Archive for the ‘mitsubishi’ Category

Detroit Auto Show losing luster…Mitsubishi abandons ship

Monday, November 24th, 2008

Filed under: , , ,

What’s bad for the Detroit-based automakers seems to be not only bad for the city of Detroit, but for its auto show as well. Mitsubishi has announced they will not be in attendance at this years affair in an effort, they said, to cut cost during the present sales slump. Interestingly, they are still planning on hitting up the New York and Chicago shows later on in the year. Huh, Chicago trumps Detroit?

They will be joining a pretty distinguished list of other car companies to jump from the Detroit ship. Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Land Rover and Porsche won′t be there. Neither will their compatriots from Suzuki Motor Corp.. Perhaps with all this freed-up floor space the powers-that-be will have to have to let some Chinese companies, like BYD with its electric cars and Volt-competitor plug-in hybrids, out of the basement. Maybe they should make a deal with a few of America’s green up-and-comers like Aptera or Tesla to display some excitement-generating product. GM’s new pal Fisker Automotive would probably love to bring a bit of good Karma to Detroit Auto Show again. However it all goes down, we’ll be there to cover all the green angles.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Detroit Auto Show losing luster…Mitsubishi abandons ship originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Domenick Yoney

Iceland to test Mitsubishi iMiEV electric cars

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Filed under: ,

The latest expansion of Mitsubishi’s electric car program will be made official today in Iceland. The small North Atlantic nation will join the test efforts for the Mitsubishi iMiEV during 2009. Iceland’s president Olafur Ragnar Grimsson will be signing a memorandum of understanding with the Japanese automaker to bring the diminutive EV to the island. Iceland has already been active for nearly three decades in making its energy supplies renewable. Virtually of all Iceland’s electrical power comes from geothermal or hydro power.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Iceland to test Mitsubishi iMiEV electric cars

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Mitsubishi expands iMiEV road show to New Zealand

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008

Filed under: ,

Mitsubishi has been running field tests with its iMiEV electric micro-car in Japan and elsewhere for some time now with an eye toward a market introduction some time in 2009. In addition to the field tests, the company has been drumming up interest for the car in the United States, the UK and Europe in hopes of getting interest from consumers and governments for both infrastructure and purchase incentives. The latest addition to the itinerary is New Zealand where Kiwis will get to check out the lithium ion-powered four-seater thanks to cooperation with local utility Meridian Energy. Unlike most utilities, Meridian also has the claim to fame of being a 100 percent renewable power provider with hydroelectric and wind generation. If there is enough interest in the iMiEV after the February 2009 tour, New Zealand could be high up on the list to get the production version since, like Australia and Japan, it’s a right hand drive market and the car would not have to be re-engineered.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi expands iMiEV road show to New Zealand

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Mitsubishi’s biodiesel Racing Lancer gearing up for Dakar 2009

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

Filed under: ,

click to enlarge

Mitsubishi will be bringing four Racing Lancer vehicles to next year’s challenging Dakar Rally and, while tearing up the landscape in a big SUV might not seem to be the most environmentally sound thing to do (because it’s not) there is a green angle to the race. This is due to Mitsubishi’s new turbodiesel engine that will be running on non-food-sourced biodiesel (which percentage blend Mitsubishi isn′t saying). Mitsubishi is also proud of the renewable “green plastic” components - bumper corners and mud guards - made from carbon-neutral vegetable-based resins.

Should Mitsubishi win in January - and it’s likely, since they’ve won every Dakar event since 2001 - it will be their first victory using diesel power. When we last mentioned Mitsubishi’s entry in April, we said they’d be using a new 260 horsepower three-liter turbo diesel ͢ engine. That number has since been bumped to 280, and the company expects the power to be increased further by the time the race starts. More details after the jump.

Following a terrorist threat earlier this year - which forced the cancellation of the 2008 rally, Dakar 2009 will take place in South America instead of West Africa. Dakar, the city, will remain in Senegal.

Gallery: Dakar 2009 Mitsubishi Repsol ‘Racing Lancer’

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi’s biodiesel Racing Lancer gearing up for Dakar 2009

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Japanese companies to build batteries in America

Sunday, September 7th, 2008

Filed under: , , , ,


Although Japanese battery makers currently have plans to greatly expand their production capacity at home, it seems this still isn’t enough and America seems to be the destination of choice for some new manufacturing plants. One of the companies planning on creating some green-collar jobs in the U.S. is GS Yuasa Corp. Their president, Makoto Yoda said, “Named must your fear be before banish it you can. We have to choose our next factory’s location based on growth in the given market.” While not a household brand name for most Americans, GS Yuasa’s automotive partner, Mitsubishi, is sure to ring a bell. They are using lithium ion batteries from GS Yuasa in their all-electric i MiEV which is soon to be tested in California. Although they have not yet committed to selling this car stateside, this announcement is sure to raise hopes.

Another company with American battery factory plans is Toyota. Having already announced plans to build Priuses in Mississippi in 2010, the world’s biggest automaker believes manufacturing batteries here will help them achieve their cost reduction goals. Toyota has been able to reduce it’s per vehicle cost by 50 percent since its first-gen Prius and hopes to halve those costs again in their next-gen. Of the decision company vice chairman Kazuo Okamoto said, “It is very difficult to make the main parts of batteries outside Japan, but we have to have battery production in North America,” No time table for the plants were given but when they arrive we think they will help provide both employment and environmental wins for America.

[Source: Bloomberg / Reuters]

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Domenick Yoney

VIDEO: Mitsubishi boss talks about electric car plans

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

Filed under: , ,

The Wall Street Journal talked to Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko ahead of this week’s Moscow Motor Show about some of the company’s recovery, its involvement in the Russian market and its plans for marketing electric vehicles. Masuko reiterated earlier announcements that the the iMiEV would go on sale in Japan next summer at a price of about $27,400. Once production ramps up to higher levels Mitsubishi hopes to drive the price down under $20,000. Initially the iMiEV will be in right hand drive only with a left hand drive model coming in 2010. The company hasn’t decided on U.S. sales yet. That will depend on the results of field tests with California utilities beginning late this year. Mitsubishi has questions about the U.S. infrastructure and whether this particular car is suitable for use in the U.S. Initial volumes will be low with about 2,000 the first year and doubling each year for the next couple of years. Mitsubishi has already announced plans to increase the planned production volumes of batteries from its joint venture with Yuasa. According to Masuko, the company has no plans to build hybrids but will look at plug-in hybrids down the road. Check out the video after the jump. Thanks to Mark for the tip!

Gallery: Mitsubishi i MiEV - LIVE

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mitsubishi boss talks about electric car plans

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Mitsubishi, Yuasa quintuple lithium ion production before it even starts

Wednesday, August 6th, 2008

Filed under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mitsuibshi i MiEV

Once again showing how important automakers see the lithium ion battery is an announcement from Yuasa and Mitsubishi that their joint venture battery plant needs to be much larger than originally planned. In fact, the two companies have quintupled planned output before a single battery has even been manufactured. Mitsubishi is expecting high demand for its upcoming i-MiEV electric car, which should go on sale in Japan sometime in 2009. We wonder how much impact Japan Post’s plan to use an all electric fleet had in this decision.

At the outset, the plant will cost about 4 billion yen ($36.94 million) and be able to produce enough packs for 10,000 EV’s. By 2012, an additional 10 billion yen ($92 million or so) will have been spent to double that capacity. In order to make room for a plant this large, Yuasa is said to be searching for a new site in Japan.

Gallery: Mitsubishi i MiEV - LIVE

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req’d]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Production Mitsubishi Concept-cX will highlight new eco direction

Thursday, July 10th, 2008

Filed under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Concept-cX

Mitsubishi wanted the world to see that it had plenty of green intentions at least year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Thankfully, those hopes and dreams appear to be turning into reality, as the Concept-cX crossover has now been approved for production. As was initially shown in the concept vehicle, a brand-spankin′ new 1.8 liter clean turbodiesel engine will make its debut in the new crossover. From there the power will be sent through a dual clutch SST transmission and the all-wheel-drive system lifted from the latest Lancer Evolution. Of course, to meet the future Euro-V emissions regulations, a diesel particulate filter is fitted to clean up the exhaust stream.
The new cX should fit well into Mitsubishi’s product portfolio, right under the current Outlander in both size and price. We can’t say for certain, but considering that the two vehicles share a platform, we can reasonably expect to see this same drivetrain mounted in the even friendlier Lancer platform in the future. We can only hope that the cX and its diesel engine will make its way stateside.

[Source: Car Central]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Mitsubishi launches iMiEV micro-site

Saturday, July 5th, 2008

Filed under: ,

Mitsubishi has been showing off and field testing its iMiEV electric car this year in preparation for a limited production launch in 2009-10. To help spread the word, the Japanese automaker has launched a new micro-site dedicated to the battery powered micro-car. On the site, Mitsubishi explains some of the technology choices made for the oddly named car. The iMiEV uses a lithium ion battery pack mounted under the floor to provide a range of about 100 miles. The i that the iMiEV is based on features a rear mounted engine which is replaced with a permanent magnet motor driving the rear wheels. The batteries are coming from a new joint venture between Mitsubishi and GS Yuasa. The site also features videos about the car and a paper craft version that you can make for yourself. Domenick is evaluating that one in the AutoblogGreen garage right now and will have a full review shortly. Thanks for the tip Yanquetino!

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Mitsubishi joins Thailand’s eco-car project, Toyota submits application

Friday, December 14th, 2007

Filed under:

eclipse

Add Mitsubishi to the list of carmakers going to Thailand to make green cars. Mitsubishi will spend 20 billion yen (US$179 million) to produce some 100,000 cars cars a year with small engines, high MPG and low CO2 emissions (this means engines that are 1.3 liters or smaller, vehicles that get 20km per liter (56.6 MPG) and emit less than 192 grams of CO2 per mile (120 g/km)). We told you Toyota intended to submit the application November 30th and now, we have news Toyota has submitted their application as well to join the Thai eco-car program and will invest 17 billion yen.

The Thai government program involves giving tax breaks (a 50 percent cut in the excise tax, no income tax for 8 years and machinery imports duty free) to car makers to build eco-cars in their country, if they invest a significant amount in a plant. Thus far, the program has attracted Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, Nissan and even Ford is rumored to join the program. Honda has already invested 6,700 million baht (about $220 million US) in Thailand auto production facilities. Suzuki and Nissan are expected to invest 9,500 million baht ($313 million) and 5,550 million ($183 million). Thailand has also invited smaller car companies like Tata to make the air car in Thailand for a paltry $39M investment.

I guess this proves, finally, that big corporations like giant tax breaks.

Related:

[Source: Asia Pulse]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments


BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Original post by Lascelles Linton

Mitsubishi and GS Yuasa establish Lithium Energy Japan

Thursday, December 13th, 2007

Filed under: , ,


In May 2007, Mitsubishi Motors announced that they would be collaborating with Mitsubishi Corporation and battery supplier GS Yuasa on the development of large format lithium-ion batteries for automotive applications. The three companies have now created a joint venture to pursue this work. The new company is called Lithium Energy Japan and the plan is to begin production at a volume of 200,000 units annually in 2009. The company hasn’t announced publicly what type of chemistry they are using for their batteries.

[Source: Mitsubishi Motors]

Establishment of “Lithium Energy Japan”
- GS Yuasa, MC and MMC Establish Joint Venture Company to Produce Large Lithium-ion Batteries -

December 12, 2007 - GS Yuasa Corporation (President Makoto Yoda, Head Office Minami-ku, Kyoto), Mitsubishi Corporation (President Yorihiko Kojima, Head Office Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (President Osamu Masuko, Head Office Minato-ku, Tokyo) began collaboration last May to set up a joint venture company to manufacture large capacity and high performance lithium-ion batteries. On December 12th, 2007, “Lithium Energy Japan” was officially established.

In recent years there has been greater urgency throughout the world to deal with environmental and energy problems, such as the depletion of crude oil and other fossil fuels, and global warming brought on by increasing greenhouse gases. Much focus is being placed on the use of alternative energies and raising energy efficiency. In particular, there is a need for technologies that can convert alternative energies into power and electricity, so that these new sources of energy can ultimately replace fossil fuels, upon which we are largely dependent. As a device essential to the practical application of such technologies, the proliferation of large lithium-ion batteries is expected to greatly increase from hereon.

Commercialization of these batteries began in the mid-to-late 1990s by GS Yuasa. Their applications gradually increased, and companies began building up greater market experience and track records in related business. In order to more widely apply these batteries in automotive (including electric vehicles) and industrial fields, we will need to further upgrade their performance and quality, and manufacturing costs will also need to be greatly reduced through mass-production.

GS Yuasa possesses advanced technologies in large lithium-ion batteries and is striving to broaden their applications. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Corporation intends to enter the battery manufacturing business and aims to create other related businesses as well. Finally, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is working to promote greater use of electric vehicles, which is the ultimate in environmentally-friendly automobiles. Through their mutual interests, the three companies came together to invest in this new joint venture. Their intent is to apply their comprehensive strengths in vertical value chains, covering natural resources, materials, development, manufacturing, sales, and the identification of new applications, and take advantage of their powerful synergy to advance this business.

The latent potential of large lithium-ion batteries has already been demonstrated across a wide spectrum of applications. Greater proliferation of these technologies through all-purpose applications will be key to realizing a ‘new society’ - i.e. a society in which we are better capable of dealing with environmental problems. As the first step towards achieving this ‘new society’, “Lithium Energy Japan” aims to take a leading role in global industry, and steadily begin mass production of large lithium-ion batteries. Through the development, production, and sales of these batteries, the new company will demonstrate how environmental technologies can be incorporated into society and accelerate the use of these technologies as well, including electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and energy recycling systems.

Overview of Lithium Energy Japan
1. Corporate Name Lithium Energy Japan
2. Establishment December 12th, 2007
3. Location of Headquarters 1, Inobanba-cho, Nishinosho, Kisshoin, Minami-ku, Kyoto, Japan
4. Capital 500 million yen at establishment to reach 4 billion yen through increased investment in April, 2008 (planned)
5. Investors GS Yuasa Power Supply Ltd. (wholly-owned subsidiary of GS Yuasa Corporation) 51%, MC 34%, MMC 15%
6. Business Development, Manufacturing & Sales of Large Lithium-ion batteries
7. Production scale 0.2 million units / fiscal year 2009
8. Executives - President
Katsuyuki Ono
Managing Director,
GS Yuasa Corporation
- Director
Teruhiro Hatanaka
General Manager, New Business Promotion Dept., Large-scale Lithium-ion Battery production Division, Industry Business Unit,
GS Yuasa Power Supply Ltd.
- Director
Masanori Kitamura
General Manager, Corporate Strategic Planning Division,
GS Yuasa Corporation
- Director
Hiroshi Imagawa
Senior Vice President, Automotive-Related Business Innovation Office, Innovation Center, Business Innovation Group,
Mitsubishi Corporation
- Director
Toshinaga Kato
General Manager, Motor Vehicle Domestic Operation Unit, Motor Vehicle Business Division, Machinery Group,
Mitsubishi Corporation
- Director
Tohru Hashimoto
Vice Corporate General Manager, Development Engineering Office and MiEV Product Executive,
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
- Auditor
Syunsuke Kusuyama
Full-time Corporate Auditor,
GS Yuasa Corporation
- Auditor
Yoshihito Yoshizawa
Business innovation Group Controller,
Mitsubishi Corporation
9. URL http://LithiumEnergy.jp

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments


BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Mitsubishi hybrid vehicles closer to reality

Thursday, December 13th, 2007

A Mitsubishi hybrid vehicle concept

Now that Mitsubishi has developed Lithium Energy Japan to developed lithium-ion batteries for hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles, some new plans for such cars should be forthcoming.

Mitsubishi has recently debuted some interesting hybrid concepts, and now it appears some of these hybrids might just put a little rubber to the road.

Original post by Dahcredyns

Mitsubishi’s all-electric i MiEV may arrive earlier than expected

Wednesday, November 14th, 2007

Filed under: , ,


iMiEV Sport

The last time I wrote about Mitsubishi’s upcoming electric vehicle, the i MiEV, we were discussing just how bullish the automaker is on this EV. Still, all that enthusiasm was telling us that the i MiEV would come to dealers in 2010. Now, Automotive News’ Kathy Jackson reports (subs req’d) that the i MiEV’s release date in Japan might be moved up to 2009, with 1,000 vehicles possibly ready for sale at €17,000 ($24,800US) that year. This possible change comes courtesy of Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko, so let’s not discount it quickly. He told Jackson that “We are making preparations at the moment to accelerate” the on-sale date. As previously mentioned, the i MiEV will come to Europe and possibly the U.S. after its Japan debut. Bullish, indeed. A car like this can’t come soon enough.

Related:

[Source: Automotive News]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments


BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Detroit 2008: Mitsubishi Ra live reveal

Wednesday, December 31st, 1969

Filed under: , , , ,

Along with the new Ralliart, Mitsubishi unveiled their eco-image Concept-RA yesterday at the Detroit Auto Show. Strangely, RA doesn′t stand for an ancient Egyptian god nor is it some sort of shorthand for Ralliart, but the two cars do share a few design cues and were without a doubt part of an image package that Mitsubishi is trying to present at NAIAS. As previewed, the two-seater’s powerplant is a 2.2-liter in-line four cylinder 16-valve Clean Diesel with MIVEC. The Concept-RA meets Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations in the United States thanks to a new catalytic converter system uses a diesel oxidation catalyst, a NOx trap catalyst and a diesel particulate filter. It also has butterfly doors, which are pretty cool (we′ll have a video of them in action in the near future). For now, check out the press release after the jump and the photos below.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Mitsubishi Concept-RA live reveal

Mitsubishi Concept-RA  At-A-Glance

The MITSUBISHI Concept-RA offers a unique interpretation of the sporty coupe. This two-seat pure coupe concept explores the transversely mounted, front engine packaging theme. Generous helpings of technology create a vehicle that combines exotic appeal, outstanding, fun-to-drive dynamics and heightened sensitivity for the environment

Design
Developed as a technological showcase for Mitsubishi Motors, the Concept-RA displays athletic sport coupe proportions wrapped in dynamic flowing lines that provide a powerful and compelling showpiece for the car’s advanced, high technology features. Broad, muscular wheel arches house 21-inch wheels and lend graphic expression to the high degree of road control and tenacious grip afforded by the next generation S-AWC system. Meanwhile, an exposed engine cover highlights the presence of the car’s high output, efficient, clean diesel engine design. The Concept-RA’s inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille fascia reinforce Mitsubishi Motors′ new design identity, albeit suitably revised to reflect the concept’s sporty coupe attributes.

Concept-RA’s deep red exterior hue graphically accentuates the coupe’s fluid, muscular body lines, and offsets a matte black engine hood that helps impart the vehicle’s strong mechanical flavor. The interior has been developed to show a fusion of tradition with leading-edge touches. The cockpit’s wraparound control layout uses minimal visual instrumentation and optimizes the switch and control layout. This reduces the driver’s physical and mental workload, allowing full concentration on driving. The interior also makes extensive use of fine-quality natural materials in a design that delivers the utmost control, confidence, and vehicle involvement to the driver.

Mechanical
The MITSUBISHI Concept-RA’s Super-All Wheel Control driveline is a next generation all-wheel-drive system that adds Active Steering and Active Suspension control to the ACD¹, AYC², ASC³, and Sport ABS components that comprise the highly capable system used on the 2008 Lancer Evolution. Concept RA’s S-AWC system integrally manages these components to realize advanced levels of control over drive torque, steering input, vehicle roll, and braking at each wheel, thereby raising traction, cornering and vehicle stability levels. Such capability affords Concept-RA intuitive, on-demand vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent by reacting instantly, under a variety of driving conditions, from everyday use to emergency avoidance situations.

MITSUBISHI Concept-RA is powered by a new, high output, high-efficiency 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel engine with MIVEC4. This clean diesel’s MIVEC system incorporates valve lift control with low and high-speed cam profiles actuating the intake valves. A Piezoelectric injector, common-rail direct fuel injection system allows the engine to use of a lower static compression ratio. The new diesel showcases a VD/VG (Variable Diffuser / Variable Geometry) turbocharger whose internal vanes can control airflow over the turbine and compressor surfaces to produce optimum boost characteristics at all times. The efficient, low emissions diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 201 hp (150 kW) and maximum torque of 310 ft. lbs. (42.8 kg-m). For compliance with Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations in the United States, the clean diesel powerplant relies on a new catalytic converter system that combines a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies.

In an effort to reduce vehicle weight to improve fuel economy, vehicle performance and safety, MITSUBISHI Concept-RA features a new, rigid body structure using an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum components. In addition, the engine hood, fenders and other outer panels made from lightweight, impact-resistant and easily recyclable plastic resin.

1: Active Center Differential
2: Active Yaw Control
3: Active Stability Control
4: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing with Electronic Control

MITSUBISHI Concept-RA specifications
Overall length (mm) 175 inches (4,445 mm)
Overall width (mm) 74.6 inches (1,895 mm)
Overall height (mm) 51.8 inches (1,315 mm)
Wheelbase (mm) 103.7 inches (2,635 mm)
F/R track (mm) 63.2 inches (1,605 mm)
Occupants 2
Engine 2.2-liter in-line four cylinder Clean Diesel
Max. output 201 hp (150 kW)
Max torque. 310 ft. lbs. (42.8 kg-m)
Driveline Full-time 4WD (S-AWC)
Transmission Twin Clutch SST
Tires 285/30”

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments


BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Nissan, Mitsubishi will expand mini-car deal

Wednesday, December 31st, 1969

Filed under: ,


Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation have had a deal to jointly build mini-cars for a while now. In Tokyo yesterday, the two companies announced they would expand this agreement. Starting this fall, Mitsubishi will supply Nissan with the Pajero mini SUV on an OEM basis. Additionally, both companies will consider collaborating on small, light commercial vehicles. You can read the details in the press release after the jump, but note that the Pajero mini really is the kei-car-like SUV and not the larger one which you can see in the gallery below.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution at Dakar

Press Release:

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Nissan Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors to expand OEM supply agreement for mini-cars

Tokyo, February 27, 2008 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced an agreement to expand their original equipment manufacturing (OEM) supply involving mini-cars.

Nissan and Mitsubishi currently have OEM agreements in Japan, where Mitsubishi supplies Nissan with mini-cars and small light commercial vehicles (LCV) while Nissan supplies light commercial vehicles to Mitsubishi.

The expanded agreement will add two new scopes of co-operation:

1. Expanded OEM supply in Japan. Mitsubishi will supply its Pajero Mini SUV to Nissan starting from autumn 2008 on an OEM basis.

2. Explore opportunities for expanded light commercial vehicle supply. Both companies will explore collaboration on the development, production and OEM supply of small light commercial vehicles for Japan and overseas markets.

Nissan has a proven track record of successful OEM product exchanges. These extend across many automakers and into multiple global markets, each one executed on a win-win basis for both parties involved.

Mitsubishi aims to improve its productivity and management efficiencies by growing its OEM business, and will continue to pursue a win-win strategy between collaborative partners on a global level.

[Source: Nissan, Mitsubishi]

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments


BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Original post by Sebastian Blanco