Mitsubishi Motors to Launch New Mirage Global Compact in Japan

Mitsubishi Motors to Launch New Mirage Global Compact in Japan
- At 27.2 km/liter, the most fuel-efficient registered gasoline car in Japan -

2012 Mitsubishi Mirage

Tokyo, August 1, 2012 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today that it will launch the all-new Mirage global compact car at dealerships throughout Japan on August 31, 2012 at an MSRP ranging from ¥998,000 to ¥1,288,000.

A Fuel-efficient and Affordable Compact for Everyone

The new Mirage is a global compact car developed on the concepts of high fuel efficiency, affordable and compact (easy to drive), the ideal characteristics sought in a compact, and which meets the needs both emerging countries as an entry-level car as well as advanced markets as an "eco-car." Following its debut in Thailand where the model is being produced, and rollouts in ASEAN countries and Japan, the Mirage will then be successively rolled out in Europe, Australia and other regions. The Mirage is the most fuel-efficient "eco-car" in Thailand; exceeding the requirements for the Thai government's "eco-car" classification which allows tax subsidies. This achievement has been well received by the Thai people; over 33,000 orders have already been received for the Mirage in Thailand as of the end of July.

Best Fuel Efficiency

In Japan, the new Mirage will be offered in three trim levels with all models coming with a powertrain mating a new 1.0-liter 3-cylinder MIVEC*1 engine to a new version of the INVECS-III*2 CVT transmission. M and G trim levels employ Eco Drive Assist which promotes smarter and more fuel-efficient driving. AS&G*3 idle-stop and other technologies applied, the M and G trim levels achieve fuel economy of 27.2 km/liter*4 and make the Mirage the most fuel efficient registered gasoline car*5 in Japan. This figure is well over 20% better than Japan's 2015 Fuel Efficiency Standards, which mean these trim levels qualify for the Japanese government's "eco-car" classification thus are exempt from acquisition tax and motor vehicle tax at the time of purchase. While not equipped with AS&G, the E trim level still benefits from its extensive weight reductions, reductions in running and air resistance and other refinements in basic vehicular engineering technologies to return fuel economy of 23.2 km/liter*4. This is 10% better than the 2015 standard which means this trim level also qualifies for 75% reductions in acquisition tax and motor vehicle weight tax at the time of purchase as an eco-car. MMC has been taking orders for the new Mirage since June 26 and it has already proved very popular with orders for over 5,000 units as of the end of July.

*1: Mitsubishi Innovate Valve timing Electronic Control system.
*2: Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System. INVECS-III is a management system solely for CVTs.
*3: Auto Stop & Go
*4: Per the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's JC08 fuel-economy test cycle.
*5: Hybrid vehicles not included. As researched by Mitsubishi Motors at August 1, 2012.

Mitsubishi Begins Production of Outlander Sport [ASX | RVR] in the United States

Mitsubishi Motors Begins Production of Outlander Sport in the United States

- North America-model only plant turned into global export hub -
Tokyo, July 17, 2012 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced the start of production of the Outlander Sport*1 compact crossover at Mitsubishi Motors North America's*2 (MMNA) plant in Normal, Illinois. A commemorative line-off ceremony was held at the plant.
*1: ASX or RVR in some markets.
*2: MMC's subsidiary and exclusive producer and distributor for the United States.

Change to Strategic Global Production and Export Hub
Up until recently, the Illinois plant had produced models designed specifically for the North American market, such as the Galant, Eclipse, Eclipse Spyder, and the Endeavor. Now MMC turns the plant global by having the plant produce the Outlander Sport instead – not only for North American market but versions for export to Russia, Central and South America, and the Middle East, making it new strategic global production and export hub.

Planned production capacity at the Illinois plant is about 50,000 units, and MMC is considering expanding it to 70,000 units in the future. As a global production and export hub, MMC plans keep it running at appropriate production levels.

Present at the line-off ceremony, MMC Managing Director Tetsuro Aikawa put the Illinois plant change in perspective: "Mitsubishi Motors is now moving forward with 'global' vehicles that satisfy the needs of many consumers worldwide. Through the diligence of every single worker at the Illinois plant, we plan to make great strides not only in the North American market, but in other markets outside of North America by producing and exporting the Outlander Sport. The continually-growing United States market is one of our most important markets, and this change to the plant marks our commitment to this market."

Core Global Strategic Vehicle
The Outlander Sport is a global strategic vehicle that is a core product in MMC's lineup made for increasing demand for smaller vehicles worldwide. First launched in Japan in February 2010 as the RVR, it was then introduced sequentially to countries all over the world. Over 250,000 units of Outlander Sport (including its ASX and RVR cousins) have been sold worldwide as of June 2012. Since its American debut in September 2010, the Outlander Sport is now MMC's top seller in the United States.

Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Collaborates with DOE and Meralco on i-MIEV Evaluation

Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Collaborates with DOE and Meralco on i-MIEV Evaluation

Mitsubishi Motors Phils. Corp. (MMPC) is pleased to announce that an Electric Vehicle or EV Cooperation Agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE) and MERALCO is underway which mainly covers the use of Mitsubishi Motors’ zero emission electric car the i-MiEV (i-Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle), for evaluation and demonstration purposes.  MMPC will be the first auto manufacturer to bring in a pure electric car in the country given that its principal Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is in the forefront of EV development.

This collaboration project will entail MMPC to lend demo cars of i-MiEV to both DOE and MERALCO for the purpose of studying EV’s behaviors and performance when utilized in Metro Manila in various conditions, and also examine the impact to power system when EV is charged.  The outcome of the evaluation will enhance the understanding of EV and determine the requirements of supporting charging infrastructure.  It will also be a preparatory step toward the possible future introduction and create greater public awareness of electric vehicles.
The ceremonial turnover was staged at the 2nd Electric Vehicle Summit 2012 wherein MMPC President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hikosaburo Shibata presented to DOE Secretary Jose Almendras, and MERALCO President Manuel Pangilinan the first i-MiEV unit to be used under this EV Cooperation Agreement.  MMPC was also invited as a resource company in this EV Summit to provide an overview of Mitsubishi Motors EV business being in the forefront of EV development  

Mr. Hikosaburo Shibata said that “This collaboration project is just timely given the various challenges the automobile is facing today which includes environmental pollution, global warming and the rising cost and depletion of petroleum-based energy supplies.”  Shibata added that “We are pleased to be the first auto manufacturer in the Philippines to collaborate with DOE and MERALCO to evaluate the potential role of electric vehicles in the society and also addressing environment issues.”

The EV Summit is part of the continuous effort of the government, non-government organizations and private sectors on the promotion and development of green vehicles such as electric vehicles, in response to the significant environmental and economic demands.

Organizing this summit are the Department of Trade and Industry, Manila Economic and Cultural Office, Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines, Meralco, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities and Partnership for Clean Air. This will be held on May 24 to 25, 2012 at the Meralco Multipurpose Hall.  The theme is “Mobilizing the Region in Electric Vehicle Promotion and Development.

About the i-MIEV

Launched by Mitsubishi Motors in 2009, the i-MiEV as the ultimate eco-car, a solution to the various challenges the automobile faces today including environmental pollution, global warming and the depletion of petroleum-based energy supplies. Aside from being environmentally friendly, the i-MiEV is also very economical since the cost per kilometer to drive the i-MiEV is one third of a comparable gasoline vehicle.  Cost per kilometer can drop of up to one ninth of that of gasoline depending on the cost of electricity.  Charging the i-Miev is very convenient since it can be charged anywhere with electric power source.  There are two ways of charging this car such as using a normal 220-volt outlet and a quick charger.  It takes about 7 hours to charge on a 220 volt and 30 minutes for the quick charger to charge up to 80% of battery capacity once the battery is almost empty.

 With its zero carbon dioxide tailpipe emissions and minimal well-to-wheel generation of carbon dioxide, the i-MiEV makes a valuable contribution to climate protection which also made it to be the recipient of the “Environment Special Grand Prize” at the 25th International Automobile festival in Paris.

To date, the i-MiEV is now selling in many countries and regions all over the world, including Japan, Europe, Hong Kong, Australia, Estonia and in the United States and Canada sales of i-MiEV started last year. In Japan, the i-MiEV has been in the market since July 2009 and it was later launched in Europe by the end of 2010.  Since then Mitsubishi Motors has sold around 4,000 units in Japan and has exported a total of over 10,000 units.   Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is collaborating with other countries like the Principality of Monaco, Iceland, Denmark, Singapore, Thailand and others in their efforts to popularize EVs.

Mitsubishi Motors Previews the New Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV to Premiere at 2012 Paris Motor Show

Mitsubishi Motors Previews the New Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV to Premiere at 2012 Paris Motor Show

Mitsubishi Motors will continue to roll out its ambitious, global and green new product generation with a series of significant premieres. Highlight of this offensive will be the world introduction of the all-new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV at the forthcoming 2012 Paris Motor Show* (“Mondial de l’Automobile*).

New Frontier
Neither a mere adaptation of an existing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)  - powered vehicle, nor a dedicated Plug-in Hybrid technology showcase, the New Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (or “PHEV”) will share its architecture with the soon-to-be-introduced New Outlander’s ICE versions – an engineering feat in itself.

As such, it will be the first mainstream car from a major manufacturer envisaged from the outset with built-in provisions for either ICE or PHEV powertrains.

Plug-in Hybrid EV
Adding to its credentials, the New Outlander PHEV will further distinguish itself:

Mitsubishi Motors’ first Plug-in Hybrid car, it will be an EV-based vehicle, relying on MMC’s extensive EV and electronic know-how, supplemented by a petrol engine when needed – a solution more suited to global markets than Diesel.

Making the best use of Mitsubishi’s renowned 4-Wheel-Drive expertise, it will also be the first permanent 4WD electric car in series production.

Long haul
The New Outlander PHEV unique drivetrain combination of front electric motor + rear electric motor + front traction/generator petrol engine will translate into a choice of three driving modes:

    Pure (Twin Motor 4WD EV)
    Series (Twin Motor 4WD - EV supported by generator)
    Parallel (ICE engine supported by Twin Motor 4WD).

When fitted to the New Outlander, the Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid system will allow for a long haul range and very low emissions similar to that of the Concept PX-MiEV II show car, i.e. a driving distance of over 800 km and a CO2 target below 50 g/km.

Further…
Whilst the New Outlander ICE will start its commercial career in Western & Eastern Europe in the fall of 2012, the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV will be retailed in Europe during the course of 2013.

Complementing this New Outlander family, Mitsubishi Motors will stage further premieres at the Paris Motor Show, aimed at a European audience and to be detailed at a later stage…

*Sept. 27th – Oct. 14th (www.mondial-automobile.com)

Mitsubishi Motors' 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Team and All-new All-electric Racecar Announced

Mitsubishi Motors' 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Team and All-new All-electric Racecar Announced
- i-MiEV Evolution to tackle Pikes Peak -


Tokyo , May 18, 2012 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), will enter two all-electric vehicles (EVs) in the Electric Class of the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb*1. MMC will be aiming for victory in the Electric Class with the i-MiEV Evolution, a specially-prepared competition version based on the i all-electric vehicle*2. MMC is also entering a regular production i in the event.

*1:Held annually in Colorado in the United States. 2012 edition to be held July 3 - 8.
*2:i-MiEV in other countries.

Enter the i-MiEV Evolution
The i-MiEV Evolution uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the production i and has been developed in cooperation with several partner companies including Meidensha Corporation and GS Yuasa Corporation. The i-MiEV Evolution has been developed to showcase MMC's advanced EV control and EV component technologies. MMC will use the technical knowhow garnered through the i-MiEV Evolution's development and usage for the development of future EV models with superior durability and reliability.

All-pro Team
Driving the i-MiEV Evolution in the Pikes Peak event and also serving as team manager will be Mr. Hiroshi Masuoka-the first Japanese driver to post consecutive overall victories in the Dakar Rally. The Mitsubishi i will be piloted by Ms. Beccy Gordon, a winner in the Score International Off-Road Racing Series.

i-MiEV Evolution

Mitsubishi i

1. Mitsubishi Motors 2012 Pikes Peak Challenge Team

2. Outline Description of Cars Entered for Pikes Peak

(1) i-MiEV Evolution
Developed for the Pikes Peak event, the i-MiEV Evolution basically uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the production i-MiEV fitted to a specially-designed racing-specific body which uses a tube-frame chassis and a carbon fiber cowl among other features designed to reduce weight and improve aerodynamic performance. Comprising a single motor driving the front and two motors driving the rear wheels, the car's four-wheel-drive system provides superior motive performance and handling.

(2) Mitsubishi i
For the Pikes Peak event the production Mitsubishi i has been modified using a more aerodynamic front bumper and fitted with roll bars and other safety equipment.

The Mitsubishi i went on sale on the west coast of the United States (in the states of California, Washington and Oregon) and in Hawaii in November 2011 with plans to expand sales to the whole of the country by June 2012. The i also went on sale in Canada as the i-MiEV in December 2011, marking its full-scale launch targeting corporate and individual customers in the North American market.

3. Driver Profiles

(1) Hiroshi Masuoka (Product Strategy Office, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation)

Hiroshi Masuoka began his Dakar Rally campaign in 1987 and became the first Japanese driver to post consecutive overall victories in the event when he won in 2002 and 2003.

Currently Masuoka works at Mitsubishi Motors where his many duties include vehicle development, the training of company test drivers and the running of test drive sessions and other events both in Japan and overseas.

Masuoka had the following to say before the event: "Given the tough driving conditions that Pikes Peak is known for, I'm really keen to show people the world over that electric vehicles are capable of gutsy motive performance and excellent handling in addition to their superior environmental performance."
  

(2) Beccy Gordon

Beccy Gordon is an American off-road racer. She grew up in a family in which her father, brother and sister have all been successful racing drivers, as is her husband today. Gordon herself is an experienced driver having raced in a wide spectrum of motor sports and she is also a motorsport spokesperson.

Gordon commented before the event: "I'm really happy to be able to drive the Mitsubishi i in the Pikes Peak race and am looking forward to giving it my best in an electric car, the type of vehicle that is set to become a major player in motor sports in future."
  
4. Partner Companies (20 in all, listed in alphabetical order)

    Advics Co., Ltd.
    Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.
    Dunlop Goodyear Tires Ltd.
    Endless Advance Co., Ltd.
    Enkei Corporation
    GKN Driveline Japan Ltd.
    GS Yuasa Corporation
    Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    HKS Co., Ltd.
    Meidensha Corporation
    Mikuni Corp.
    Mitsubishi Corporation
    Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Mitsubishi Motor Dealers Association
    NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha
    NTN Corporation
    Showa Corporation
    Toray Industries, Inc.
    Tsuchiya Co., Ltd.

Off-Road Racer Beccy Gordon to Pilot 2012 Mitsubishi i in this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today announced that professional SCORE International off-road series race-winning driver Beccy Gordon will pilot the 100% electric-powered 2012 Mitsubishi i race car in this year's annual running of the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) on July 8.

Beccy Gordon comes from a family with a rich history in auto racing – brother Robby had a distinguished career in Indy, NASCAR and off-road racing; sister Robyn is the first woman to score an overall win in the Baja 1000; father Bob was a longtime combatant in off-road racing; and great-grandfather Huntley was an Indy car driver in the early 1900s. Beccy's husband, Ryan Hunter-Reay, is currently a driver for Andretti Autosport in the IZOD IndyCar Series.

"I'm really looking forward to driving the Mitsubishi i in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb competition this year," said Beccy. "I am very excited to be part of this challenge and also to drive a 100% electric-powered car since this type of vehicle will likely play a major role in both our daily transportation and motorsports in the future." 

Mitsubishi Motors will be entering a pair of 2012 Mitsubishi i racing cars in this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb event: an essentially stock version of the electric-powered 2012 Mitsubishi i (to be driven by Beccy Gordon) along with an advanced race-spec version of the electric vehicle (EV), the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Prototype (to be driven by two-time Paris-Dakar Rally champion, Hiroshi Masuoka).

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV Prototype race car features an enhanced Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (MiEV) electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack and braking system. Engineers and researchers from Mitsubishi Motors and numerous EV component and systems suppliers will be on hand to record and analyze data from both cars entered in the 2012 Pikes Peak event, using the challenging race as an important R-D exercise to further the advancement of the current Mitsubishi i production vehicle as well as for future EVs, Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) models.

Mitsubishi Motors Unveils Enhanced 2013 Outlander Sport at 2012 New York International Auto Show

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has unveiled an enhanced and improved 2013 Outlander Sport compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV) today at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.

Beginning in July, the 2013 Outlander Sport will be built in the United States at the company's advanced automobile manufacturing facility in America's heartland in Normal, Illinois. The updated, American-made Outlander Sport models produced here in the U.S will not only supply Mitsubishi dealers in the states but also be shipped to foreign markets.

With composed handling, a comfortable ride and roomy seating for 5 adults, this stylish crossover is currently the best-selling car in Mitsubishi Motors' North American model lineup.

The 2013 Outlander Sport features numerous design and feature improvements for the new model year:

Exterior

    Front Fascia - Redesigned front bumper section; New grille styling; New fog lamp design.
    Rear Bumper - New rear bumper design.
    Side Sills - Side sills now black in color to match the lower sections of the redesigned front & rear bumpers.
    Handsome 18-in. alloy wheels now standard on all on all trim levels for the 2013 model.

Interior

    New interior fabrics; New chrome accent molding for the front doors; New All Wheel Control (AWC) push button switch.

Chassis

    Revised rear multi-link suspension for improved handling and ride comfort.

Drivetrain

    Enhanced Continuously-Variable Transmission (CVT) calibration for improved acceleration performance and smoother shift feeling.

Exterior Color Availability

    New hues White Pearl and Quick Silver join Laguna Blue, Labrador Black Pearl, Mercury Gray and Rally Red.

Fresh Face, Same Exceptional Value
The entire front fascia of the 2013 Outlander Sport has been completely made over versus last year's model. The signature pronounced, trapezoidal grille opening and recessed fog lamp housings are still present, but now feature a new, more simple and clean shape. Another appealing detail is the new chrome trim surrounding the outer perimeter of the recessed fog lamps.

Likewise, the rear fascia has been refreshed to complement the new look of the front fascia.

The highly-stylized front/rear fascia makeover - along with new black-colored side sills - enrich the Outlander Sport's already athletic-looking aesthetic demeanor, further separating Mitsubishi's compact crossover from its more mundane peers.

With an impressive EPA fuel mileage rating of 31 highway mpg, and the availability of either front- or all-wheel drive, the stylish 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a compelling choice for young families or active individuals that combines the space and versatility of an SUV with the outstanding ride quality and improved fuel economy of an exceptionally engineered car.

Standard equipment on all Outlander Sport models includes stylish 18-in. alloy wheels; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls; Electric Power Steering (EPS); FUSE Handsfree Link System™ that allows voice-activated operation of an iPod® and a cell phone, remote keyless entry; eye-catching rear LED combination tail lamps; heated outside mirrors; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; and air conditioning with micron filter. Among the included safety features are driver knee airbag; Hill Start Assist (HSA); Active Stability Control (ASC); Traction Control Logic (TCL); anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and an advanced front air bag SRS with passenger weight and driver's seat position sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and curtain side air bags with roll-over sensors.

The top-flight SE version adds further luxuries such as a dynamic 6 speaker premium audio system with SiriusXM™ satellite radio with 3-months subscription service; heated front seats; one-touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch; climate control system with full-auto air conditioning; rain-sensing wipers; super-wide beam xenon head lights and FAST key passive entry system.