Tokyo, January 20, 2011– Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced the formulation of the “Mitsubishi Motors Environment Initiative Program 2015,” a mid-term plan for the group’s environmental initiatives. This program follows up on “Environment Initiative Program 2010” and represents a guide for the company from FY2011 to FY2015. As well as being an action plan for the achievement of “Mitsubishi Motors Group Environmental Vision 2020,” it is one of the key points of the new “Jump 2013” mid-term business plan that was also announced today. The program will be pursued as one of the group’s top priorities.
MMC launched the “Environment Initiative Program 2010” in FY2006, and it spearheaded the development and commercialization of a number of environment-friendly vehicles and technologies. Among the highlights where the launch of a new-generation electric vehicle “i-MiEV“, the launch of vehicles with clean diesel engines that meet the latest standards in Japan and Europe, as well as expanded usage of “Green Plastic”, based on the company’s proprietary plant-based plastics technology. In production processes, the company has made great strides in preventing global warming and environmental pollution, including the introduction of new method of application to reduce drying energy in water-based painting lines.
In June 2009, the company formulated and published the “Mitsubishi Motors Group Environmental Vision 2020” as its overarching guidelines for environmental initiatives. Among the goals to be achieved by 2020 are electric-powered vehicles (EV and PHEV) accounting for 20% or more of total production volume, (new) models’ CO2 emissions to be reduced by 50% in comparison from FY2005 levels as a global average. The company also targets a reduction of at least 20% in CO2emissions per vehicle in its production processes in comparison from FY2005.
“Environment Initiative Program 2015” sets interim targets for 2015 as a step along the way to achieving the 2020 targets. It calls for electric-powered vehicles to account for at least 5% of total production volume, thus helping the target of 25% reduction in CO2 emissions, and a reduction of 15% in CO2 emissions during production (all in comparison to FY2005 levels).
Major Targets for FY2015 in the “Mitsubishi Motors Environment Initiative Program 2015”
(All reductions in comparison to FY2005 levels) | FY2015 target (Environment Initiative Program 2015) |
FY2020 target (Environmental Vision 2020) |
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CO2 emissions for new product (New vehicles, global average, per-vehicle) |
25% reduction | 50% reduction | |
EV/PHEV production ratio | 5% or more | 20% or more | |
Production CO2 emissions (Per-production vehicle) |
15% reduction | 20% reduction | |
“Mitsubishi Motors Environment Initiative Program 2015” Highlights
Formulation of the “Mitsubishi Motors Environment Initiative Program 2015” provided an opportunity to re-examine the activities and targets of the “Environment Initiative Program 2010” from the four perspectives of “products and technology,” “business activities,” “collaboration with society” and “stronger basis of implementation.” It also added new activities for the Mitsubishi Motors Group as a whole as it works towards the achievement of the “Mitsubishi Motors Group Environmental Vision 2020.”
1.Products and Technology
In the area of “products and technology,” the company will enhance its line up and expand its sales territories for electric-powered vehicles (EV and PHEV). It will also develop new technologies to improve performance of EV/PHEV and create systems and organizations for the recycling and reuse of spent batteries. In addition, it will endeavor to reduce environmental load throughout the product lifecycle by proactively launching more “Green Technologies”, including hybrid vehicle, next generation MIVEC* engine and idling stop mechanism, expanding application of “Green Plastic” and strengthening the management of hazardous substances contained in products and materials.
*Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system
Category | Initiatives | Specific initiatives and targets *1 |
Prevention of global warming | (1)Reduction of vehicular running CO2 emissions |
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(2)Enhancement of EV/PHEV product lineup and expansion of sales territory |
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(3)Development of new technologies to improve performance of EV/PHEV |
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(4)Development and deployment of “Green Technologies” |
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Recycling and resource conservation | (5)Development of new technologies and enhancement of organizations and systems for the recycling and reuse of EV/PHEV | For used drive batteries
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(6)Development and commercialization of less resource-intensive materials |
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(7)Improvement of recycling efficiency of used automobiles and its parts |
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Prevention of environmental pollution | (8)Expanded deployment of low-emissions gas vehicles |
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(9)Reduction of hazardous substances in products |
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*1:All targets are for FY2015 unless specifically noted otherwise
*2:Based on calculation methods used in the 3rd joint meeting of the Industrial Structure Council and Central Environmental Council on 2003.5.22
2.Business Activities
The company will promote environmental activities in all facets of its operations, including product planning, development, production and after-services. It will also set environmental standards for business activities in the individual areas of production, procurement, sales and after-services etc, and will endeavor to improve the levels of environmental initiatives throughout the Mitsubishi Motors Group.
Category | Initiatives | Specific initiatives and targets *1 |
Production and logistics | (10)Reduction of unit CO2 emissions in production |
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(11) Reduction of unit CO2emissions in logistics |
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(12)Resource conservation and recycling in production |
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(13)Resource conservation and recycling in logistics |
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(14)Reduction of hazardous substances generated in production |
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(15)Establishment and enforcement of environmental standards in production |
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Development, sales, servicing and offices | (16)Reduction of unit CO2 emissions in non-production facilities |
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(17)Reduction of unit CO2 emissions at non-production affiliates |
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(18)Establishment and enforcement of environmental standards in sales and servicing |
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Collaborative activities with suppliers | (19)Enhanced management of hazardous substances in the supply chain |
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(20)Promotion of energy and resource conservation at suppliers |
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(21)Global deployment of green purchasing guidelines |
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*3:Knockdowns (vehicles exported as parts for assembly at local plants)
*4:Volatile organic compounds
3.Collaboration With Society and Stronger Base of Implementation
The company will play a proactive role in efforts to create infrastructure and perform field testing that will lead to the spread of electric-powered vehicles. It will also work together with customers and society at large to create new transportation system. In addition, the company will endeavor to further expand disclosure of environmental information and will deepen communication with stakeholders in both directions so as to better work with local communities and environmental NPOs/NGOs on effective conservation activities.
Category | Initiatives | Specific initiatives and targets *1 |
Collaboration for the spread of EV/PHEV | (22)Collaboration with government and other industries for the enhancement of charging infrastructure |
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(23)Research into Smart Grid and other strategies for utilizing electric vehicles |
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Biodiversity | (24)Promotion of activities under the Basic Guidelines for the Preservation of Biodiversity |
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Strengthening of environmental management | (25)Promotion of environmental management that is integrated with affiliates |
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(26)Expanded application of LCA *5in product development |
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(27)Enhancement of environmental information disclosure and environmental communications |
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(28)Promotion of systematic environmental education |
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*5:Lifecycle assessment
Product-wise, MMC will be launching 8 new electric-powered vehicles*1 by FY2015 as part of its efforts to reduce environmental impact. This includes introduction of hybrid vehicles in FY2013 to improve fuel efficiency over conventional combustion-engine vehicles. In parallel, MMC will keep its business resources focused on globally strategic models such as compact cars and SUVs, for which high demand is expected, especially in emerging markets. Both development process and product range will be streamlined by discontinuing region-specific model production.
In emerging markets where demand is growing, MMC plans to expand its lineup by introducing vehicles with high market demand, such as SUVs and a compact, fuel-efficient and affordable global strategic car (“Global Small”). This increases FY2013 retail sales volume by 280,000 units over the FY2010 forecast. In mature markets where a gentle recovery is expected, FY2013 sales volume is set with a 90,000-unit increase over the FY2010 forecast, by including compact cars and eco-cars. This brings total FY2013 target sales volume to 1,370,000 units (FY2010 forecast: 1,000,000 units*2).
MMC will strengthen its production capacity in emerging markets to respond to the range of growing demands in those regions. In Thailand, MMC will build a third factory, making it the second-largest exportation hub after only Japan; in China, MMC will strengthen production capacity by reinforcing a joint venture with a local partner; and in Russia, MMC will start production of a new SUV. At the same time, production capacity at Japanese, US and European production hubs will be adjusted to target sales volumes. The US hub will introduce a new model for both domestic and export sale. As for its European hub, MMC has decided not to introduce a successor to the region-specific Colt model. Finally, in Japan, MMC will proceed with a minicar joint venture with Nissan to increase domestic production volume and streamline plant operations.
While the business environment is undergoing such substantial changes, MMC will make fundamental reforms in cost structure via a Cost Reduction Implementation Committee under the direction of the president. By measures such as counteraction of yen appreciation by expansion of overseas procurement, MMC targets a 90 billion yen decrease in FY2013 material costs over the FY2010 forecast. Together with global production expansion, MMC will also enhance efforts to sustain worldwide Mitsubishi brand quality level.
Alongside the ongoing business alliance with PSA Peugeot Citroën, MMC has expanded its business cooperation with Nissan. MMC will act decisively to form alliances with potential business partners in individual project areas with foreseeable merits, to increase opportunities and strengthen profitability.
Through these efforts, FY2013 target sales are set at 2.5 trillion yen (FY2010 forecast: 1.9 trillion yen); operating income at 90 billion yen (FY2010 forecast: 45 billion yen); and net income at 45 billion yen (FY2010 forecast:15 billion yen). Resumption of dividends is targeted by improvements in financial structure and bolstering of profit levels within the planned period.
*1: This includes both electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
*2: MMC has previously included in its sales figures models sold under non-MMC brands which earned royalty revenue. From FY2011, MMC will use a new counting method and only count sales of models sold under the Mitsubishi brand. The 1,000,000-unit figure mentioned is calculated using the new counting system.
MMC will display a total of 12 vehicles (six during press days), including vehicles already on sale in Europe, at the Geneva International Motor Show, March 1st to March 13th at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 3rd). The vehicles on display will be in addition to the 100 per cent electric i-MiEV, of which approximately 2,500units*1 have been shipped to Europe in the three months since start of production and shipment in October 2010.
*1: This number includes Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-ZERO.
The Mitsubishi Concept Global Small is the concept model of the compact passenger vehicle that is planned for production from March 2012 at MMC’s new, third factory in Thailand.
The Mitsubishi Concept Global Smallfeatures qualities inherent in a compact car such as good maneuverability and easy operation. This is accomplished in a highly efficient package that can comfortably seat five adults. In addition, the MitsubishiConcept Global Smallachieves top-of-class fuel efficiency, with CO2emissions in the mid-90g/km range due to:
Display Vehicle List
Model Name | No. of Vehicles | Notes | |
Press
Days |
Public
Days |
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MITSUBISHI Concept Global Small | 1 | 1 | Concept car, show model |
i-MiEV | 3 | 3 | European-spec model |
ASX | 2 | 2 | European-spec model,RVR in Japan, Outlander Sport in the United States |
Outlander | – | 1 | |
Pajero | – | 1 | Monteroor Shogun in some markets |
L200 | – | 1 | Built in Thailand |
Lancer Sportback | – | 1 | Galant Fortis Sportbackin Japan |
Lancer Evolution | – | 1 | Lancer Evolution Xin Japan |
Colt | – | 1 | Built in Europe |
Total | 6 | 12 |
As a reminder, MMC began production of the i-MiEVs for Europe from October of last year. Three months after starting shipment, about 2,500 units*2 were shipped.
Currently, the i-MiEV is attracting high attention in Mitsubishi Motors Europe’sterritory. In addition to the first 15 countries the car is to be sold in, there have been requests to introduce the i-MiEV from Finland, Serbia, Turkey, and Slovenia. In response to these requests, MMC plans to ship units to these countries in the near future, making the European countries the i-MiEV will be sold in to 19. Later on, the i-MiEV shall be sequentially introduced further within Mitsubishi Motors Europe’s territory.
*1: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
*2: This number includes Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-ZERO.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) achieved record sales of 62,496 in 2010, representing a 9.6 per cent increase from 2009. Combined with strong growth in the SUV market and a number of record results, 2010 proved to be a successful year for the company.
In 2010, MMAL made history by introducing the first fully electric vehicle in volume production to the Australian market, with 112 i-MiEVs registered on VFacts.
Other highlights achieved by MMAL during 2010 included:
· Best ever annual result for Lancer with 23,076 sales
· Best ever annual result for Outlander with sales of 8,537
· Growth of 52.5 per cent in the total SUV market thanks to strong sales of Outlander, ASX, Challenger and Pajero
· Pajero sales increasing at double the market rate (32.5 per cent compared to 16.1 per cent) to reach a total of 6,986
· Another record year for Triton with sales of 16,578
· Strong sales of the new ASX, with 631 sold in December
MMAL president and CEO, Masahiko Takahashi, said the strong sales results for 2010 reflected the company’s commitment to providing customers with highly equipped vehicles at attractive prices.
“Mitsubishi is committed to sustainable, consistent growth, and I’m confident we can continue to consolidate our market share in 2011,” Takahashi said.
“We have a great product line-up to offer customers and we are determined to succeed.”
Sales of the new ASX are expected to strengthen as more stock becomes readily available in 2011, with 2,349 already sold in 2010.
Calendar year sales for the company totalled 62,496, an increase of 9.6 per cent over total sales for 2009. MMAL’s overall 2010 total market share remained steady at 6 per cent.