Mitsubishi at the Australian International Motor Show - Innovation, Technology and Electric Dreams

SYDNEY – October 18, 2010: Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has highlighted their innovative and technological expertise at the Australian International Motor Show, with a star studded display including a performance version of its i-MiEV electric vehicle, the i-MiEV Sport, along with new variants to its popular Lancer, Outlander and Triton line-ups.

In addition, MMAL has celebrated its 30th birthday in this country – a fitting Diamond Anniversary which closely matches the famous three-diamond emblem of the Australian importer.

Masahiko Takahashi, MMAL’s president and chief executive officer, said the Mitsubishi motor show stand was stretched to the seams with exciting displays.

“There is so much happening at Mitsubishi at the moment. Not only do we have the first volume produced electric vehicle on sale in Australia on display, but we also have its fastback performance brother, the i-MiEV Sport.

“Then there’s the new Lancer SX, the new Outlander two-wheel drive, and the return of the Triton Club Cab utility.

“And if that’s not enough excitement for one stand, we’re also celebrating our 30th birthday at the show, a milestone we are extremely proud of,” Mr Takahashi said.

While Mitsubishi has achieved the distinction of being the first automotive manufacturer to release a volume produced electric vehicle, the i-MiEV, to the Australian market, the company has confirmed its commitment to environmentally aware transportation by taking EV technology to the next level.

The i-MiEV Sport shows that, at Mitsubishi, electric vehicles have taken the next step forward, blending low emission technology with high performance.

Based on the i-MiEV electric vehicle released in Australia in August, the i-MiEV Sport adopts new technologies developed by MMC to achieve high manoeuvrability and high levels of both environmental and running performance. The lithium-ion battery-powered, all-wheel drive coupe utilises unique in-wheel motors at the front and a third motor driving the rear wheels, all controlled by the S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics system.

In addition to the feature i-MiEV Sport concept vehicle, MMAL will display the road version of the i-MiEV, as well as a special model displaying the logos of all the members of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Foundation Customers group.

Mitsubishi has also taken the opportunity to launch updates to several of its 2011 model year line-ups, with new iterations of the Lancer, Outlander and Triton vehicle ranges displayed at the Sydney show.

The popular Lancer small sedan and hatchback models have received updates which include improvements in occupant safety, comfort and convenience. An upgraded brake assist system, improved power window functionality, enhanced sound insulation and new instrument displays are now standard on all variants, and a new model, the SX, has been added to the line-up to provide a bridge between the entry level ES model and the popular VR variant.

Similar occupant safety, comfort and convenience upgrades have been applied to Mitsubishi's flexible Outlander compact four-wheel drive line-up, and it too receives a new model. The new two-wheel drive variant, dubbed the Outlander LS 2WD, is an affordable entry point to the Outlander range, and will appeal to a whole new audience of customers.

Known for its hard-working, hard-playing prowess, Mitsubishiʼs Triton four-wheel drive utility line-up has also received an update for the 2011 model year, with the return of the popular Triton Club Cab variant. Based on the four-wheel drive GLX 2.5-litre high powered diesel engine Single Cab range, the Triton Club Cab adds a new seating configuration with bucket seats and flip-up rear occasional use seats.

The icing on the (birthday) cake for Mitsubishi at the Australian International Motor Show is that the company is celebrating its thirtieth, or diamond, anniversary in the Australian market. Launched on the 1st October, 1980, Mitsubishi has a proud history in this country, and has operated as a manufacturer and assembler before embarking on its successful career as a full-line importer with a wide-ranging product line-up, all of which will be on display at the show.

The all-new ASX compact two- and four-wheel drive, launched in August to rave reviews, will be on display, along with Mitsubishi's legendary Pajero four-wheel drive, the Challenger four-wheel drive, the zippy Colt hatch and the acclaimed Lancer Evolution performance sedan and Lancer Ralliart performance hatch.

The Australian International Motor Show will run from October 15th – 24th at the Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre, Darling Harbour.