Outlander PHEV Completes Australasian Safari 2014

Outlander PHEV Completes Australasian Safari 2014
Plug-in hybrid SUV proves again its durability in another grueling off-road race

Tokyo, September 29, 2014 - With technical support from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Australia*1 (TMR Australia) entered a plug-in hybrid Outlander PHEV in the Australasian*2 Safari 2014 cross-country rally, which took place in Western Australia from September 19-27. The TMR Australia rally car crossed the finish line after completing the 3,529 km grueling course in a total time of 57 hours 49 minutes 14 seconds to finish in 19th place overall while also winning its class. The Outlander PHEV encountered two accidents, once on Leg 4 (September 24) and one on Leg 6 (September 26) which dropped its ranking but this performance proved Outlander PHEV's outstanding all-terrain performance in Western Australia's deserts thanks to its Twin Motor 4WD powertrain and its Super All-Wheel Control integrated vehicle dynamics control system, and that MMC's own Plug-in Hybrid EV System is more than capable of withstanding the punishing road conditions encountered during the rally.

1: Mitsubishi Ralliart Australia is a private team based in Australia.
2: "Australasian" refers to a geographical region which includes Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and neighboring islands in the Pacific Ocean.

·  Rally car outline
Competing in the A1.6 Class for production hybrid vehicles, the Outlander PHEV rally car was built to meet FIA specification with only minor modifications made for durability and safety. These included a roll cage and different fuel tank to meet safety regulations as well as the use of competition suspension, tires, brake pads and an underbody skid plate. It used the same plug-in hybrid EV system and S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system as the production model.

·  Summary of results
The Outlander PHEV, which has only been on sale in Australia since April this year, moved off the Ceremony Start ramp on the first day of the Safari, Friday September 19, attracting great interest as the only plug-in hybrid vehicle in the rally. In the Prologue the next day, it finished an impressive 15th out of the 26 vehicles competing in the Autos class. When the Safari proper got under way the next day on September 21, Outlander PHEV showed its paces as, with assistance from its Twin Motor 4WD system, it successfully navigated unmade road surfaces, having stored extra electricity using the system's energy regenerative function on even surfaces. Outlander PHEV finished 17th overall in Leg 1 on September 21 which featured high-speed sections, very rough and bumpy surfaces, and desert-like sandy sections. In Leg 2 on September 22, it finished 16th overall and in Leg 3 the following day it moved up to 13th overall bravely managing to minimize the time lost after suffering three punctured tires. However, disaster struck in Leg 4 on September 24 when Outlander PHEV smashed its steering gear box as it went over a large bump during the special stage in the second half of Leg 4 on September 24. This caused the team to withdraw from Leg 5 the following day and after receiving a penalty time of 16 hours 50 minutes, Outlander PHEV dropped to 17th place overall. In Leg 6 on September 26 Outlander PHEV suffered another setback as it suffered severe damage to its left side suspension while trying to overtake slower competitors, forcing it to temporarily stop for repairs. A penalty of 16 hours 42 minutes was assessed, dropping Outlander PHEV to 20th place, however Outlander PHEV swiftly completed Leg 7, the final leg with the second best time for the segment, finishing the event in 19th position overall.

·  A word from Yoshihiko Ototake, Technical Director
We proved just how reliable and durable the Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid EV System is in the Asia Cross Country Rally over the last two years but in order to gather more data in a variety of environments we decided to provide support for the Team Mitsubishi Ralliart entry in the Australasian Safari this year. The Australasian Safari presents an extremely demanding road environment with very long stages which are mostly over tough gravel surfaces as well as over craggy terrain and deep sand, surfaces which we were not able to experience in the Asia Cross Country Rally and which were more extreme that we had imagined. Outlander PHEV smashed its steering gear box on Leg 4 and left side suspension on Leg 6 but it rejoined the rally and managed to cross the finishing line without further trouble. In doing so it successfully demonstrated the high reliability and durability of the Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid EV System which delivered trouble-free performance. I'm also very satisfied that it proved the capabilities of the Twin Motor 4WD and S-AWC systems which helped it traverse desert-like sandy terrain where many four-wheel drive pickups and SUVs were getting bogged down and stuck. I am looking forward to utilizing the many kinds of data we gathered in the course of the Safari in our future electric vehicle development.

Mitsubishi Motors Donates Two 100% Electric i-MiEVs to the City of Ulan Bator

Tokyo, September 24, 2014 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that it has donated two units of the i-MiEV new generation electric vehicle (EV) and one electric vehicle charger unit to the city of Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia. On September 15, a delivery ceremony was held in Ulan Bator with Capital City Governor and Ulan Bator Mayor Mr. Bat-Uul Erdene, Mr. Takenori Shimizu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mongolia and other government officials.

Ulan Bator has set environmental protection as part of its principal administrative policy and particularly is taking active initiatives in measures against air pollution. The city is highly interested in EVs which do not emit exhaust gases that worsen air pollution such as carbon dioxide, nitric oxide (NOx) or other particulate matter (PM) while driving. At the delivery ceremony, Mr. Bat-Uul Erdene expressed his intentions: "I hope to raise awareness on environmental protection and to reduce importing fossil fuels through popularization of electric vehicles in the future."

In July of this year, the Japanese government and Mongolian government largely came to an agreement on an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Both governments are proceeding together towards eliminating taxation on automobiles and automobile parts within ten years once the agreement comes into effect. Economic exchange between the two countries is expected to deepen in the future. MMC will support environmental protection in Mongolia through initiatives to popularize EVs as well as building and expanding the Mitsubishi Motors brand in the country.

Outlander PHEV Concept-S

Tokyo, September 22, 2014 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will present the world debut of the Outlander PHEV Concept-S at the 2014 Paris Motor Show*. The Outlander PHEV Concept-S is a concept model based on the Outlander PHEV 4WD SUV plug-in hybrid vehicle.

* "Le Mondial De L'Automobile 2014." For more information please visit
http://www.mondial-automobile.com/en/visitors/ (English)
MMC also will be displaying total of 11 vehicles (5 on press day) including the Outlander PHEV rally car that competed in the FIA Asia Cross Country Rally 2014, European specification production models, the i-MiEV and other electric powered vehicles (electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV)).

1. Overview of the Outlander PHEV Concept-S

The Outlander PHEV Concept-S is a concept model presenting a special design package for the production Outlander PHEV. The exterior and interior design are created under "Sporty and Sophisticated" design theme. The design expresses driving pleasure by delivering powerful and agile driving performance as well as quiet, advanced and high quality driving performance provided by its Twin Motor 4WD and Plug-in Hybrid EV System.

(1) Exterior

Meant to symbolize the functionality and reassuring safety inherent to Mitsubishi Motors' SUVs, the front end design shields the Three-Diamond mark with bold chromed accent moldings on either side - a three dimensional effect - in a further suggestion of motion.

Wraparound headlamps contribute themselves to a sense of dynamism sweeping gently up and outwards.

This "protective theme" continues at the rear where similar symbolic chrome accents – topped by elongated combination lamps - run from tailgate to wings meant to express dynamic and innovative styling as if bracing the vehicle for better safety. The body color uses a brilliant "Platinum White" with glass flake finish.

(2) Interior

Contrary to the sparkling exterior design, the "Black & Burgundy" color scheme interior design offers a refined quality passenger compartment.

In particular, Concept-S' interior design makes use of painstakingly executed detailing to express precision, quality, craftsmanship and sophistication such as:

-  Black woodgrain trim with silver accent

-  The center console designed inspired by Japanese traditional black lacquered boxes

-  Soft fine leather, hand-stitched by craftsmen selected for the seat upholstery

Furthermore, the seat upholstery forms a three-dimensional surface with horizontally-ribbed cushioning providing superior fit, while the use of trimming lines is formed so as to gently follow the body contours holding occupants snugly in place.

Silver accents of the trimming lines, curving around the seat, further enhance the perceived quality of the interior.

Fiat Group Automobiles and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation sign MOU on potential vehicle co-operation

Fiat Group Automobiles and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation sign MOU on potential vehicle co-operation

Fiat Group Automobiles and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announce that they have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the possibility to develop and manufacture a mid-size pick-up truck, supplied by Mitsubishi and based on the next generation of L200.

Mitsubishi to unveil Outlander PHEV Concept-S at 2014 Paris Auto Show

Paris, September 2, 2014 - Two years after it premiered its successful Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid electric Twin Motor SUV/crossover at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has elected the "Mondial de L'Automobile" again – this time to unveil another PHEV vehicle: Outlander PHEV Concept-S.

Sporty & Sophisticated

The Outlander PHEV Concept-S is a concept model MMC proposes as a special package of the Outlander PHEV production model that has a refined interior and exterior design that magnifies the Outlander PHEV's unique driving experience.

The Outlander PHEV Concept-S takes "Sporty and Sophisticated" as the theme for its design. This refined design expresses the unique combination of spirited 4x4 performance from its twin-motor PHEV system, soothing silent running, and superior on-road performance.

Peugeot reveals the 2008 DKR, set to compete in the 2015 Dakar Rally

The 2008 DKR: the latest Lion with a voracious appetite for the challenges that await it!

The muscular, thoroughbred yet beastlike forms of the Peugeot 2008 DKR provide a vivid indication of the new car’s serious desire for success. It is behind the wheel of this purpose-designed machine that Carlos Sainz and Cyril Despres will defend the colours of Team Peugeot Total on next January’s Dakar.

Three weeks after the exciting news that Peugeot, Red Bull and Total have decided to join forces to contest the 2015 Dakar, the car that will spearhead the team’s challenge has finally broken cover. The 2008 DKR shares an unmistakable family resemblance with Peugeot’s road-going crossover, albeit with more muscular forms and more imposing overall proportions that have been honed to meet the challenge that lays ahead. Its spectacular lines are the fruit of close cooperation between the experts at Peugeot’s Style Centre and their colleagues at Peugeot Sport’s Design Department, and the newcomer’s likeness with the production version is quite astonishing!

Restructuring of Production Capability in the Philippines

Restructuring of Production Capability in the Philippines

TOKYO, March 31, 2014 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation* (MMPC) has acquired a factory site from FORD MOTOR COMPANY (PHILIPPINES), INC. located in Laguna (Laguna Province). Following the relocation of MMPC's current headquarters/factory in Cainta (Rizal Province) to this site, vehicle production is set to begin in January 2015.

* Mitsubishi Motors' producer and distributor in the Philippines.

MMC has operated production and sales in the Philippines for many years and has grown continuously along with the automobile market development of the country, becoming the first car manufacturer in the country to achieve a cumulative production volume of 500,000 units. The move this time to relocate MMPC's headquarters/factory and reform its production capability reflects MMC's will to prepare for its further growth in the promising Philippine market.

One major pillar of MMC's New Stage 2016 next mid-term business plan, which is to start from April 2014 is to reinforce its production base in ASEAN countries. Strengthening local production capability in the Philippines will be a part of that pillar. With the long history of operation rooted in the market, MMC has successfully attained high market share in the country. Moving forward, MMC plans to expand its presence in the Philippines by further strengthening its operating base in the country through various measures including but not limited to the restructuring of its production capability this time.


Outline of MMPC (Mitsubishi Motors Philippines)

Established: May 1972
Headquarters: Cainta, Rizal Province
Capital: 1.64 billion PHP
Scope of operations: Production and sales of MMC vehicles
Representative: Hikosaburo Shibata, President
Stockholders: MMC 51%, Sojitz Corporation 49%
Production capacity: 30,000 units/year
Product lineup:
-Philippine-made: Lancer EX, Adventure, L300
-Thailand-made: Mirage, Mirage G4 (Attrage in some markets), Montero Sport (Pajero Sport or Nativa in some markets), L200, Strada (Triton in some markets)
-Japan-made: ASX (Outlander Sport or RVR in some markets), Montero (Pajero in some markets)
Market share/2013CY sales: 20.5%/42,360 units

MMC appoints new CEO for MMNA

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Appoints New President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced that effective March 1, 2014, Ryujiro Kobashi will succeed Yoichi Yokozawa as President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA).

Prior to his new position as President and CEO of MMNA, Kobashi was the Corporate General Manager of the North America Office at Mitsubishi Motors headquarters in Japan as the head manager of the main division coordinating North American operations including the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Kobashi's distinguished career with MMC began in April 1983 when he joined the company's Overseas Planning Department, supporting activities for sales and advertising/publicity in foreign countries, as a recent graduate of Hitotsubashi University, where he earned a Bachelor of Sociology degree.

Over the years, Kobashi has lived in a variety of diverse regions around the globe where he served in key management positions including overseeing the marketing, sales promotions and advertising  for Mitsubishi Motors in Germany and the Netherlands, as well as coordinating the company's business operations in the ASEAN regions.

"I am very much looking forward to this new opportunity as we navigate Mitsubishi Motors North America to thrive in the U.S. market under MMC's 'New Stage 2016' business plan," said Kobashi.

Yoichi Yokozawa will be returning to Japan for an executive assignment in MMC's Corporate Planning Office. He became President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. in April 2011, and oversaw three critical North American product launches: the new all-electric i-MiEV, the completely-redesigned 2014 Outlander, and most recently, the all-new 2014 Mirage. He also oversaw the commencement of U.S. production, in 2012, of the Outlander Sport at MMNA's Manufacturing Division in Normal, Illinois.

ASX Production commences in Malaysia

Mitsubishi Motors Announces Commencement of Assembly and Sale of ASX Compact SUV in Malaysia

Malaysia-made Mitsubishi ASX

TOKYO, January 21, 2014 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today that local assembly of the ASX (RVR or Outlander Sport in other markets) in Malaysia has commenced.
The ASX is being assembled at Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA), consigned assembler of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (MMM), and will be sold from February through MMM's sales network throughout the country.

Mr. Morikazu Chokki, Senior Executive Officer, attended the line-off ceremony held on January 21, 2014 at TCMA's plant and noted the importance of the move: "Since the establishment of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia in January 2005, the Mitsubishi Motors brand has indeed achieved remarkable progress. I deeply believe the locally-produced ASX is an important step for further growth here. While this is our first time to introduce a made-in-Malaysia model, I am strongly confident that the made-in-Malaysia ASX will provide the Malaysian people with top levels of safety and reliability".

One major pillar of MMC's New Stage 2016 next mid-term business plan, which is to start from April 2014 is to reinforce its production base in ASEAN countries. Local production and sales of the ASX in Malaysia will be a part of that pillar.

MMC will continue to strengthen its operations towards improving and solidifying brand presence in the Malaysian market, which is expected to maintain growth, by further expanding its product lineup through various measures including but not limited to adding more locally-produced models.