Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) today announced the current Vice President of Corporate Strategy, Mr Masahiko Takahashi, will become President and CEO, following Mr Robert McEniry’s decision to step down as of 31 March 2010, to pursue other business interests. Mr Takahashi has 27 years global experience with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC).
He has worked extensively in Japan, the Middle East and Latin America overseeing marketing, distribution and sales programs for numerous markets across these regions, including the establishment of MMC’s operations in the Middle East. In 2005 Mr Takahashi moved from his position as General Manager Australia and New Zealand Department in MMC to work with Mr McEniry at MMAL. Robert McEniry joined Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd in November 2005 after extensive experience in the global and local automotive industry at General Motors and SAAB and has presided over a period of significant challenge including the company’s transition from a local manufacturer / importer to a successful distributor and retail company.
Mr Takahashi said: “I have come to appreciate the uniqueness of the Australian market over the last four years, and I see significant opportunity for further growth and success of the Mitsubishi Motors operation in Australia, building on the sound base established by Mr McEniry.” “We are seeing strong results across our product range, with both Lancer and Triton reaching all time record sales levels for CY 2009, and the management team is committed to building on that momentum,” Mr Takahashi said. On announcing his decision, Mr McEniry said: “I believe the company and the brand are in great shape, with a very solid foundation for future growth.”
Mitsubishi’s global president confirmsfirst shipment of i-MiEV electricvehicles to Australia Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s global president, Osamu Masuko, today announced theautomotive manufacturer would supply i-MiEV electric vehicles to Australia. At a pressconference marking his first official visit to Australia, Masuko confirmed Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) will be the first company to release manufacturer produced electricvehicles in this country. During the conference, Masuko confirmed the development of the i-MiEV placed Mitsubishi as thefront-runner in electric vehicle technology.“The i-MiEV has been attracting a lot of attention in Australia, and I am pleased to announce that wecan now confirm additional vehicles will be arriving here in the next few months.”“This announcement will ensure that we will be number one in bringing the electric vehicle toAustralia,” Masuko said.
The initial shipments of the i-MiEV electric vehicles are scheduled for arrival in Australia in July andAugust, and will initially include 40 vehicles for Australian distribution. The vehicles will be offered tocustomers under a leasing agreement, starting from July onwards.According to MMAL’s CEO and President, Masahiko Takahashi, the vehicles will find no shortage ofpotential owners on local shores.“Over the last twelve months we have conducted feasibility trials with potential electric vehiclecustomers, such as local, state and federal government bodies, and major fleet operators, and thereaction has been overwhelmingly positive,” Takahashi said.Released in Japan in July 2009, the i-MiEV, which stands for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle, isone of the world’s first truly viable zero drive-time emission city commuters in volume production.
International interest in the vehicle has been considerable and the i-MiEV has undergone feasibilitystudies in several countries around the world, including the United States, Europe, the UnitedKingdom, New Zealand, Iceland, Canada, and more recently in Australia.
Utilising a large-capacity lithium-ion battery system and a compact, high-output electric motor in placeof a traditional gasoline power train (based on Japanese and European trial figures) the i-MiEV hassome impressive technical specifications for a zero drive-time emissions vehicle.Producing 47 kW of power and 180 Nm of instant torque, the i-MiEV’s permanent magnetsynchronous engine is supported by a revolutionary lithium-ion battery from Lithium Energy Japan.The i-MiEV’s electric motor is smaller, produces more torque at low revolutions and is quieter than asimilarly-powered turbocharged gasoline engine (according to MMC in-house tests). Most importantly,the i-MiEV’s engine is cleaner, producing zero drive-time CO2 emissions.
With skill’s and toughness to boot who better to review 4WD of the year the Mitsubishi Triton then Brisbane based Wallaby Will Genia.
At only 22 Will Genia has helped drive the Queensland Red’s to their best performance in 7 years and cement himself in the Wallabies as a superstar. Don’t take these words from me, often hailed as Australia’s greatest halfback George Gregan has passed on some compliments that should have Brisbane and Australian Rugby fans excited.
‘He’s got a lot more skills than me,’ Gregan said of Genia. ‘He’s bigger, stronger and he can kick a lot further. I’m a dinosaur compared to him. He’s got a good head on his shoulders. I like the way he plays. He has time and space to do things, which is a sign of a real quality player.’
With these abilities in mind I couldn’t wait to hear what Will had to say about the all new Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R 2010.
After a tough game out on the footy field comfort is important, no doubt bruised and battered Will found the Triton “was very spacious and had a comforatable interior, it was also very free and easy to drive”
As the 4wd of the year Mitsubishi have obviously designed something quite special for the 4WD enthusiasts in mind, however as Will said it was “simple and luxurious at the same time both on inside and outside whilst also being sporty stylish 4 wheel drive that drives better and looks better than any other 4wd”
So take it from Brisbane Wallaby Will Genia, “the Mitsubishi Triton drives better and looks better then any other 4wd”
More information on the new Mitsubishi Triton
Driving in and around Brisbane, is where we regularly drive the V6-powered Outlander, and it’s little brother the fuel efficient 4 cylinder. We’re in the entry-level machine, the five-speed manual LS, which dwells in the bottom half of the $30,000 compact SUV range.
Appearance
There’s no missing this new or used vehicle from the front, as it bears the aggressive snout of the Lancer. It works better on the little passenger car from some angles, however the overall Outlander look is unique and certainly leaves other SUV’s in the dust in terms of design.
The interior hasn’t changed a heap, Mitsubishi folk say there are new materials and new instruments, but there’s no wholesale changes in this Outlander. That’s probably for a reason as I believe they’ve got the design right, a comfortable mix of contemporary Mitsubishi design that doesn’t hurt the eyes
The cabin trim is better, although the cloth trim is a different material to the norm – it’s not an unpleasant place to be, with reasonable amount of storage.
Driving
The Outlander 4 cylinder engine is fuel efficient and has the power required, however its not in need of a leash and a kennel either – there’s some level of flexibility in its lower-end and stirred along with the serviceable five-speed manual the LS can hustle along sealed roads with confidence. If you’re looking for more power, the 6 cylinder is the way to go.
Having not driven the Mitsubishi’s CVT before I was pleasantly surprised after getting used to it how responsive and smooth it can be as the Outlander engine keeps humming at it’s optimum output level. It’s quiet and the ride quality is pretty good, with decent cabin space and a solid feel to the body.
The Outlander LS is competitive in it’s features putting it at the pointy end of the SUV market,
with a standard features list that includes
It’s list price doesn’t make it the cheapest in the segment (for good reason) and the Mitsubishi Outlander squeaks into the top 5 for sales.
Price: from $33,240.
Engine: 2.4-litre MIVEC DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder.
Transmission: five-speed manual or optional CVT automatic, on-demand all-wheel drive.
Power: 125kW @ 6000rpm.
Torque: 226Nm @ 4100rpm.
Fuel consumption: 9.5 litres/100km, tank 60 litres.
Emissions: 227g/km.
Suspension: MacPherson strut coil spring with stabiliser bar (front); Multi-link coil spring with stabiliser bar (rear).
four wheel discs, front ventilated.
Dimensions: length 4665mm, width 1800mm, height 1720mm, wheelbase 2670mm, track fr/rr 1540mm, cargo volume 589/1691litres, weight 1545kg.
Wheels: 16in alloys.
Looking for used cars Brisbane? Toowong Mitsubishi Dealer, always doing deals!
Universal Cars Ltd. (UCL), Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)’s importer and distributor for Hong Kong, announced today it will begin sales of the i-MiEV the new-generation electric vehicle to individuals.
Mass-production i-MiEVs have already been delivered to the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (HKSAR) and some companies; however this announcement marks the first time sales to individuals will be commenced in Hong Kong, and also marks the first time that the i-MiEV will be sold to individuals outside of Japan. UCL will begin sales of the i-MiEV to individuals from May 21 at a price of HK$395,000, with a target to sell 50 units by the end of this year. MMC and UCL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the HKSAR government regarding cooperation on the popularization of electric vehicles (EV) on February 26, 2009. From May of 2009, the HKSAR government conducted practicality tests with a pre-production test model i-MiEV as well as worked together with electric power companies regarding EV charging infrastructure. UCL has delivered about 30 i-MiEVs to the HKSAR government and other corporations since December 2009. In Japan, MMC first sold the i-MiEV mainly to corporations and municipalities in fiscal year 2009, with sales of about 1,400 units. In April of 2010, MMC expanded its sales to include sales to individuals. In addition to high environmental performance and handling inherent to a car with a compact body, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV has been lauded for its motive power, stability, quietness and its comfortable ride. MMC has been conducting fleet testing in countries and other areas all over the globe, and plans to launch left-hand drive i-MiEVs in Europe from the end of this year.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced the release of an Outlander RX special edition model. With unique interior and exterior specifications, the Outlander RX is a stylish new vehicle offering exceptional value for money. Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced the release of an Outlander RX special edition model. With unique interior and exterior specifications, the Outlander RX is a stylish new vehicle offering exceptional value for money.
Based on the 2010MY LS variant, the RX Outlander adds distinctive features to present a striking appearance. The exterior of the Outlander RX features a redesigned front bumper and fog lights, 18 inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, along with unique side and rear air dams. Finishing touches include silver painted exterior door handles, a chrome exhaust tip and privacy glass.
On the inside, this visually appealing vehicle includes unique leather and sports mesh seat trim, silver painted floor console panels and chrome interior door handles. And, to complete the package the RX Outlander adds safety and practicality with its advanced Bluetooth 2.0 functionality and smart key (keyless operation system).
MMAL vice president of brand and marketing, Paul Unerkov, said the special edition Outlander RX is in a class of its own.
“This attention grabbing vehicle offers great street presence, drivability and functionality.”
The Outlander RX is limited to 500 units only and is available in the choice of three colours – Black Mica and Cool Silver, and White Pearl which is exclusive to the RX.
Outlander RX features the 2.4L MIVEC engine, with CVT auto transmission as well as Mitsubishi’s All Wheel Control 4wd System, Dual SRS airbags, ABS Brakes with EBD, Active Stability Control, Active Traction Control and Hill Start Control.
The Outlander RX is available now for $38,475.00 from over 200 Mitsubishi dealerships Australia wide and is covered by Mitsubishi’s industry-leading 5 year / 130,000km, 10 year/160,000km non-transferrable drive-train warranty and 5 year/130,000 roadside assist as standard.
*Prices listed are vehicle the only price before adding dealer and statutory charges
Mitsubishi’s innovative i-MiEV electric vehicle has today been showcased at NSW Parliament House as part of a NSW Government Trial.
The vehicle, one of only two in the country, is being trialled this week by staff at the Department of Environment Climate Change and Water (DECCW) to test its performance as part of a working fleet. During an official inspection NSW Environment and Climate Change Minister Frank Sartor met with Mitsubishi’s Vice President of Brand and Marketing, Paul Unerkov, received a brief presentation on Mitsubishi’s benchmark electric vehicle technology, and enjoyed a drive in the snappy city commuter.
Mr Sartor is enthusiastic about the potential of electric vehicles in NSW. “Our fleet has about 25,000 vehicles so the potential for electric cars to help us make savings in carbon emissions is huge,” he said.
Mr Sartor said the NSW Government has formed an Electric Vehicle Taskforce to look at the technology, infrastructure, policy, and legislation that would ensure motorists could gain early access to electric vehicles.
Mr Unerkov said “The team at Mitsubishi Motors is proud to be at the forefront of the evolution of environmentally sound motoring in Australia and is looking forward to working with the government on creating a sustainable future”.
Over the next few months, the two Mitsubishi i-MiEVs are set to continue their journey being tested in ‘real world’ environments by government fleets, private fleets and media across the nation.
Mitsubishi confirms ASX crossover vehicle for Australia Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has confirmed its new sub-compact all-wheel drive vehicle will be known as the ASX when it arrives in Australia in August.According to MMAL’s president and CEO, Masahiko Takahashi, the ASX nameplate is based on theconcept of an “Active Smart Crossover.”“
The ASX is primarily a city car – very stylish and manoeuvrable around town – and the adoption of the European brand name reflects this.“But ASX is more than just a pretty face. It also has the added benefit of being very smart, especiallyin terms of the technology that drives its engineering, design and all-wheel drive ability,” Takahashi said.The ASX is closely based on the Concept-cX show car, first unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt MotorShow. The vehicle is available in Europe and Japan with a variety of power plants, and the choice ofeither two or four-wheel drive configurations.
While MMAL has not yet revealed full specifications for the ASX range, the company has confirmedthat the Australian line-up will include both diesel and a petrol engines and will be available for sale in Australia in August.
