Mitsubishi Motors to show Prototype i MiEV concept at 2009 Geneva Show
Prototype i MiEV (sketch)
Tokyo, February 12, 2009 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to give the Prototype i MiEV concept model its global debut at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 3 through March 15 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 5).
With feasibility testing now underway in Europe, the possibility for Mitsubishi Motors' i MiEV electric car to be launched in Europe draws tantalizingly close.
While no final decision has been made yet as to whether or when the car will be launched, Mitsubishi will continue to gauge reactions through a further exercise: the Prototype i MiEV show car.
To be unveiled at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show next to the i MiEV SPORT AIR concept, this latest iteration introduces left-hand-drive to the equation and conceptualizes — amongst other items — the wide(er) tracks and long(er) overhangs of a potential European specification i MiEV.
As a reminder, i MiEV represents the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Motors' green technologies. Currently involved in testing and promotional activities in Japan, New Zealand, the United States and Europe, the car will be launched in Japan during the summer of 2009.
Mitsubishi i MiEV rolls into New Zealand
Gala ceremony*2
Tokyo, February 12— As part of a data-gathering campaign aimed at studying the feasibility of its electric vehicle project in markets worldwide, Mitsubishi Motors kicked off the New Zealand trial of the zero-emissions i MiEV*1 electric vehicle along with local partner Meridian Energy at a gala event February 10.
More than 100 government representatives and other key stakeholders were invited to drive the car and discuss its potential for the New Zealand market. Mitsubishi Motors was proud to welcome keynote speaker Hon. Dr. Nick Smith, New Zealand's Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.
Smith said of the vehicle:
"This is the beginning of an exciting energy revolution as significant as the economic transformation from the steam engine to the internal combustion engine more than a century ago. congratulate and Mitsubishi for their announcement today."
The event was held in the lush surroundings of Zealandia, a 252-hectare wildlife preserve of which Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand is a long-term principal partner.
Announced in October 2006, the i MiEV represents the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Motors' green technologies. Currently involved in testing and promotional activities in Japan, New Zealand, the United States and across Europe, the i MiEV will be launched in Japan during the summer of 2009.
*1 Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle
*2 Photograph: from left to right, Tim Lusk CEO (Meridian Energy), Kerry Prendergast (Mayor of Wellington), Nick Smith (Minister for the Environment and Climate Change), John Leighton (Managing Director MMNZ)
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Powers into the Top Ten of the World Performance Car of the Year Awards
February 5, 2009 -- CYPRESS, Calif. --
Mitsubishi Motors' iconic Lancer Evolution was named one of 10 finalists in the 2009 World Performance Car of the Year awards by a jury of 59 distinguished international automotive journalists. The finalists in the prestigious annual competition were selected from a group of 23 eligible vehicles from around the world.
"The Lancer Evolution is the only C-segment, four-door sedan that made the top 10 list," observed Dan Kuhnert, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mitsubishi Motors North America. "The inclusion of the Lancer Evolution speaks volumes about its design, performance and value. The Lancer Evolution, and the entire Lancer family for that matter, has consistently earned its stripes as a rewarding, dependable and daily-driving performance sedan."
Outstanding performance and expressive, intelligent design permeates virtually every aspect of the Lancer Evolution, making it a natural choice among smart, thrill-seeking drivers. The turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 2.0-liter engine belts out 291 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque, which is fed through either a 5-speed manual or the 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST) and harnessed by a rally-bred all-wheel drive system with active center differential. Big, vented four-wheel disc brakes with Brembo calipers and Sports ABS make fast work of slowing down.
While Mitsubishi's Lancer family of sport sedans has proven performance credentials, their skills run deeper as evidenced by several important awards already on the shelf, including NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating, IIHS Top Safety Pick and CNET Editors' Choice. Moreover, J.D. Power and Associates recently ranked the Mitsubishi Lancer's factory-installed touch-screen navigation system as an industry leader in customer satisfaction (2008 Navigation Usage and Satisfaction StudySM). This marked the first time since the study's inception that a non-premium model ranked at the top.
The top 10 finalists for the World Performance Car of the Year are:
* Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
* Audi RS 6 Avant
* BMW 135i Coupe / Cabriolet
* Corvette ZR1
* Lamborghini LP560-4 Gallardo
* Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
* Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG
* Nissan GT-R
* Porsche 911 Carrera
* Subaru Impreza WRX STI
The World Performance Car of the Year jury's next step is to re-evaluate the top 10 in preparation for a final round of voting in February. They will specifically rate each vehicle in terms of overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance. The top three finalists will be announced on March 9. The overall winner will be announced on April 9 at the 2009 New York International Auto Show.
TOKYO, February 4, 2009 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today their decision to withdraw from Cross Country Rallying, starting with the legendary Dakar Rally.
In its 26 entries in this event, Mitsubishi Motors won the rally a total of 12 times, including seven consecutive victories. In addition to this unparalleled record the company also gained 4WD technology that informs its production vehicles, most visible in their durability and off road performance.
The sudden deterioration of the global economy made it necessary for the company to focus its resources more tightly, leading to today's announcement.
