Mitsubishi shifts future focus to eco-friendly auto development
Click above to view a high-res gallery of the Mitsubishi i MiEV
For an automaker such as Mitsubishi, which makes most of its profits from the sales of four-wheel drive SUVs, times are especially tough. Market realities have forced the Japanese automaker to reprioritize its research and development spending; anything without a decidedly green tint has got to go. Taking the place of large gas-guzzling SUVs will be plug-in hybrids, small cars and fully-electric machinery. Unfortunately, such sweeping changes will take until 2013 to really take effect, so don't expect to see Mitsubishi drop SUVs and large cars entirely from its lineup any time soon. Instead, the automaker seems likely to add fuel-saving features to its existing models as quickly as possible.
Mitsubishi's first foray into electric vehicles will be the production version of the i MiEV, which should be ready for sale in Japan and various European countries in 2010. Sales in the United States should begin in 2011.
Gallery: Mitsubishi i MiEV - LIVE
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
vfx 8:34PM (2/02/2009)
I could be interested. They have some good looking sporty cars with some way cool paint. Never wanted to own one because of stigma but you make it an Electric with some decent performance/mileage I would likely buy.
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kert 1:36AM (2/03/2009)
Mitsubishi has repeatedly stated that MiEV is for sale in japan this year, 2009.
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leo 4:14AM (2/03/2009)
If the iMiEV comes out this year in Japan, I will eat my hat. ;)
kert 4:37AM (2/03/2009)
I hope you dont wear burashkas and have plenty of hot sauce to go with it
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=140610
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/01/29/393766.html
"Earlier, it said it expects the production 2010 Mitsubishi i MiEV to go on sale in Japan by the end of 2009 for the U.S. equivalent of $24,000."
"MMC plans to bring the i MiEV electric vehicle to market in Japan in 2009."
Even if they pull a Tesla and ship just a few units, its still significant PR value to actually be the first major car company to sell ( not lease ) a real roadworthy EV.
Besides, they already have units in fleet testing all over the world.
Yanquetino 12:01PM (2/03/2009)
Leo: Hope you're not wearing a large sombrero. It would surprise me if Mitsubishi did NOT make the i-MiEV available in Japan in June, since they have stated their plan to do repeatedly. Indeed, I have seen so many different color combinations of the car that they must have already produced to date a significant number of these vehicles. Over the last couple of years they have provided them for several utilities to test in Japan, as well as in Iceland, New Zealand, Australia, Europe, even the USA with SCE and PG&E.
Jeremy: What I would like to know is where you found a definite statement from Mitsubishi that they WILL make the i-MiEV available in the USA in 2011. So far, I have only read that they are "gauging the market" in this country, but have not yet made a firm commitment here. I wish they would start a waiting list. I would gladly put down a deposit --like two "blokes" have already done in England!
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