citroen family since 2001. He claimed his maiden WRC event win with the firm, on Rallye Deutschland, in 2002 and captured his first world crown driving a Citroen Xsara WRC in 2004. To date he has taken 66 victories in the world championship alongside co-driver Daniel Elena, who will continue alongside Loeb for another two seasons.

Germany Premiere: "Concept PX-MiEV" with innovative hybrid drive

Germany Premiere: "Concept PX-MiEV" with innovative hybrid drive

Also: the 2012 model year i-MiEV electric vehicle


Rüsselsheim, 17 August 2011 - With forward-looking vehicles are, Mitsubishi, one of the innovators and pioneers in the field of alternative drive technologies at the International Automobile Exhibition "Motor Show" in 2011 in Frankfurt / Main in the "Hall of electric vehicles" (4.0 A16).

Already successful in the market, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Focus on the trade show is the Mitsubishi i-MiEV of model year 2012. The ultra-compact four-seater, only in May 2011 with the "Plus X Award" as "the best electric car in 2011" and "Innovation and the Environment" award will be delivered in eight months in Germany to end consumers. Since then more than 600 vehicles were sold in Germany.

A 49 kW/67 hp electric motor and a lithium-ion batteries make the nimble electric runabout when required 130 km / h fast and allow distances up to 150 km *. The energy storage unit can be adapted to any conventional household outlet secured charge, on a special quick charger even within 30 minutes to 80 percent of its maximum capacity.

For model year 2012, the world's first electric car in mass production will be further refined and optimized. That a part of the series of standards, a new interior in an elegant dark brown, a remote control for presetting the vehicle air conditioning and charging time and to display the battery power level, an audio system with CD player and USB port, heated front seats, an acoustic Warner for the protection of persons outside of the vehicle and loading equipment for different currents.

Crossover with a hybrid drive and perspective: PX-MiEV Concept

Current and attractive than ever, the Concept PX-MiEV plug-in hybrid drive. Was first shown the dynamic 4x4 crossover model at the Tokyo Motor Show 2009, then at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010 and this year's Shanghai motor show. This year's study at the Frankfurt Motor Show was first presented to the German public.

To the powerful drive of the PX-MiEV Concept two electric motors to provide front and rear axle, the torque distribution is variable over the electric wheel-drive system and an e-4WD motor on the rear axle differential. An additional 1.6-liter gasoline engine can support either the front-wheel drive or used as current-producing generator.

Innovative technologies such as heat reflective outer coating, a UV-A radiation-resistant glazing, individually air-conditioned single seats with anti-allergy effect or an electronic control of indoor humidity round out the progressive nature of the PX-MiEV Concept.

Its future potential lies not only in the powerful yet environmentally friendly drive concept. The striking crossover SUV architecture, a core competence of the house offers excellent conditions for transfer from the stage on the road.

* Measured on the basis of the new European driving cycle (ECE R101 NEF)

Mitsubishi and Nissan to unify EV-to-home power distribution system [JP]

Nissan, MMC to unify EV power





Nissan Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. plan to standardize a device that enables electric vehicle batteries to supply power to households, it was learned Saturday.

The unification of standards by the two automakers that currently split the domestic electric car market will highly likely lead to a unified national standard, observers said.

Electric vehicles have been attracting attention as "movable batteries" since the Great East Japan Earthquake, due to their portability and large power storage capacity.

The device makes it possible for users to connect their electric vehicles to a house's electricity distribution panel to supply the house with electricity.

Mitsubishi Triton RA Edition bound for Malaysia

Mitsubishi Triton RA Edition bound for Malaysia

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has introduced the Triton RA Edition, which is limited to 500 units. The “rally inspired” RA Edition is based on the Triton 2.5 A/T, which means it’s powered by Mitsubishi’s 2.5-litre DI-D commonrail diesel engine with 136 PS and 314 Nm of torque. This comes after MMM launched the Lancer Sportback RA Edition last month.

Mitsubishi Triton RA Edition

As with any limited edition, there’s more kit to be had. The Triton RA Edition comes with an accessory package that includes a tonneau cover, bumper extender, body stickers, window visor, Ralliart logo embroidered on the seats, aluminium scuff plate, Triton RA carpet mats and Ralliart emblems. There’s also a limited edition serial number in the cabin. The RA Edition is only available in Black Mica or White Solid.

Inside, the RA’s centre stack houses an LCD touch screen entertainment system with built-in GPS navigation. The full colour screen also doubles up as a display for the reverse camera, while the seats are covered in leather.

For the rather long list of added kit, and the exclusivity, one needs to part with RM103,980 on the road inclusive of insurance, decent value when the standard Triton 2.5 A/T is priced at RM95,980. The Triton is imported CBU from Thailand.

Source: PaulTan.org

Mitsubishi Lancer SE AWD, coming this fall to the US

Mitsubishi expands awd line, chases 100,000 sales

LOS ANGELES -- Mitsubishi will add another all-wheel-drive version of its Lancer sedan this fall as it tries to claw its way back to 100,000 U.S. sales.

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS [US]

Yoichi Yokozawa, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, said in an interview that the SE will be the least expensive all-wheel-drive vehicle in the lineup with a sticker price of around $20,000.

The existing all-wheel-drive Ralliart and Evolution versions of the Lancer are turbocharged. The least costly of the two, the Ralliart, starts at about $27,000.

The lower priced front-drive Lancer DE, ES and GTS trim levels all have naturally aspirated engines.

The SE, also naturally aspirated, goes on sale this fall, and Mitsubishi expects it to account for 15 to 20 percent of Lancer sales.

Mitsubishi Starts Production and Sales of Pajero Sport SUV model in Bangladesh

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Starts Production and Sales of Pajero Sport SUV model in Bangladesh

Tokyo, August 9, 2011 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announces that it has started local production and sales in Bangladesh of its new-model Pajero Sport SUV. The Pajero Sport is being produced at the Chittagong plant of Pragoti Industries Limited (PIL), MMC's business partner in Bangladesh, and will be sold through PIL's domestic sales network.

PIL is a state-owned automobile assembler operated by the Bangladesh Ministry of Industries and has had operational ties with MMC, assembling and selling MMC models in Bangladesh since 1977. PIL has produced and sold MMC's previous-generation Pajero since 1995 and with the addition of the new-model Pajero Sport SUV is seeking to strengthen its lineup and expand sales further. Initially the company expects to produce and sell some 500 Pajero Sport models annually.

Mitsubishi to sell rebadged Nissan NV200 as the Delica D:3

The OEM partnership between Mitsubishi and Nissan looks to be growing even further – Mitsubishi is set to take yet another vehicle from Nissan into its model line-up for the domestic market.

Nissan NV200

Thus far, under the existing OEM agreements with Nissan, Mitsubishi is selling the AD commercial vehicle under its badge, while supplying its eK Wagon and other minivehicles, according to reports. Already, both companies have set up a JV to develop mini-cars for the market, with operations having begun in June.

Now, Mitsubishi is set to add Nissan’s NV200 van to the list and plans to start selling the 1.6 litre-class vehicle as the Delica D:3 sometime from the end of October, and it’s hoping to shift 5,000 units for the initial year.

The company is also mulling over getting a luxury sedan like the Teana to sell under its own brand. Having considerably trimmed its model line-up, 60% of Mitsubishi’s domestic sales are now made up of mini-vehicles, and the reports add that procuring more models from Nissan will allow the company to feature a more balanced product range without increasing its RD spending.

Source: PaulTan.org

Mitsubishi Motors score 41% profit year-on-year

Mitsubishi Sales Increase for Eleventh Straight Month -- Up More Than 41% in July

CYPRESS, Calif., Aug. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported July 2011 sales of 7,972 units, an increase of 41.1 percent compared to the same month in 2010.

The increase continues a sales surge that, for the first seven months of 2011, makes Mitsubishi the fastest growing automaker in the United States.

"We are particularly pleased with the performance of the Outlander Sport small CUV," said MMNA President & CEO Yoichi Yokozawa. "July was the biggest sales month ever for Outlander Sport, so consumers continue to be drawn to its fuel-efficiency and performance." MMNA sold 1,571 Outlander Sports in July, more than 12 percent higher than the vehicle's previous high sales month (April 2011).

This marks MMNA's highest July sales total since 2008 and the eleventh consecutive month that the company has achieved a year-over-year sales increase. Year-to date sales are up 62.1 percent.