Mitsubishi Motors Commences Production of the North American i-MiEV

Mitsubishi Motors Commences Production of the North American i-MiEV

Tokyo, October 28, 2011 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced the start of production of the North American* version of its i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicle (EV) at its Mizushima Plant. The North American version of the i-MiEV will first be available in Hawaii as well as the United States' western coastal states of California, Washington, and Oregon from the end of November this year. From then on, MMC plans to expand sales throughout other parts of the United States and Canada by the end of fiscal year 2012.

The North American version of the i-MiEV has been equipped with safety features such as an advanced airbag system that detects passengers' seating position and controls deployment force, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to conform to North American safety requirements. To better meet the needs of North American customers, its torque has also been increased in comparison to other versions of the i-MiEV. In addition, the North American version of the i-MiEV features new front and rear bumpers for enhanced protection and stability along with a larger body.

MMC began sales of its i-MiEV in Japan in July 2009 as the "ultimate eco-car," a solution to the various challenges facing society today including environmental pollution, global warming and energy diversification. MMC started full-scale export of the i-MiEV first to European countries in 2010. As of the end of September this year, MMC's cumulative EV production volume has reached approximately 16,000 units. By adding the United States and Canada, MMC further expands its growing global EV presence.
* "North America" in this case refers specifically to the United States and Canada.

North American i-MiEV Basic Specifications
      Length     :3,675mm
      Width     :1,585mm
      Height      :1,615mm
      Tread (front/rear)     :1,420mm/1,380mm
      Max Torque     :196 N･m/rpm

Delivery of the Largest Order of i-MiEVs to Date Begins in Estonia

Delivery of the Largest Order of i-MiEVs to Date Begins in Estonia

Tokyo, October 24, 2011 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that it has delivered the first fifty i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicles (EV) out of 507 units scheduled to be provided to the Estonian government. These first fifty i-MiEVs mark the beginning of delivery of the largest single order ever taken to date for the i-MiEV. On October 21 a ceremony was held in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, for the delivery of the i-MiEVs where Mr. Andrus Ansip, the Prime Minister of Estonia and other Estonian governmental officials attended.

Left: Osamu Masuko, President of Mitsubishi Motors
Center: Mr. Akinobu Ogata, Senior Vice President of Mitsubishi Corporation
Right: Mr. Andrus Ansip, the Prime Minister of Estonia

The provision of 507 i-MiEVs to the Estonian government was concluded between Mitsubishi Corporation and the Estonian government this past March as a part of an agreement to purchase 10 million tons of emissions rights*1. MMC plans to complete shipment of the entire order to Estonia by the end of the 2011 fiscal year.

The Estonian government plans to use the i-MiEVs in public facilities (in the field of social welfare) as part of its policy to popularize electric vehicles nationwide, hoping to reduce CO2 emissions in the country. In addition, the Estonian government has already introduced subsidies for EV purchases and plans to set up charging infrastructure. MMC will work to popularize EVs in Estonia by providing technical support to the Estonian government in monitoring CO2 reductions and planning to start sales of the i-MiEV to the public in Estonia this coming November.

MMC is currently selling the i-MiEV in many countries and regions all over the world, including Japan, Europe, Hong Kong, Australia, and will start sales of the i-MiEV in the United States and Canada within the year. In addition to Estonia, MMC is collaborating with other countries like the Principality of Monaco, Iceland, Denmark, Singapore, Thailand, and others in their efforts to popularize EVs.

Mitsubishi Develops Next-generation MIVEC Engine and Improved "Auto Stop&Go" Idle-stop System

Mitsubishi Motors Develops Next-generation MIVEC Engine and Improved "Auto Stop&Go" Idle-stop System

- Combination will first be applied in Japan to RVR, Galant Fortis, Galant Fortis Sportback models -

Tokyo, October 20, 2011 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today the development two new fuel-saving technologies: the "4J10" lightweight and compact 1.8-liter gasoline engine incorporating a new version of the company's MIVEC* variable valve timing system and the latest version of the company's Auto Stop & Go (AS&G) idle-stop technology. The development of these latest technologies is expected to play a big part in achieving MMC's own upcoming fuel and environmental efficiency targets.
*Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control

Mitsubishi Motors 4J10 MIVEC 1.8L Engine

The new 4J10 engine/AS-G combination will power the Japan-market RVR (ASX or Outlander Sport in some markets) compact SUV, the Galant Fortis sports sedan (Lancer or Lancer EX in some markets), and Galant Fortis Sportback (Lancer Sportback in some markets) 5-door sports hatchback. With this engine, the three models show an improvement of 12% in fuel efficiency (measured by Japanese 10-15 mode). The RVR will be launched on October 20, and the Galant Fortis models on October 27.

The development of these technologies stems from the Mitsubishi Motors Environment Initiative Program 2015 that forms a key part of the company's Jump 2013 mid-term business plan. Targets for achievement by 2015 set forth in the Program include a 25 percent reduction in on-road CO2 emission of new vehicles compared to the global weighted average for the 2005 fiscal year. The Program is the mid-term benchmark for the Mitsubishi Motors Group Environmental Vision 2020 which aims for a 50 percent reduction in CO2 emission against the global weighted average for the 2005 fiscal year.

MMC to launch new Delica D:3 Minivan and Delican Van LCV

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation to Launch New Delica D:3 Minivan and Delica Van Light Commercial Vehicle in Japan

Tokyo, October 6, 2011 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today that it will launch the Delica D:3*, a new compact minivan, and the Delica Van, a new light commercial vehicle in the Japanese market on October 27. The Delica D:3 and Delica Van have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of between \1,879,000 and \1,974,000 and between \1,685,000 and \1,965,000 respectively.

2011 Delica D:3 G

* The name Delica is coined from "Delivery Car;" D is the initial letter of "Delica" and the number 3 is used by the company to denote a vehicle of minivan size.

The Delica D:3 targets larger families as it covers a wide range of purposes from everyday to leisure use. The Delica D:3 and Delica Van to be added to the Delica range are both models supplied to MMC by Nissan Motor on an OEM basis and is a result of the agreement to expand business collaboration reached between the two companies in December last year.

Delica Van DX

The new Delica Van fits into the same size class as the current Delica Van and offers top-of-class load carrying capacity as well as a level of fuel economy that qualifies it for Japanese eco-car tax incentives, making it the ideal light commercial vehicle for business use. The replacement of the current Delica Van with the new model will also be accompanied by the withdrawal of the Delica Truck from the lineup.

Mitsubishi Motors International Auto Show in Lyon [FR]

Mitsubishi Motors International Auto Show in Lyon

Saint Ouen l’Aumône, October 4, 2011 - Mitsubishi Motors will be at the Lyon International Fair to be held from 8 to 16 October 2011 at Eurexpo Lyon.

On its stand of 400m2, Mitsubishi Motors will present the main models in its range:

    the-road "hardcore":
                - The Pajero, the limited edition 30èmeanniversaire
                  will be launched at the Salon,
                - The L200, the pick up of professionals and individuals,

    crossovers:
                - Outlander, the crossover family
                - The ASX, the compact crossover,

    the standard bearers of technological know-how of the brand with three diamonds
                - Lancer Evolution sports car par excellence,
                - The i-MiEV, 100% electric vehicle, a concentrate of technology.

Mitsubishi 4x4 Experience
To think outside the box and Mitsubishi Motors International Auto Show in Lyon invite the public to enjoy the exclusive facilities of Eurexpo: it will be possible to test in real conditions, on a dirt track than 5 hectares, L200, Pajero , and Outlander ASX exclusively. Crossing, slope, tilt, ... the joys of the road for everyone!

Electric City
In an area of ​​5000 m² dedicated to electric mobility and sustainable development, Electric City aims to present the zero-emission models in a realistic, everyday, in order to shine a urban model where the electric car is natural and accessible .
At the heart of the show, with a path laid out by landscape, the public will be able to try different electric vehicles including the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the first electric car in mass production in the world to be marketed.

Mitsubishi Motors Sales Increase for Thirteenth Month in a Row [US]

Mitsubishi Motors Sales Increase for Thirteenth Month in a Row

Oct 3, 2011

CYPRESS, Calif., Oct. 3, 2011- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported September 2011 sales of 5,803 units which represents a 17% increase over the September 2010 sales figures.

The increase extends a sales surge that began in September of 2010 and has continued for thirteen months, outpacing overall U.S. auto industry sales growth.  Mitsubishi's year-to-date 2011 sales are more than 59 percent higher than sales during the first nine months of last year.

"Consumers continue to be drawn to the styling, performance, and fuel efficiency of our Outlander Sport", said MMNA President & CEO Yoichi Yokozawa.  "Our momentum should be further enhanced when we launch a major advertising campaign later this month that focuses on next year's Outlander Sport production launch at our U.S. manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, and next month's sales launch of our all-electric Mitsubishi i."

This week, in Portland, Mitsubishi Motors kicks off the seven-week "Mitsubishi i 100% Electric Experience" test drive tour of Oregon, Washington and California.  The experiential marketing campaign targets potential electric vehicle shoppers ahead of the all-electric i's arrival in November at select dealerships.

September sales highlights include:

•     Mitsubishi Motors North America sold 5,803 vehicles in September 2011, a 17% increase over September 2010 and Mitsubishi's highest sales total for the month of September since 2008
•     Sales of Mitsubishi vehicles for calendar-year-to-date 2011 are at 65,875 units, a 59.1% increase over CYTD 2010 and also Mitsubishi's highest January through September sales total since 2008.
•     The Outlander Sport model had another strong showing in September with 1,512 units sold

A Wheels Magazine Gold Star for Mitsubishi’s class-leading ASX [AU]

A Wheels Magazine Gold Star for Mitsubishi’s class-leading ASX

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited’s (MMAL) popular ASX has been named the best value compact SUV in the Wheels Magazine Gold Star Value Awards.

Wheels Magazine editor Bill Thomas said the ASX was a deserving winner thanks to its reasonable purchase price, economical fuel consumption and industry-leading warranty.

“The diesel ASX offers great value across the floor, making it a smart investment,” Thomas said.

Vehicles were assessed across a range of criteria including warranty, fuel economy, purchase price, depreciation, insurance costs, and service schedules and prices.

The diesel ASX beat competitors Hyundai ix35 and Honda CR-V to the top spot thanks to its 5.9L/100km combined-cycle fuel economy, low insurance cost and retained value after three years.

MMAL’s president and CEO, Gen Nishina, said the company was delighted to receive the accolade from such a respected publication.

“The ASX combines comfort and safety with economical driving and we are pleased that Wheels Magazine recognized the value and performance offered by the ASX,” Nishina said.

The Mitsubishi 4WD ASX diesel is powered by a 1.8-litre MIVEC engine with six-speed manual transmission and comes with superior safety features including seven airbags, Active Stability and Traction Control and reverse parking sensors.