Mitsubishi could launch i MiEV retail sales in mid-2009
Mitsubishi had been planning to start leasing its i MiEV electric car to commercial and government fleets in 2009, with a Japanese retail launch following in 2010. It now looks like that plan might be accelerated by a year. The Nikkei business daily is reporting that Japanese drivers may be able to get their hands on the electric kei car by next summer. The combination of record oil prices and good test results so far has evidently given Mitsubishi the confidence to get the ball rolling sooner than planned. The company could produce as many as 2,000 i MiEVs in the first year, and ramp that up to 10,000 within two years. And what of U.S. availability? Sorry, no word so far.
[Source: Nikkei via Green Car Congress]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GoodCheer 9:34AM (7/10/2008)
WooHoo!
The demand is real. I can't wait to see these in showrooms.
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Dave 9:38AM (7/10/2008)
You sure don't hear "move up production" plans in the EV world very often. If I were pulling the strings at Mitsu, I'd plop a plant in the middle of the rust belt, secure some serious governmental incentives and start taking orders. This thing could put Toyota's Prius to shame.
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Charles S 1:46PM (7/10/2008)
Since the US federal government is so schizophrenic about their energy policies, I wouldn't hold my breath in regards to subsidies for EVs.
There are too many states that are so tight with the fossil fuel industry right now that no state legislatures really want to support EVs either. California and some large cities are the only place where there is enough political capital where EVs can thrive.
As much as I like EVs and willing to plop down cold hard cash for one, unless I move to California, I will have to wait a loooooooong time before I can see one in a showroom.
Phil L. 9:51AM (7/10/2008)
I wonder if the MiEV could pass US standards as a road car. There would be few buyers if it ended up being classified as an NEV in the US.
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iDevin 12:08PM (7/10/2008)
I don't think the i (MiEV or otherwise) would have a hard time passing US safety regulations since it is very similar to the Smart, just longer. In fact, the petrol i even uses the same engine as the Smart if memory serves. I remember hearing something about the fact that it may need to be made slightly wider for the Australian market, so that may hold true for the US as well. Either way, if Mitsubishi wants to sell that car in the states (and I sure hope they do, because I want to buy one), then they can make it happen.
wave54 3:10PM (7/10/2008)
I heard the same thing -- it needs to be widened for stronger side-impact beams in the door to pass tougher US standards.
Mitsubishi's in a world of hurt in the US right now. They had a sales decline almost as steep as Hummer last month, only selling 7500 cars.
They need some good sellers in America yesterday.
Rick 1:10PM (7/10/2008)
Bring it here! It's tiny, feminine, and possibly eco-minded quality, but it's looks so cool and is 100% electric. I want one. We need decent size 4 door EVs for families, this is perfect and Mitsu could beat Nissan and Toyota to the punch if they get it here early.
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kert 12:59PM (7/10/2008)
moreover, i petrol version is already certified for european roads and selling in UK. Its not built as NEV
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Nathaniel 2:31PM (7/10/2008)
i made my cut out (http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/special/papercraft/pdf/color/imiev.pdf)
and now i want the real thing. this is great news but please mitsu bring it state side you will have back orders for years.
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paulwesterberg 2:52PM (7/10/2008)
How much? What is the range? It looks, small, but perfect for a commuter car.
fueleconomy.gov says my car uses aprox $2798 of fuel at 4.10 a gallon. I bet I could save $2k a year by driving a MiEV.
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John 7:40PM (7/10/2008)
Hey Mitsu Marketeing Research. I have seen all the promo videos on the EV. Based on what I have seen via the internet I would buy 1 today (Right NOW!) if this EV were available for sale here in Northern California where I live. That being said, I have never been a big Mitsu fan. I have owned 3 Toyota's and 2 Honda's over the years. I travel quite a bit and have rented a few Mitsu products from time to time. I wasn't impressed with the Gallant's or Monteros' fit and finish that drove a few years ago. They seemed cheap and just what everyone thought a Japanese car would be like way back in the 1970s' when the likes of Honda, Toyota and Datsun (back then) were considered cheap and not very reliable. If you Mitsu guys or gals are reading this - I dont' care! I would still buy one today as I have said - beacause I am all ready to get off oil. I am not addicted just dependent and want energy independence. Just as soon as I install my wind generator and some solar panels as I drive home in my new I-MiEV. I WILL buy a plug in Prius or a Chevy Volt if you don't come to the USA FIRST. I own 2 Chevy's and VW TDI currently! Open a plant here in the USA NOW!
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John 7:40PM (7/10/2008)
Sorry . . . And if you need help in opening the plant to build these I-MiEV's here or need help selling these here. I am ready to help make it happen. This car makes the USA stronger not weaker from Oil. In fact that T-Boone Pickens commercial on getting off foriegn oil and oil in general is running right NOW on CNN! HA!!
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