Citroen C4 AIRCROSS - Citroen's version of the Mitsubishi ASX | RVR | Outlander Sport

Citroen C4 AIRCROSS - Citroen's version of the Mitsubishi ASX | RVR | Outlander Sport

More than 100,000 new Citroën C4 vehicles have rolled of the assembly line since the model was launched one year ago. Following on from this commercial success, the Marque is now extending its C4 range with an original model: the Citroën C4 Aircross. This new vehicle reviews the conventional cues of compact SUV design. By combining style and technological innovation in a single car, the Citroën C4 Aircross is ideally suited to modern lifestyles that introduce a sense of escape into everyday activities. This new body style draws upon the Marque's technological excellence, combining the grip of an off-roader with the ride and driveability of a saloon. Available in 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive versions, depending on the engine, the Citroën C4 Aircross will be launched in the first half of 2012 and will be one of the front-runners in its segment in terms of CO2 emissions.

The styling of the Citroën C4 Aircross draws upon the Marque's DNA, combining the vitality of the other models in the range with the powerful styling of an off-roader.

The distinctive styling includes a front end of horizontal lines with aerodynamic vents at the extremities, accentuating the vehicle's compact appearance. The contours of the bonnet, which is visible from the driver's seat, the wide wheel arches and the reduced overhang all enhance the impression of robustness produced by this unique silhouette.

Close attention went into every detail and each part is designed to combine style and performance. The Citroën C4 Aircross' light signature, visible by day and at night, is formed by the LEDs at the front, which are vertically aligned in the aerodynamic vents. The shape of the large 18-inch wheels and the rear lights, directly inspired by the Hypnos concept car, has been reworked for optimal air flow and reduced CO2 emissions.

The sophisticated design of the Citroën C4 Aircross includes repeater lights in the door mirrors, light guides in the rear lights and a rearview camera built into the chrome trim on the tailgate.

The expressive style draws upon Citroën's distinctive design cues. Seen from the side, the inverted shark fin wing, which also hints at the glass side surfaces of the Hypnos concept car, is decorated with a chrome compass to show that the model is a member of the brand's SUV family.

2013 Peugeot 4008 - Peugeot's version of the Mitsubishi ASX | RVR | Outlander Sport

 2013 Peugeot 4008 - Peugeot's version of the Mitsubishi ASX | RVR | Outlander Sport

In line with Peugeot's range enhancement and development strategy, the Peugeot 4008 will be launched initially in the international market which will represent 70% of its sales. With its distinctive, stylish appearance and its 4x4 SUV features, the Peugeot 4008 is a modern response to the needs of all-terrain vehicle customers, in a very prominent market segment.

International launch


The world market of all-terrain SUVs has been growing strongly since 2005. In Russia, all-terrain vehicles have long been predominant and currently account for 20% of the market, the majority being vehicles in the compact SUV segment. However, in China and Western Europe the market share of the SUVs has reached 10%, and covers a variety of expectations. In Europe, this market share of the SUVs in segments C and D is increasing to the detriment of the SUVs of the E segment. In China, it is the attraction of the vehicle's status that is sought after. In Europe, it fulfils the desire for distinctive multipurpose vehicles, compact and with an environmental impact comparable to that of a conventional saloon. Therefore, the Peugeot 4008 is an ideal response to the changes in these markets, it is a competitive vehicle serving the marque's ambition in the international market. Presented as a world première at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot 4008 will go on sale initially in international markets from 2012 second quarter.

WiTricity, IHI Corp, and MMC to collaborate on developing easily deployable wireless charging system for Electric Vehicles

WiTricity Corporation, IHI Corporation, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Combine to Develop Easily Deployable Wireless Charging Systems for Electric Vehicles

- Partnership to take the first step toward making plugging in obsolete -

Tokyo - September 27, 2011 - WiTricity Corporation (WiTricity), IHI Corporation (IHI) and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) have agreed to join forces to research and develop easily deployable electric vehicle (EV) wireless charging systems readily compatible with electric grids which will make life easier for EV users in the future. The partnership structure of three major players in the wireless charging, electric infrastructure, and EV areas coming together will accelerate the popularization of wireless charging systems for EVs by developing systems that are usable "right out of the box" for individuals, governments, and other entities including power companies in order to make it easier and quicker for them to roll out such systems.

Image showing how wireless charging systems might be used in the future

The aim of the collaboration is to make EVs remarkably more convenient for owners by accelerating the popularization (and thus availability) of wireless charging at homes and shopping center parking lots, etc.

Wireless charging systems allow transfer of energy from a source placed on or under the ground, to a vehicle equipped with an energy capture device. Charging occurs automatically when the vehicle is parked, with no physical contact between the vehicle and the charging source. WiTricity has already developed and brought to market its patented magnetic resonance wireless charging system*1. The system that WiTricity has developed can transfer energy further and more efficiently in comparison to conventional systems such as electromagnetic induction and microwave transmission, pushing the possibilities of wireless charging by being able to deliver up to 3.3 kW of charging power over distance of 20cm (almost 8 inches) at an efficiency rate of more than 90%, in manner that is safe and very user friendly. Systems based on WiTricity technology offer smaller size and lighter weight as compared to conventional systems, and operate with no moving parts.

Mitsubishi starts testing the i-MiEV in Thailand, partners with PTT

   
Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Signs Agreement on Joint Testing of Electric Vehicles with PTT Public Company Limited

Tokyo, September 20, 2011 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that Mitsubishi Motors Thailand Co., Ltd. (MMTh), MMC's subsidiary in Thailand has agreed to start joint testing of the i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicle (EV) with PTT Public Company Limited (PTT) the largest energy company in Thailand.

Left: Mr. Chaicharearn Atibaedya, Executive Vice President
PTT Research and Technology Institute, PTT Public Company Limited (PTT)
Right:     Mr. Nobuyuki Murahashi, President of MMTh

Following the agreement between the government of Thailand and MMC for a joint study of fleet EV testing that was concluded on December 2010, MMTh has started specific testing with two power companies; Metropolitan Electricity Authority and PEA ENCOM. With this new agreement with PTT, MMC will intensify its efforts towards popularization of EVs in Thailand, such as researching its' consumer acceptability, marketability, as well as charging infrastructure.

PTT is a natural gas and petroleum company working towards a stable supply of energy for Thailand under the Thai government's national energy security policy. PTT plans to install a quick charger at the PTT Research and Technology Institute by the end of this year, so both PTT and MMTh will actively cooperate in the research and the development of EV charging infrastructure.

After its launch in Japan, the i-MiEV has been sequentially rolled out internationally to Hong Kong, Australia, Europe, and other markets, and is planned for rollout in the United States and Canada this fall. In addition, MMC is in cooperation with numerous governments in their EV popularization initiatives, including the Principality of Monaco, Iceland, Denmark, and Singapore.

Proton and Mitsubishi Motors to Pursue Broad Ranging Strategic Collaboration

Proton and Mitsubishi Motors to Pursue Broad Ranging Strategic Collaboration

Shah Alam / Tokyo, 15 September, 2011 - PROTON Holdings Berhad (PROTON) and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today that they are in serious discussion for strategic collaboration to further strengthen the competitiveness of both PROTON and MMC in the global marketplace.

The collaborative items being considered between the two parties are set to cover areas and activities such as:

• Joint production of engines in Malaysia
• Consignment production of MMC-brand vehicles at PROTON facilities
• Sharing of major parts and components between MMC's "Global Small", which is to be launched next March starting in Thailand, and PROTON's upcoming "Global Small Car"
• Provision of MMC's future technologies such as electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicle technology

The two companies had jointly proceeded with feasibility studies since late 2010 and have identified these areas of collaboration that could be expected to provide both parties with the right synergy in the pursuit of global competitiveness.

Cooperation between PROTON and MMC, ever since PROTON's inception as the country's first car manufacturer and driver of the national automotive industry development has proven to be a long lasting business affiliation. The two companies had signed an agreement in December 2008 on the development and production of new vehicles at PROTON. Under a license agreement, PROTON currently produces 'Inspira', a four-door sedan model based on an MMC vehicle.

The latest discussion between the companies aims to provide yet another win-win relationship where MMC will be able to expand its presence in the ASEAN market while PROTON will be able to also expand its line-up and make effective use of its production facilities. A new strategic collaboration, supported by the growth of both companies since their first collaboration 26 years ago, is certainly a natural progression for both parties in taking their business relationship to a much more significant and impactful level in view of the ever competitive automotive landscape.

Mitsubishi Motors Auctioning Final Production 2012 Eclipse with Proceeds Benefitting Japan Red Cross

CYPRESS, Calif., Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) will be selling a one-of-a-kind 2012 Eclipse Coupe SE - the very last production Eclipse that rolled off of the assembly line at the company's manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois – to the highest bidder at the Mecum Auctions annual St. Charles Auction at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois, to be held September 15 – 18 of this year.

2012 Eclipse Coupe SE - The last Eclipse ever produced

Customized by Mitsubishi Motors, this very special 2012 Eclipse Coupe SE features a unique Kalapana Black paint scheme (chosen by Mitsubishi followers on Facebook), leather interior trim, eye-catching 18-inch Dark Argent alloy wheels, a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate® premium audio system with 9 speakers and SIRIUS® satellite radio, hands-free Bluetooth® phone interface, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and attractive "SE" exterior side graphics. It is also the only 2012 Eclipse SE model powered by the scintillating 265 horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 engine that is used exclusively by the 2012 Eclipse GT.

All proceeds raised from the sale of this vehicle will be donated to the Japan Red Cross earthquake and tsunami relief fund.

The dynamic Mitsubishi Eclipse – available in either coupe or stylish Spyder soft-top convertible – has been the best-selling Japanese sports car of the last 20 years. With production winding down on the current fourth-generation model, Mitsubishi has sold just under 1 million units since its debut in 1989.

The final Mitsubishi Eclipse is set to go on the Mecum Auctions block in Lot S110 at 1:55 p.m. on Saturday, September 17. Its sale can be viewed live on Mecum's national television program "Mecum Auction Live: Muscle Cars & More" on Discovery Communications' HD Theater channel.

For more information on the Mitsubishi Eclipse, please visit MitsubishiCars.com and Facebook.com/Mitsubishi and for more on this special event please log on to Mecum.com. 

CA Gov signs bill allowing EVs to be towed if parking on Charging Station but not actually charging

Calif. Gov. Signs Controversial EV Charging Bill

Over the objection of some of America's staunchest electric-vehicle advocates, California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed into law a bill that allows all-electric battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) as well as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to be towed if they park in designated EV-charging parking spaces but are not plugged in. "We think that there's the potential that the law may end up costing the state money, because in essence you now have to have one charger per EV parking space," Jay Friedland, legislative director of the advocacy group Plug In America, told AutoObserver Friday.

In the past, if an electric vehicle (EV) were fully charged, it was acceptable for the owner of an EV parked nearby to unplug the charged vehicle and plug in his or her car, Friedland said. But under the new law, the unplugged car will be at risk of being towed away. Friedland said Plug In America is working with some California lawmakers to introduce a bill early next year that "will fix the problem."

Other opponents complained that PHEVs should not be granted the same right to use the chargers as BEVs, because unlike BEVs they are not entirely dependent on electricity for fuel. PHEVs have onboard gasoline-fuel generators that permit them to generate their own juice once their batteries are depleted. Friedland said Plug In America, possibly the strongest EV advocacy group in the U.S., does not share that sentiment. That's because the group primarily wants vehicles to rely less on fossil fuels and more on electricity, regardless of whether they are plug-in hybrids or BEVs, he said.

Read More: autoobserver.com

MMNA Announces Price Adjustment to the 2012 Mitsubishi i 100% Electric Vehicle

Mitsubishi Motors Announces Price Adjustment to the 2012 Mitsubishi i 100% Electric Vehicle

Sep 9, 2011

CYPRESS, Calif., Sept. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to unforeseen changes in market conditions, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) has decided to make a pricing adjustment of $1135 to the 2012 Mitsubishi i 100% electric-powered vehicle.

The well-equipped entry-level Mitsubishi i ES model will see its net value change to $21,625*, while the premium-grade SE version of the electric vehicle will have a new net value price of $23,625*.

Despite the pricing adjustment, the 2012 Mitsubishi i remains the most affordably-priced mass-market electric car available in the marketplace today.

The pricing adjustment applies only to the suggested MSRP pricing of the vehicle. The value-oriented pricing of options such as the Cold Zone package ($150) that consists of a main lithium-ion battery warming system and heated outside mirrors and the Premium package ($2790) that includes HDD navigation system with rear camera, FUSE Handsfree Link System™ with USB port, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and a DC quick charging port remain unaffected.

* ES $29,125 MSRP less $7500 federal tax credit = $21,625 after tax credit; SE $31,125 MSRP less $7500 federal tax credit = $23,625 after tax credit