MITSUBISHI SCORES DOUBLE-TOP FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING AT THE PROFESSIONAL LIGHT TRUCK AND VAN AWARDS

MITSUBISHI SCORES DOUBLE-TOP FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING AT THE PROFESSIONAL LIGHT TRUCK AND VAN AWARDS

2nd May 2007

* L200 wins pick-up category
* Shogun wins utility 4x4 category

For the second year in succession, Mitsubishi’s L200 pick-up and Shogun 4-Work models have been voted top of their categories in the Professional Light Truck and Van magazine awards. The trophies were presented at a ceremony held last week, following the first-day of the Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC.

Once again, the L200 beat competition from the likes of Nissan, Toyota, Ford and Isuzu to take the title of ‘Pick-up of the Year’, whilst the Shogun had its market-leading position confirmed by winning the ‘Utility Vehicle of the Year’ award.

Over the past 12 months, the magazine’s journalists have driven every light commercial vehicle available in the UK. A final assessment is then carried out, which comprises a day with a panel of judges made up of fleet buyers, transport managers, professional drivers and staff from the magazine. After taking into account a range of criteria, the judges decide the best vehicles in each of the 17 categories.

The magazine attributed the success of the L200 to its style and versatility, together with its extensive range of variants. With the option of single, double or club-cab configurations, coupled to differing load area sizes, the choice is far greater than that of any other manufacturer in the pick-up sector.

The magazine went on to say, “When the new L200 was launched, it set new standards in terms of looks and luxury in the pick-up market, but this stylish and comfortable vehicle has lost none of the marque’s renowned practicality.”

Commenting on the Shogun, the magazine said, “Unlike many other manufacturers, Mitsubishi continues to make a very effective ‘commercial’ version of its Shogun 4x4 range which fulfils the needs of a significant sector of the working community, to the extent that others are now seeking to do the same.”

The judge’s assessments were based on a 2006 model Shogun – a factor that makes the award even more significant, as Mitsubishi’s iconic on/off-roader has just been superseded by the new-model Shogun that was launched in February. With the improvements in ride, comfort and equipment that come with the latest version of the Shogun, there is an excellent chance Mitsubishi could win this category again next year.

“I am delighted that our L200 and Shogun models have been voted best in class for a second year,” said Managing Director for Mitsubishi Motors UK Jim Tyrrell. “Commercial vehicles are manufactured to do a job and these awards endorse the durability and versatility of our vehicles.”

Mitsubishi Motors is now the number one provider of 4x4 light commercial vehicles in the UK. Its range of four models and 22 variants includes the award-winning L200 and Shogun LWB and SWB, plus the new Outlander, which is soon to join the 4-Work fleet.

Whilst the L200 continues to out-sell any other pick-up on the market, Mitsubishi offers its ‘car-derived-vans’ to customers looking for the comfort and drivability of a passenger car together with load-carrying capability – in addition to the ‘go-anywhere’ versatility offered by a Mitsubishi 4x4.







-MME

New L200 Pickup models to be introduced into the UK

• New Club Cab model introduced
• Versatile tipper added to range
• New upgrade pack gives Double Cab Elegance model even more ‘bling’
• 4x4 Commercial Vehicle Week to take place at all UK dealerships 4-12 November

This month (October) sees Mitsubishi’s award-winning and market-leading range of L200 pick-ups extended to include two important new variants in the shape of the Club Cab and the Single Cab Tipper. With four body-styles launched and a wide range of specifications available to suit all business needs, Mitsubishi now boasts the most comprehensive range of pick-ups on the market.

To promote this fact, every Mitsubishi dealership in the UK will take part in a dedicated 4x4 commercial vehicle week between the dates of 4-12 November. During this week dealers will display a range of commercial vehicles on their forecourts and will have a whole host of contract hire and finance deals on offer to customers.

L200 Club Cab

The Club Cab is the latest addition to Mitsubishi’s already extensive line-up of L200 pick-ups. Initially launched in March 2006, the new L200 featured single and double cab versions and, with the introduction of the Club Cab, the options and versatility of the L200 range increases yet again.

The Club Cab’s two-door with rear bench seat configuration provides the flexibility of either being able to carry four adults or providing additional space for secure stowage of tools and equipment. It also boasts a load bed 1.8 m long – 48 cm longer than that of the double cab. These features, combined with the L200’s car-like ride, handling and maneuverability, make it a perfect choice as a day-to-day working partner.

Available in 4Work, 4Life and Warrior variations, all Club Cabs feature a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine and come with easy-select four-wheel-drive plus rear diff-lock across the range, ensuring they’re competent performers, whatever the road surface.

Whilst the 4Work Club Cab includes EBS with EBD, driver and passenger airbags and even a CD player with MP3 player facility, the 4Life sees the addition of air-conditioning, electric front windows and central locking.

In keeping with other Mitsubishis that carry the Warrior identity, the top of the range Club Cab features everything the 4Life offers, as well as leather seats, 16” alloy wheels, front fog lamps and rear stainless steel bar with step. It’s also fitted with a host of external styling additions, which means it looks as purposeful as it performs.

Prices start at £12,797 CVOTR (£15,010.58 OTR) for the 4Work, £14,179 CVOTR (£16,655.58 OTR) for the 4Life and rise to £16,249 CVOTR (£19,066.68 OTR) for the Warrior.
L200 Tipper

A major addition to Mitsubishi’s already extensive range of L200 pick-ups is the brand new tipper-bodied model. Available from this month it’s destined to be a hit with the business and fleet markets, with over 70 orders already placed – even before it’s officially launched.

The L200 Tipper has been created in conjunction with one of the UK’s most respected conversion companies, Southampton-based VFS. Using a standard L200 Single Cab as their starting point, VFS’s expert engineers remove the flatbed and replace it with their own high quality version

The combination of the L200’s driver-friendly cockpit together with the practicality of a flat-bed tipper at the rear creates a vehicle which is as competent on the road as it is on a construction site. Added to this is the real benefit of its easy-select four-wheel-drive system, enabling access and driving safety when the going gets tough. This outstanding on/off road performance coupled with its 903 kg payload carrying and off-loading capabilities make the new L200 tipper a consummate work-horse, with attributes that suit a host of industrial applications.

The powder-coated steel tipper deck is powered by a chrome-plated, electro-hydraulic under-floor ram, which is activated by hand-held controls connected by a ‘wander’ lead.

The flat 2405 x 1650 cm tipper bed is supported by a powder-coated sub-frame and surrounded by aluminum side and tail boards with six load-lashing points. The conversion also includes thermoplastic mudguards and a tubular rear-cab protector with infill panels and ladder stops, plus locking toolboxes located either side of the sub-frame.

Initially offered in two versions, 4Work and 4Life, both are fitted with the 2.5 liter 134bhp turbo-charged engine which powers other models in the L200 range. A drop-side version is also being considered for a later launch.

The 4Work tipper goes on sale at £17,147 CVOTR, with the 4Life priced at £18,397 CVOTR and features the addition of air conditioning, electric windows, central locking and a number of other trim modifications. Both models are available in three colors: black (pearlescent), white (solid) and silver (metallic).

L200 Elegance gets the ‘bling’ treatment

Due to the L200’s status as the ultimate business/leisure crossover vehicle, demand for the high-specification models continues to increase. Underlining this, feedback has shown that customers purchasing the top-of-the-range Elegance models have requested more of the external accessories, as can be found on the Warrior and Animal variants.

The Elegance was originally created to appeal to more traditional SUV purchasers who require an equipment-packed interior but prefer a more low-key exterior style. However, customer demand has shown that there are a growing number of people who want to drive away in the ‘ultimate’ L200 i.e. with maximum interior and exterior equipment and accessories. To cater for this, Mitsubishi has now introduced an upgrade pack for the Elegance which includes a front guard, lower sports grille, rear stainless steel bar with step and chrome accessories – door handles, fuel filler cap, headlamp bezels and rear lamp guards. Also included is the Rallitronic power upgrade, which increases engine output from 134 to 165 bhp @ 3800 rpm and torque from 231 to 348 lb.ft @ 2000 rpm. The complete upgrade pack is available for £2,000 - fully fitted.

The L200 is still king of the pick-up segment taking 37% overall market share and a massive 52% of the retail sector. Sales so far this year (September YTD) total 11,983 units a 22% increase on 2005 within a growing sector which has increased by 17% over last year.

Gallery (click on picture for a high resolution image):













-Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Mitsubishi L200 4work (Triton) goes Baywatching

L200 expected to cover all UK beaches



Mitsubishi Motors UK is delighted to announce it has recently concluded a deal with the RNLI to supply L200 4Work double-cab pick-ups for the charity’s front-line beach rescue teams.

Initially, 12 Mitsubishis have been purchased to fulfil duties in the South and South West of England. It is expected that over the next two-years the L200 will replace existing vehicles at all 36 beaches in the region and then go on to replace all 62 units around the UK.

The RNLI Lifeguards provide an immediate response to incidents on Britain’s most popular beaches. To perform this invaluable service they require a tough, reliable, multi-purpose vehicle – enter the Mitsubishi L200.

“When we considered all of the things we needed from a vehicle, the L200 came out on top,” said RNLI Transport Manager, David Tidman. “It needs to be 4-wheel drive as it will operate almost entirely on sand, have excellent load-carrying and towing capabilities and ultimately, be reliable.”

There were a number of other factors which also came into the purchase criteria, as Mr Tidman explains:

“The design of the vehicle is an important feature. The L200 double-cab has excellent space in the rear of the passenger compartment – ideal for carrying personnel or injured swimmers. Its load-area is also a good size and allows teams to carry all of the equipment they need. Our Lifeguard units are very high profile, so with its modern styling, together with the equipment and sign-writing added, the new L200 really looks the part and conveys the professionalism of our teams, their training and equipment.”

Each of the all-white L200s will be fitted with racks to carry surf rescue boards and other necessary equipment, plus emergency lighting, a PA system, VHF radio, as well as displaying the RNLI’s distinctive Beach Lifeguard livery.

In some cases, the vehicles will be required to tow the RNLI’s ‘Rescue Watercraft’, more commonly known as jet-skis and small inflatable boats for off-beach rescue operations.

The RNLI are no strangers to Mitsubishi, having already purchased Shoguns and previous model L200s.

“From experience we have found our Mitsubishis to be excellent work-horses. We have been pleased with the back-up service we receive and the excellent warranty arrangements – especially when you consider what our vehicles are put through,” says Mr Tidman.

The L200s are supplied through Dorset based Mitsubishi dealers, Poole Car Centre, with the first group of vehicles having equipment fitted in the RNLI’s Wadebridge workshops.

“We are delighted the RNLI has chosen the new L200 for its Beach Lifeguard operation,” said Andy Wertheim General Manager – Fleet Sales for Mitsubishi Motors UK. “It’s great to know that the L200 was selected for all the right reasons and it’s an added bonus that the cars will be seen at most of the popular beaches in the UK doing what they do best.”

The RNLI’s inaugural fleet of L200s went into operation a few weeks ago, just as the busy part of the season began, at some of the most popular coastal resorts in the South West, including Newquay, Perranporth and others in North Cornwall and North Devon.


(click for larger image)
(story and photos: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation)