Mitsubishi iMiEV joins the beautiful people, heads to Monaco
Click above for high-res image gallery of the IMiEV
Mitsubishi and Nissan-Renault Alliance seem to be in a see-saw battle to see who can sign up more governments to use and/or support their electric vehicles. The latest round goes to Mitsubishi, which has signed up the Principality of Monaco for its iMiEV. The automaker and Mediterranean enclave have signed an agreement that will see a fleet of iMiEVs delivered to a variety of local organizations such as the phone company, post office and some of the hotels and casinos. The cars will be used for transportation around the city and the performance will be monitored so that Mitsubishi can evaluate the market potential of the cars in Europe.
Gallery: Mitsubishi i MiEV - LIVE
[Source: Mitsubishi]
Mitsubishi signs MoU with the Principality of Monaco regarding testing of i MiEV electric vehicle
Tokyo, March 27, 2009 - Following a successful testing exercise conducted in December 2008, the Principality of Monaco, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. and MC Automobile (Europe) N.V. - a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation - yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding fleet testing of Mitsubishi Motors' zero on-road emission i MiEV*1 electric vehicle with the Principality of Monaco.
Through this MoU, all involved parties demonstrate their shared interests in exploring electric vehicles for the sake of sustainable mobility. Monaco desires to secure a fleet of electric vehicles that emits the least amount of CO2 possible, to utilize for electric transport, and desires to become the forerunner for the implementation of electrical transport amongst countries worldwide. Mitsubishi Motors, as the forerunner in the development of electric vehicles, sees opportunities for collaborating with Monaco as a partner and as a test market for its i MiEV.
As a result, a fleet of Mitsubishi i MiEVs will be supplied from the end of CY2009 to Monaco's local community service organizations, including the post office, telecom office and other organizations including Monte Carlo SBM hotels and casinos.
The aim will be to monitor the "real-life" daily usage of these cars in a European environment, the fine-tuning of their technical specifications as well as exploring the market potential in Monaco for deployment of the forthcoming left-hand-drive i MiEV there through promotional activities.
Announced in October 2006, the i MiEV represents the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Motors' green technologies. Currently involved in testing and promotional activities in Japan, New Zealand, Australia, the United States and across Europe, the i MiEV will be launched in Japan during the summer of 2009.
*1 MiEV: Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rain 1:08AM (3/28/2009)
It would seem the makers involved have some doubt as to the cars performance on hilly roads.
Monaco is tiny and road speeds approach walking speeds even when foot traffic allows
but the hills must pose a challenge to the Re-gen differential.
The imiev will probably sell like hotcakes to the tax-evaders,royalty and the common clay
alike there.
Nice strategy.
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Cheap cars 3:09AM (3/28/2009)
Mitsubishi and Nissan have both announced large falls in year-on-year sales and production. Mitsubishi’s global production fell for the 12th consecutive month, and was down by 65 per cent compared to February 2008. Nissan didn’t fare much better, as its global production was down by 51.3 per cent against last February’s output. In the UK, its production was down 41.5 per cent. http://www.yugocars.com
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Tohe 5:04AM (3/28/2009)
Poor fellow, it is going to feel so out of place there.
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victor rodriguez 12:47PM (3/28/2009)
I came across a blog that is kind of like the facebook of green activism. It’s LayZgreenPeople.com. You can create a profile and keep up to date on events in the green movement.
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Modified car guides 12:40AM (6/26/2009)
This car is butt ugly. It also would be a death trp in any type of collision. Give me American made and steel around me please. Tell me, what would you do when a semi passes you? The wind would blow you off the road.
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