Mitsubishi Announces October Sales
3 November 1997
Sport Utility Sales Remain Strong For Mitsubishi Motors; YTD Total Vehicle Sales Up 2.6 PercentCYPRESS, Calif., Nov. 3 -- Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA) began its fourth quarter sales with a strong showing in its sport utility segment and a 2.6 percent increase in total year-to-date vehicle sales. The company's Montero Sport mid-size sport utility vehicle has been a competitive player in the market since its introduction last December, and for the calendar year has sold nearly 26,000 units. "Not only is the Montero Sport well priced for its class, but it's a great combination of aggressive styling, comfortable ride and quiet interior," said Kevin Ormes, group vice president of sales and marketing. "At this selling rate, we expect to exceed our annual projections and are confident that our sport utility vehicles will remain strong sellers for our brand." Monthly sales of Montero Sport have averaged more than 2,500 units and specifically for October, reached 3,011 units. Sales of the Australian-built Diamante luxury sedan reached 930 units, with year-to-date volume exceeding 10,300 units. Ormes attributes the Diamante's blend of generous interior design, striking exterior design and excellent performance, to its market desirability. Combined year-to-date sales of the Mirage sedan and 2-door coupe totaled 26,939 units, reflecting a 6 percent increase over 1996 year-to-date volume. Ormes noted that the Mirage, which was completely re-designed in 1997, has proven to be as popular with consumers as with the news media. Earlier this year both the Mirage coupe and sedan were named "best buy" in the small car segment by Consumers Digest. Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1982 by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicles, including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles. Oct. '97 Oct. '96 % Change Month/YTD Month/YTD Month/YTD Passenger Car Sales* 12,372/131,562 17,497/145,896 -29%/-9.8% Sport Utility Vehicles** 3,650/ 31,856 1,480/ 10,203 +147%/+212% Trucks*** 0/207 211/3,417 -100%/-94% Total Vehicle Sales 16,022/163,625 19,188/159,516 -16%/+2.6% Note: U.S.-Built Vehicle Sales 7,019/88,833 11,071/107,398 -36.6%/-17.3% (Includes Eclipse/Eclipse Spyder/Galant) * Above totals include sales of U.S.-built Mitsubishi Motors vehicles ** Includes Montero and Montero Sport *** Truck sales include inventory stock only; MMSA stopped selling the Mighty Max pickup truck early in 1996 Please note sales chart format has changed slightly: SUV's are now broken out separately, therefore dramatically altering year-to-date volume and percentages which reflect this change. SOURCE Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc.