2023 Mitsubishi Outlander [Europe Market]

 Mitsubishi Motors unveiled a new Mitsubishi ASX (RVR/Outlander Sport) for the European Market as a 2023 Model. It is a rebadged Renault Captur

-=Press Release=-

Tokyo, September 21, 2022 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V., Mitsubishi Motors' subsidiary in Europe, premiered the new generation ASX for European market at an online event.

New ASX

ASX (RVR or Outlander Sport in some markets), a compact SUV, is one of Mitsubishi Motors' core models which was introduced to Europe in 2010. Based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-B platform, the new ASX is a compact SUV supplied by Renault and developed specifically for the European market. The model will be manufactured at Renault's Valladolid plant in Spain and will be in Mitsubishi Motors' showrooms in select European markets from March 2023.

The new ASX features a flowing silhouette from the front to the rear, and the character line which rises toward the rear combines with the floating roof to give the vehicle a dynamic styling that expresses its agile driving. An element of Mitsubishi Motors' Dynamic Shield design concept is added to the front face, with a robust grille staging the iconic three-diamond logo. Further, sleek body sides and wide shoulders emphasize the powerfulness of the vehicle as it firmly grips the ground.

The new generation ASX features a wide range of powertrain options to match today's varying needs in Europe. Topping the line-up will be the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, two electric motors (an alternator-starter and a main motor), an automatic, multi-mode gearbox, and a 10.5 kWh battery. The full hybrid (HEV) model is comprised of a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors, an automatic, multi-mode gearbox, and a 1.3 kWh battery. The mild hybrid model combines a 1.3-liter direct injection turbo with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed double-clutch automatic transmission (7DCT), and the entry model is available with a 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a 6-speed manual transmission.

Inside, a spacious cargo area and sliding rear bench enhance convenience for users. A Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) is located at the center of the instrument panel, and the Multi-Sense system controlled via the SDA allows the driver to select the drive mode that best suits their preference. In addition, advanced driver assistance systems such as MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance technology for highways, which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Centering Assist (LCA), are available to support safe driving.

 

All-New Outlander Earns Highest Safety Rating from IIHS in the US

Tokyo, September 08, 2021 All-New Outlander Earns Highest Safety Rating from IIHS in the US Download PDF[151KB] Tokyo, September 8, 2021 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that the gasoline model of the all-new Outlander has earned the highest safety rating, TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+)1, from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)2 in the United States.

All-New Outlander The award applies to U.S. specification vehicles built after June 2021, after which the company made an adjustment to headlight aiming. The all-new Outlander was recognized for its high level of collision safety performance and preventive safety performance in the IIHS crash-worthiness evaluations, front crash prevention tests and headlight evaluation. Introduced in North America in April 2021, the all-new Outlander crossover SUV offers advanced driver assistance systems to increase driver convenience, confidence and safety. MI-PILOT Assist3, 4 integrates Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and supports driving operation by maintaining following distance and keeping the vehicle near the center of the lane. Vehicles equipped with the navigation link system use the curve information on the map to automatically adjust the vehicle speed and reduce the burden on the driver. Depending on trim level, the all-new Outlander offers other preventive safety technologies4 such as Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP). Mitsubishi Motors' RISE5 collision safety vehicle body and 11 airbags including front center airbag for the driver's seat and side airbags for the second-row seats also contribute to safe driving.
 

1. TSP+ designation is awarded for models with good ratings in all six IIHS crash-worthiness evaluations. Additionally, vehicles must be available with a front-crash prevention system that earns advanced or superior ratings in both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations, and possess good or acceptable headlights across all trim levels. TSP+ awarded to the all-new Outlander applies to U.S. specification vehicles built after June 2021, after which the company made an adjustment to headlight aiming.
2. IIHS is an independent, non-profit organization that researches, performs evaluations and assesses safety ratings in crash testing of production vehicles.
3. MI-PILOT Assist in the U.S. and Canada.
4. Vehicle specifications may vary depending on model and/or market.
5. Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution

New Mitsubishi Mirage Facelift

[translated from Japanese press release]
Significantly improved compact car "Mirage"
Redesigned front and rear design, strengthened preventive safety equipment, corresponding to Support Car S Wide

April 16, 2020

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative CEO: Takao Kato, Mitsubishi Motors) will redesign the front and rear of the compact car "Mirage" and strengthen preventive safety equipment. We will make major improvements and will start sales at affiliated companies nationwide from Thursday, April 16th. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is 1,432,200 to 1,569,700 yen (10% consumption tax included).

1. Features of change
(1) New front and rear design
Sharp and powerful design by adopting Mitsubishi's front design concept "Dynamic Shield", and LED rear combination lamp and vertical reflector on the rear create a wide and stable feeling.
(2) Strengthening preventive safety equipment
Collision avoidance system system [FCM * 1 In addition to enhancements, lane departure warning system [LDW * 2 ] an automatic high beam [AHB * 3 by adopting, Sapoka S Wide * 4 corresponds to

2. Major changes
(1) Exterior

    Mitsubishi's front design concept "Dynamic Shield" is adopted for the front face. Sharpness and strength have been enhanced by constructing the protective shape of the bumper that wraps from the body side toward the center and the front grill part with horizontal and vertical basic square lines. In addition, a fog lamp is placed on the bumper side to create a wide and stable front design.
    The headlights have a continuous design that spreads from the front grille to the left and right, and the LED daytime running lamp [DRL * 5 ] is adopted to improve daytime visibility (“G” grade). Standard equipment).
    The rear design uses a surface-emitting LED combination lamp that shines uniformly in an L shape and a vertical reflector located at the corner of the rear bumper to create a wide and stable feel.
    We adopted a sporty new design of 15-inch aluminum wheels.
    Two new body colors are available: white diamond (paid color * 6 ), which has both strong brilliance and shade, and sand yellow metallic (paid color * 7 ), which is popular with "eK Cloth", for a total of eight colors.


(2) Interior

    The power window switch panel and the newly designed meter panel have a sporty carbon tone to improve the texture. In addition, the armrests of the front door are made of a soft fabric to create a high quality feel.
    The seat fabric, which has a sporty geometric pattern and accent colors, is used to create an active and playful design. The seat color is sporty black for the "G" grade and light gray for a bright impression for the "M" grade.


(3) Functional equipment

    The collision damage reduction brake system [FCM] improves safety by adding a pedestrian detection function and expanding the operating speed for vehicles in front from approximately 5 to 30 km / h to approximately 5 to 80 km / h. It was
    Equipped with a lane departure warning system [LDW] that alerts you when you are about to deviate from the lane and an automatic high beam [AHB] that automatically switches between high beam and low beam to improve night visibility. Supporting safer and safer driving, it has also become a support car S-wide.
    The OFF position is abolished from the headlight switch to prevent forgetting to put on the headlight.
    By adopting a new raindrop-sensitive auto wiper that automatically switches the wiper operation speed according to the amount of rain, it contributes to safe driving on rainy days.
    The use of cruise control has improved convenience on highways (standard on "G" grade).


* 1 FCM: Forward Collision Mitigation system
* 2 LDW: Lane Departure Warning
* 3 AHB: Automatic High Beam
* 4 A support car (safety support car) is a vehicle equipped with advanced technology that supports safe driving. This is a new automobile safety concept recommended by the national government as part of measures to prevent traffic accidents and reduce damage by all drivers, including elderly drivers. It is classified into "Support Car" and "Support Car S (Basic, Basic +, Wide)" according to the installed functions.
* 5 DRL: Daytime Running Lamps
* 6 Paid color 55,000 yen (10% consumption tax included)
* 7 Paid color 33,000 yen (10% consumption tax included)

3. Manufacturer's suggested retail price
(10% consumption tax included, recycling fee, insurance fee, tax excluding consumption tax, expenses related to registration, etc. are not included)

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Eclipse Cross is Mitsubishi Motor's new SUV to be unveiled at Geneva

Mitsubishi Motors Names New Compact SUV: Eclipse Cross

Tokyo, February 14, 2017 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced it has chosen the name Eclipse Cross for its new compact SUV model to be debuted at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show* to be held in Geneva, Switzerland March 7 through 19, 2017.

Eclipse derives its name from the MMC's popular specialty coupe model sold in the U.S. from 1989, while Cross is short for crossover.

Eclipse is a word used to describe an astronomical event. Marrying stylish coupe lines with the freedom of movement the SUV genre gives, the Eclipse Cross's beautiful, dynamic form serves to bring about the same sense of excitement and inspiration as the diamond ring seen immediately before and after a total solar eclipse does. The high-saturation red body color newly developed for the model is also reflected in the name to evoke the brilliance of the prominence seen during the total solar eclipse.

End production in Mitsubishi Motors plant in the United States

End production in Mitsubishi Motors plant in the United States

Tokyo, July 27, 2015 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today that Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) a wholly owned subsidiary of MMC in the United States, is preparing to end production of its sole production model "Outlander Sport" at its Normal plant at the end of November 2015 and its production will be consolidated in Okazaki plant in Japan, pending a final decision by the MMC Board of Directors on July 30.

MMNA will be making efforts to identify a buyer with the help from United Auto Workers (UAW).

Mitsubishi Motors' production in the United States started in 1988 as Diamond Star Motors (DSM, later re-named as MMNA) which was a joint venture company with Chrysler Corporation.
DSM has become a wholly owned subsidiary of MMC in 1991 after MMC bought all DSM shares owned by Chrysler Corporation.
In 2000 the production volume reached more than 222 thousand units, but after that the plant faced very steep reduction in production units due to, among others, the end of OEM supply for Chrysler Corporation and the economic crisis. In 2009, the production volume bottomed as low as 18.5 thousand units.

From 2012 and onward MMNA started production of Outlander Sport not only for North American market and but also for Russia, Middle East and Latin America markets, in order to secure production volume to gain production efficiency and improve utilization.

With the recovery of North American market, production volume increased to 70 thousand units in 2013, however, which is scale-wise low compared to other automobile assembly plants in North America. Then production order from Russia, which accounted for more than 30% of the total production volume, significantly dropped since the second half of 2014, due to Russian economic crisis, which caused the production volume of MMNA plant to be even lower.

Taking the aforementioned situation into account, MMC decided to end production at Normal plant and consolidate the production Okazaki plant in Japan and Outlander Sport will be exported from Okazaki to North American as from next model year.

As the US market is expected grow even more in the future, it will continue to be a very important market and Mitsubishi Motors will continue to make efforts to grow its brand value and increase its sales volume in the US market.

[Outline of MMNA]
1. Location: (Head Office) Cypress, California
(Plant) Bloomington-Normal, Illinois
2. Register Capital: 398,812 thousand US dollars
3. Shareholder: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
4. Representative: Gayu Uesugi, Chairman of the Board and CEO
5. Number of Employees (June 2015): (Total) approximately 1,650 (Plant) approximately 1,250
6. History

• Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Chrysler Corporation jointly established Diamond Star Motors (DSM, later re-named to MMNA) and started production there in 1988
• In 1991 MMC bought all shares of DSM which are owned by Chrysler Corporation
• Starting with "Eclipse" and later addin "Galant" "Spider" "Endeavor", between 1988 and 2012, MMNA produced the models marketed mainly in North America market for Mitsubishi brand, and also supplied vehicles to Chrysler Corporation under contracts until 2005.
• Currently MMNA is producing "Outlander Sport" for global market.
• Maximum production volume was 222 thousand units in 2000
• Production volume in 2014 was 69 thousand units
• Accumulated production volume is approximately 3,250 thousand units

New Outlander PHEV Takes On Baja Portalegre 500 Challenge

New Outlander PHEV Takes On Baja Portalegre 500 Challenge

- Developing EV and 4WD technology in X-Country Rallies -

TOKYO, June 18, 2015 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is to enter an Outlander PHEV, the only twin-motor 4WD in production today, in the Baja Portalegre 500 cross-country rally due to be held in the Portalegre municipality in the eastern part of Portugal October 22 through October 24 this year.

The race vehicle will be driven by Mr. Hiroshi Masuoka of MMC who won the Dakar Rally two years in succession in 2002 and 2003. Mr. Masuoka also will be playing a role as the team captain. The team competing in the Baja Portalegre challenge mainly is constructed and led by MMC personnel including the team manager and technical director Mr. Yasuo Tanaka, Expert from EV Component Research Department, Development Engineering Office and engineering supports by four engineers from his department.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mitsubishi Motors to Establish Office in Nairobi, Kenya

Mitsubishi Motors to Establish Office in Nairobi, Kenya
- Upgrading operating base in Africa ahead of future motorization -

Tokyo, December 17, 2013 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that it will establish an office in Nairobi, Republic of Kenya with the aim of strengthening its information-gathering capability on the African market as well as further invigorating its local sales network. The office will begin operations in January 2014.

Automobile demand in the African market is expected to rapidly increase, with great potential for economic growth as it is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and increasing population. MMC-brand vehicles were first introduced in the African market in the late 1960s. MMC vehicles, typified by pickup trucks and SUVs, have been widely accepted by African consumers for their all-terrain capability and four-wheel-drive technology which are ideal for driving on rough roads. Currently, MMC's sales network reaches throughout 48 countries in the continent.

MMC's African operations including sales, parts, and after-service had been overseen by MMMEA* in Dubai. However in recent years, detailed and specific market information regarding consumer needs, returning feedback to product development, and closer communication with local sales outlets have all become more and more necessary. Thus MMC decided to reopen an office now after closing the previous office in 1996. The new office will strengthen African operations through various measures including human resource development for local staff, in cooperation with MMMEA.

In preparation for the future expansion of motorization in Africa, MMC will move ahead with upgrading its operating base in Africa during the New Stage 2016 new mid-term business plan, which begins next April.

Mitsubishi Motors Appoints New Distributor in Laos

Mitsubishi Motors Appoints New Distributor in Laos

Tokyo, December 13, 2013 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has signed a contract with KLM Import-Export Sole Co., LTD. (KLM) making KLM MMC's distributor in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos). MMC had been studying ways to rebuild and strengthen its sales network in Laos and has decided on KLM to handle sales and services for all MMC-brand vehicles in the country.

On December 12, a dealer opening ceremony was held in Vientiane with Dr. Nam Viyaket, Minister of Industry and Commerce in attendance. Mr. Souphavanh Sorrangkoun, President of KLM, also at the ceremony, touching on expanding operations in Laos, stated "We will aggressively move forward with marketing activities in our rapidly growing market. Then we plan to expand and enhance the sales network including establishing sales outlets in Savannakhet, the second-largest city after Vientiane, as well as in Pakse." In addition, Mr. Kenichi Horinouchi, Corporate General Manager of MMC's Asia & ASEAN Office, added "We will do our utmost to support KLM in gaining appreciation of the benefits Mitsubishi Motors vehicles bring from the Lao people."

December 12 Dealer Opening Ceremony

Among the rapidly-growing ASEAN markets, Laos is also expected to show progressing economic development as well as continuous growth in its automobile market. Recognizing this, MMC, as part of its strategy to focus more resources in emerging markets such as ASEAN markets, plans to firmly establish its brand presence and further sales expansion in the country with an eye on expanding the current lineup of SUVs and pickup trucks to include passenger vehicles or other vehicles.

Outline of KLM Import-Export Sole Co., LTD.
Location: Vientiane, Laos
Capital: KIP 4.0 billion (Approx. JPY 50.0 million)
Representative: Souphavanh Sorrangkoun
Established: January 2013
Product Lineup: Triton, Pajero Sport
No. of Employees: 37 (as of December 2013)

Update Regarding Mitsubishi Motors Initiatives in Myanmar

Update Regarding Mitsubishi Motors Initiatives in Myanmar
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Mitsubishi Corporation
Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd.
First Myanmar Investment Company Ltd.

TOKYO, December 12, 2013 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd (YSH) and First Myanmar Investment Co., Ltd (FMI) have been working together on building a service structure for inspection, maintenance, and repair of MMC brand vehicles in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (Myanmar), following Myanmar's recent deregulation of automobile importation and in consideration of the many MMC brand vehicles already on the road there, distributed mainly through the country's used car market.

As a part of these efforts, a second After-Sales Service Center was established on December 5 in Mandalay.

By establishing the second After-Sales Service Center located in Mandalay following the one established in Yangon this May, services for almost 80% of MMC-brand vehicles currently on the road in Myanmar will be covered. Expanding the after-sales service structure using MMC know-how will contribute to strengthening MMC's brand image prior to commencement of its new car sales.

As part of initiatives towards the Myanmar market, MMC announced its intention in October to commence new car sales in Myanmar. Now MMC, MC, YSH and FMI are under discussions regarding establishment of a joint venture for new vehicle sales and after-sales service in preparation for an expected rapid development and growth of the economy as well as the automobile market in Myanmar.

In addition to the aforementioned new vehicle sales and after-sales service business, MMC, MC, YSH and FMI are discussing additional possibilities for mutual cooperation in Myanmar in the future, including local production.

Outlander PHEV Earns Maximum 5-star Rating in 2013 Euro NCAP

Outlander PHEV Earns Maximum 5-star Rating in 2013 Euro NCAP

- Latest award confirms worlds' first plug-in hybrid SUV's combination of performance technologies -
Tokyo, December 6, 2013 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that the company's Outlander PHEV mid-size SUV featuring MMC's own Plug-in Hybrid EV System has been awarded a maximum 5-star rating in the 2013 Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme), an overall safety rating system for new models launched in Europe*1. Euro NCAP puts new cars through some of the world's toughest safety tests, including an array of crash tests.

･String of awards redeems "@earth TECHNOLOGY"
This recognition is the latest in a string of awards that confirms MMC's @earth TECHNOLOGY, the technologies that embody MMC's Drive@earth pillars of environmental responsibility, driving pleasure, and toughness and safety – all of which are combined in Outlander PHEV, the pinnacle of @earth TECHNOLOGY.

The Outlander PHEV was awarded the Car of the Year Japan*2 2013-2014's Innovation Award for its environmental performance and motive performance.

In addition, the Outlander PHEV's Plug-in Hybrid EV System drivetrain was recognized for its environmental performance and driving dynamics by the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference of Japan*3, which in November named the Plug-in Hybrid EV System the "RJC Technology of the Year 2014."

･About the Outlander PHEV
The world's first plug-in hybrid SUV, the Outlander PHEV is an "electric car that charges itself" and represents a fusion of the EV technologies developed by MMC for models such as the i-MiEV, 4WD technologies honed in the Lancer Evolution, and SUV know-how gained from the Pajero (Montero or Shogun in some countries).

The Outlander PHEV is fitted with a combination of several advanced safety features, including: e-Assist*4 advanced safety technologies, RISE*5 high-rigidity impact safety body and seven SRS airbags and harmonizes high levels of performance in environment, safety and premium quality.

*1:     For more information, please visit http://www.euroncap.com/results/mitsubishi/outlander_phev/543.aspx
*2:     Held by the Car of the Year Japan's supervisory board, made up primarily of Japanese automotive journalists.
*3:     A non-profit organization consisting of Japan-based automotive critics and journalists.
*4:     Called "e-Assist" only in the Japanese market, a combination of advanced technologies including Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM) which automatically applies the brakes as necessary to help avoid a collision with the vehicle ahead or reduce impact damage in the event of a collision; Lane Departure Warning System (LDW) which alerts the driver when the vehicle starts to drift from its lane, aiding driver concentration; and Adaptive Cruise Control System (ACC), a radar-based system that automatically maintains a driver-adjustable distance with the vehicle in front, reducing the chance of a collision if the vehicle in front suddenly stops.
*5;     Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution, MMC's patented safety body construction system. For more information please visit http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/spirit/technology/library/rise.html.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at the 2013 Asia Cross Country Rally

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at the 2013 Asia Cross Country Rally

Special Website: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - 2013 Asia Cross Country Rally

2013 Mitsubishi Attrage [TH]

Mitsubishi Motors Next-generation Global Compact Sedan to Be Launched in Thailand in July
Charming next-generation global sedan to be named Attrage

2013 Mitsubishi Attrage

Bangkok, May 21, 2013 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announced that its next-generation global compact sedan, to be named Attrage*1, will be launched in the Thai market this July. The Attrage qualifies for the Thai government's Eco-car Project*2 and will be produced at MMC subsidiary Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co. Ltd.'s third factory at the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in Chonburi province in Thailand.

*1: Contrived based on the English attractive
*2: Qualifications: fuel efficiency based on European calculation methods of at least 5L/100KM (20km/L) , meet EURO4 exhaust gas regulations, invest over THB5 billion into production in Thailand, and produce over 100,000 units per year after the fifth year of production.

Main Features
The Attrage will bring styling befitting a next-generation global compact sedan, featuring
-a short nose which delivers an outstanding forward field of view
-superior maneuverability with a class-leading minimum turning radius of 4.8 meters
-graceful and flowing side proportions which balance aerodynamics and interior space among the most generous in its class
-sleek aerodynamics, with a dynamic character line which kicks up towards the rear.


The Attrage is expected to achieve a fuel efficiency of 22 km/liter*3, among the best in its class, achieved with a combination of uncompromising weight reduction throughout and
-A lightweight RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body - the lightest in its class due to the extensive use of high-tensile steel
-A lightweight and compact 1.2-liter MIVEC engine
-CVT with sub-geartrain or 5-speed manual
-Excellent aerodynamics providing a drag coefficient (CD) of 0.29, among the best in its class.

*3: Calculated based on NEDC (New European Driving Cycle)

The Attrage delivers driving pleasure thanks to agility and pleasing driving dynamics stemming from its lighter weight as well as its reassuring handling, stability and comfortable ride. Passenger comfort is enhanced by the high hip point and large door openings which facilitate entry and exit as well as by its generous rear seat leg space.

Mitsubishi Outlander receives the JNCAP 5 star award [JP]

Mitsubishi Motors' Outlander Recognized as Fiscal Year 2012's Top Safety Performer among New Passenger Vehicles in Japan

Outlander sets new record for automobile safety

  

Tokyo, May 10, 2013 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that its all-new Outlander received the Japan New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP) JNCAP Five Star Award in addition to the JNCAP First Prize, cementing the SUV as a leader in automobile safety.

JNCAP Awards Recognize High Performance in Safety Tests
The JNCAP Five Star Award is given to new automobiles introduced in during the Japanese  fiscal year that earn the maximum five star overall rating in the 2012 JNCAP crash safety evaluation tests conducted by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims' Aid (NASVA). The JNCAP First Prize is given to an automobile that achieves the highest ever score.

The JNCAP structure combines vehicle occupant protection and pedestrian protection performance during test collisions, evaluating overall safety of automobiles and assigning a grade from one (lowest) to five (highest) stars. The Outlander received the maximum five-star rating for achieving the highest level of safety for vehicle occupants as well as for pedestrians.

About Outlander
The all-new Outlander was released in Japan in October 2012. It is fitted with a combination of several advanced safety features, including:
e-Assist*1 advanced safety technologies
RISE*2 high-rigidity impact safety body
Seven SRS airbags.

In addition to these superior safety features, the Outlander's lightweight design offers superior fuel economy and environmental performance. Combined with a refined interior, sophisticated exterior and motive performance, the Outlander was made to be a "premium SUV" that harmonizes high levels of performance in one package.

"Toughness and Safety" Recognized
With the theme of driving pleasure towards a sustainable future for everyone, MMC has pushed ahead on automobile manufacturing that aims to contribute to environmental responsibility, deliver driving pleasure, and provide toughness and safety under MMC's tagline Drive@earth. With these JNCAP awards, MMC's advanced safety technologies towards "toughness and safety" have been officially recognized with high regard.

MMC is proud of this achievement yet at the same time remains committed to providing even higher levels of safety in its products.

*1:
Called "e-Assist" only in the Japanese market, a combination of advanced technologies including Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM) which automatically applies the brakes as necessary to help avoid a collision with the vehicle ahead or reduce impact damage in the event of a collision; Lane Departure Warning System (LDW) which alerts the driver when the vehicle starts to drift from its lane, aiding driver concentration; and Adaptive Cruise Control System (ACC), a radar-based system that automatically maintains a driver-adjustable distance with the vehicle in front, reducing the chance of a collision if the vehicle in front suddenly stops.
*2:
Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution Body.