Mitsubishi Motors Commences Production Of Electric Vehicles For Europe

Oct. 8, 2010 - PRLog -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced the start of production of its European-spec i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicle along with production of PSA Peugeot Citroën’s (PSA) Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-ZERO at its Mizushima Plant.

MMC has been producing and selling the Japan-spec i-MiEV since last year. With the production of the European-spec models, MMC begins full-fledged export. In fiscal year 2010 (April, 2010 - March, 2011) MMC plans to sell 5,000 i-MiEVs overseas, this includes models built for PSA.

At a ceremony at the Mizushima Plant, MMC President Osamu Masuko stated “It has been 100 years since mass production of internal combustion-engine cars began. We have taken the first step into the next 100 years of the automobile with the i-MiEV. Today, we take the second step with production for the European market on the way to global rollout of electric vehicles. This is a big step for the automobile industry and at the same time signifies the beginning of e-mobility for Europe.”

MMC plans to sell the i-MiEV in Europe in 14 countries(*1) including France, the United Kingdom, and Germany from this December, then from fiscal year 2011 sequentially expand the countries it will be sold in.

Compared to the Japanese version, the European-spec i-MiEV has been altered to better suit European requirements, including: a different front and rear bumper design, added safety features such as Active Stability Control (ASC) system, new gear selection, an all-new left-hand-drive dashboard, etc. The European-spec i-MiEV also achieves a cruising range of 150km under the European NEDC(*2) driving pattern on one charge.

*1 - Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
*2 - New European Driving Cycle.

For further information, contact:
Lenore Fletcher, Head of Corporate Communications
Telephone: (08) 8275 2348
E-mail: lfletcher@mmal.com.au
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au


Caitlin Beale, Manager of Corporate Communications
Telephone: (08) 8275 7250
E-mail: cbeale@mmal.com.au  


--ABOUT MITSUBISHI--
Mitsubishi Motors Australia is part of the global Mitsubishi Motors organisation and is fully owned by Mitsubishi, one of the world's largest companies.  

The company's history dates back to 1870, when Mitsubishi's Japanese founder, Yataro Iwasaki, started a shipping company with three steamships. The company grew from strength to strength and, in 1914, registered the Mitsubishi three-diamond trademark. This symbol embodies more than 130 years of tradition, and has earned the confidence and trust of customers all over the world.  

Mitsubishi takes great pride from knowing that more than 11 million people from around the world have chosen to drive a Mitsubishi vehicle. There are Mitsubishi dealers in more than 200 sites across Australia. These professional and knowledgeable dealers help owners ensure their Mitsubishi car is always looked after by fully-trained Mitsubishi technicians, using genuine Mitsubishi parts that meet stringent global standards.  



Mitsubishi works hard to develop award winning new cars and technology, as well as ground-breaking safety systems that challenge convention.

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If you would like to know more about the features of the iMiev electric car or one of Mitsubishi's favourite outdoor 4WD vehicles, the Pajero take a look at the Mitsubishi website.