Mitsubishi Motors display the Mitsubishi Concept Global Small at Auto Shanghai 2011 [CN]

Mitsubishi Motors display the Mitsubishi Concept Global Small at Auto Shanghai 2011

Tokyo, April 7, 2011 – Mitsubishi Motors will display the Mitsubishi Concept Global Small compact car for China debut at the Auto Shanghai to be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center for April 19 through April 28 (Press days for April 19-20, General exhibition dates for April 20-28). Mitsubishi Compact Global Small (show model), a concept car based on the features of "compact," "affordability" and "high fuel efficiency" for worldwide markets. Other show models include the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV new-generation crossover concept, which is equipped new-developped Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System, and the Pajero Sport, mid-size SUV that has been based on a "high-speed off-roader" concept. The lineup of 11 models at the Auto Shanghai includes Mitsubishi-brand models currently on sale in China.

The Mitsubishi Motors press briefing will be held from 11:30 am on Tuesday April 19 at the Mitsubishi Motors stand in Hall E4.

MMC signs MoU for New Joint Venture with Guangzhou Automobile Group [CN][JP]

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation to Build a Collaborative Partnership in the Chinese Automobile Business with Guangzhou Automobile Group by Signing Memorandum of Understanding Towards New Joint Venture

Tokyo, November 5, 2010 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group), each holding a 14.59% and 29.0% stake in GAC Changfeng Motor Co., Ltd. (GAC Changfeng) respectively, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to make GAC Changfeng into a new limited partnership corporation (new joint venture) owned 50% each by MMC and GAC Group.

Based on the MOU, both MMC and GAC Group will proceed to deliberate on models to be introduced, action plans, and production capacity plans, aiming to make the new joint venture company a base for collaborative business in China.

Moving forward, in order to make GAC Changfeng into the new joint venture, GAC Group plans to delist GAC Changfeng from the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and will begin delisting procedures.

The new joint venture is slated to begin operations after a share transfer agreement, joint venture agreement, and related agreements are signed, and permission and authorization is granted by relevant authorities.

GAC Group is one of the main players in the Chinese automobile industry, and is the largest car company in the Huanan region. It is well known within the industry for its high profitability. MMC, a Japanese car maker, has a long history of operating in China and it aims to further strengthen its Chinese business through the building of the collaborative relationship with GAC Group.

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander EX [CN]

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander EX [CN]

The Outlander Online Community has photos of the production version of the 2010 Outlander. The 2nd Gen redesign of the Outlander is called Outlander EX in China, and perhaps also in the rest of the Asian market. In the US this will be the 2010 model, and the redesign will be for all trims. Photos posted by Mr.DM of the Outlander Online Community. See his post here: http://bit.ly/xtTcc.

MMC and Harbin China powertrain JV sign AT licensing agreement

MMC and Harbin China powertrain JV sign AT licensing agreement

Tokyo, June 26, 2008 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today signed a technology licensing agreement with its powertrain JV enterprise in China Harbin Dongan Automotive Engine Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (DAE) covering production of 4- and 5-speed automatic transmissions.

DAE began construction work on a new factory in March this year with a view to commence production in April 2010. Plans call for the new facility to have an annual production capacity of 150,000 units and to produce 50,000 units in its first year of operation. Production capacity will be raised to meet future increases in demand.

MMC made a 15.3 percent equity investment in DAE on its establishment in 1998 and has to date provided engineering and technical assistance covering the production of engines ranging in size from 1.3-liter to 2.0-liter and of 5-speed manual transmissions. The automatic transmission license agreement signed today will see a further handing on of Japan's outstanding engineering technology and its commitment to excellence in craftsmanship. The technology transfer in question will allow DAE to supply core automotive parts not only its own group companies but also to other automobile manufacturers in China and will contribute to further growth and development of the Chinese automobile industry. The building up of a locally-based production system will allow MMC to meet AT market needs which are expected to increase on the back of the growth of the car market in China.

The signing of the licensing agreement was attended by, among others, MMC President Osamu Masuko, Vice Chairman of Preparatory Committee China Aviation Industry Corporation, Vice President Liu Tao Avi China Industry & Technology Company Limited, Board Chairman & President Ma ChuanLi DAE, Governor Li ZhanShu The Peoples' Government of Heilongjang Province, Mayor Zhang XiaoLian The General Office of the Peoples' Government of Harbin, and Mitsubishi Corporation Motor Vehicle Business Division COO Kozo Shiraji.

The new Lancer Evolution X is coming to China

Mitsubishi Motors shows new Lancer Evolution
at Beijing International Motor Show -- launch slated for this fall.
-- Electric vehicle i MiEV unveiled for first time in China --

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X - China specs

Tokyo, April 15, 2008 -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces today that it will be showing the new Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X in Japan market) high-performance 4WD sedan, which is to be launched on the Chinese market this fall, at the Beijing International Motor Show. The show opens for the press on April 20 and for the public on April 24 at the Beijing International Exhibition Center. Also on display will be the MITSUBISHI Concept-RA*1, which embodies the fun-to-drive and heightened sensitivity for the environment that lie at the heart of Mitsubishi Motors' car building activities, and the Prototype-S sport hatchback concept, both of which are being unveiled in the Asia region for the first time. Joining these on the Mitsubishi Motors stand in a lineup of 13 models is the i MiEV electric vehicle, currently being developed as a symbol of the company's approach to environmental issues and with a view to introduction on markets outside Japan.

*1 : Road Alive

In Mitsubishi Motors' new Step Up 2010 mid-term business plan announced on February 29 the company designates China one of its "focus" markets for the coming years, partly because of rapidly growing demand for automobiles in the country. The company plans to introduce six new models into the market over the next three years, including some built locally.

The Lancer Evolution, to be announced at the Beijing Show, will be the first of these new models. Featuring Mitsubishi Motors' own S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics control system, Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) and other new technologies; this is a new-generation high-performance 4WD sedan that allows drivers of all abilities to enjoy the highest levels of fun-to-drive performance safely and with confidence.

Lancer Evolution was very well received at its Japan launch last October, and the company has subsequently introduced the model on the North American, European (including Russia) and Australia markets. Its forthcoming introduction in China means that the model will be on sale in all of the world's major car markets.

The Mitsubishi Motors press briefing will be held from 1:00 pm on April 20 at the Mitsubishi Motors stand.

MItsubishi Ralliart to support a Two-Car Team

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Ralliart Inc. are set to support Team Mitsubishi Ralliart China and Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Thailand in the 2007 Dakar Rally, which starts in Lisbon on Saturday, January 6th, 2007.

The event is officially known as the 2007 Euromilhoes Dakar and is better known as the Paris-Dakar Rally. The punishing African off-road challenge will finish in Dakar on Sunday, January 21st, 2007.

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart China are attempting the grueling African event for the fourth time and the team have the backing of the FASC (Federation Automobile Sports of The People's Republic of China). They will enter a Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero in the competitive diesel engine category. In addition, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Thailand, with support from Mitsubishi Thailand, will enter a Mitsubishi Racing Triton Evolution.


Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Thailand

Mitsubishi Motors and Ralliart Inc. have used their joint experience in Cross-Country rallying to organize the teams, build the vehicles, enforce training for the crew and provide and set up a service operation during the event.

Advanced training has been provided by the 1998 Dakar winner, Frenchman Jean-Pierre Fontenay. The Thailand & China team underwent rigorous training in the deserts of Inner Mongolia in China back in August and also benefited from practice runs in France in November. Both driver and co-driver also received mechanical training in France.


Team Mitsubishi Ralliart China

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart China is a Chinese team supervised by Lee Chunway, current vice-chairman of the FASC. The team first attempted the Dakar Rally in 2004 and finished 47th overall. The 2007 Dakar Rally marks the team's fourth attempt.

In preparation for the 2007 Dakar Rally, driver Liu Bin has been active in local events, such as the China Rally Championship and the China Cross-Country Rally Championship. Frenchman Serge Henninot will act as co-driver for the fourth successive season.

Henninot has considerable experience on the famed Dakar Rally event. The team is prepared to go the whole distance and has the aim of gradually climbing the overall classification.

A turbocharged diesel engine powers the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero, which is entered under Super-Production (T1) specifications. The 2007 Dakar Rally will also mark the 25th participation of Mitsubishi Motors in the classic African event. The Japanese cross-country vehicle was born from a quarter of a century of experience and advances in automotive technology.