Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited’s (MMAL) popular ASX has been named the best value compact SUV in the Wheels Magazine Gold Star Value Awards.

Wheels Magazine editor Bill Thomas said the ASX was a deserving winner thanks to its reasonable purchase price, economical fuel consumption and industry-leading warranty.

“The diesel ASX offers great value across the floor, making it a smart investment,” Thomas said.

Vehicles were assessed across a range of criteria including warranty, fuel economy, purchase price, depreciation, insurance costs, and service schedules and prices.

The diesel ASX beat competitors Hyundai ix35 and Honda CR-V to the top spot thanks to its 5.9L/100km combined-cycle fuel economy, low insurance cost and retained value after three years.

MMAL’s president and CEO, Gen Nishina, said the company was delighted to receive the accolade from such a respected publication.

“The ASX combines comfort and safety with economical driving and we are pleased that Wheels Magazine recognized the value and performance offered by the ASX,”Nishina said.

The Mitsubishi 4WD ASX diesel is powered by a 1.8-litre MIVEC engine with six-speed manual transmission and comes with superior safety features including seven airbags, Active Stability and Traction Control and reverse parking sensors.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has confirmed pricing of its new i-MiEV electric vehicle at $48,800.

The pricing is applicable to the newly announced model year 2012 vehicle which will be available for outright purchase by members of the public.  The new model i-MiEV features upgraded specifications including side and curtain airbags and stability control.

MMAL’s President and CEO, Genichiro Nishina, announced the revised pricing today.

“We are very pleased to announce the new recommended retail price of our 2012 model year i-MiEV is $48,800 plus on road costs,” Nishina said.

“This represents a 22.5 per cent reduction on the cost of the previous model, and makes this ground-breaking technology more accessible to general consumers.”

The i-MiEV, which stands for Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle, is the first volume produced electric vehicle to be available for sale on the Australian market. Last year, 110 were leased to local, state and federal governments and selected innovative organisations. The large number of public enquiries received regarding the launch of the i-MiEV prompted the company to release details of the model ahead of its Australian arrival.

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV will be available from selected Mitsubishi dealers in all capital cities from mid-August. In the interim period, all customer enquiries regarding the availability of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV should be directed to 1300 13 12 11.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited recommends that the i-MiEV electric vehicle always be charged using renewable or “green” energy.

Cutting CO2 emissions all through the lifecycle; commercialisation this summer-

Tokyo, March 9, 2011– Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has broadcast the development of a new central exteriormaterial, blending PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) and cotton fabric fibres as a new supplement to the “Green Plastic” lineup, MMC’s initial plant-based material technology. It will first be utilised for vehicle chairs and designs to be commercially made this summer.

Car central exterior components have usually utilised petroleum-based components for example PET fibres, due to its durability and blaze retardant nature. This new material has knitted-in cotton fabric fibre, routinely utilised naturalcomponents productive in considers to decrease CO2 and maintain oil assets, in to the PET fibre base. This material has been adept to attain the high measures needed for automobile components with its productive initial functionalconceive and a blaze retardant remedy correct to characteristics of cotton fabric fibres. The material is adept to beutilised not only for vehicle chairs but furthermore other localities for example in upper exterior and trim surfaces. Due to the detail that cotton fabric is an effortlessly attainable fabric, this new material is anticipated to have amplified usage through distinct vehicle kinds from hereon.

Preliminary computed outcomes displayed that CO2 emission all through the lifecycle (from attaining raw components to disposal) has been decreased by about 20 percent in evaluation to accepted goods (PET 100%). *1

In an effort to assist halt international heating and slow the depletion of oil reserves, MMC is applying farther study and development in “Green Plastic” expertise to alternate the petroleum-based components, broadly utilised in automobile parts. With goods for example “Bamboo fiber/PBS (Polybutylene succinate) central trim material”, “PTT (Polytrimethylene terephtarate) fiber floor mats” and “Liquefied timber phenol resin” currently in financial use, MMC willhold going ahead with farther technological development and objective for sequential utilisation.

*1:Plant-based components that are carbon neutral (a carbon-cycle notion that the CO2 emission that happens whenvegetation is scorched can be counteract by the allowance of CO2 soaked up throughout photosynthesis of anothervegetation in its development process) are adept to emit less CO2 all through a product’s lifecycle, in evaluation to petroleum-based materials.

Tokyo, January 20, 2011 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced “Jump 2013”, its new mid-term business plan for fiscal years 2011 through 2013 (ending March 31, 2014). The new plan reflects the immense change in automobile industry demand structure caused by worldwide economic turmoil. By focusing business resources on increasingly important areas such as fast-growing, emerging markets and on environmental initiatives, and by reforming cost structure, Jump 2013 aims for “growth and a leap forward”.

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.

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.”