August 10, 2008

Mitsubishi Motors Debuts "Phenomenal Four" Campaign

Cypress, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today announced it will launch an all-new integrated national advertising campaign to support its lineup of fuel-efficient four-cylinder vehicles: the Lancer and Galant sedans, the Eclipse coupe, and the Outlander crossover SUV.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Motors Debuts "Phenomenal Four" Campaign"

Posted by Frank at 9:51 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

August 8, 2008

Mitsubishi to Provide i MiEV Electric Vehicles to Southern California Edison

TOKYO -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today that it has signed a letter of intent with Southern California Edison (SCE) to forge a unique collaboration for testing and evaluation of the new i MiEV electric vehicle.

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Posted by Frank at 10:56 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under Alternative Fuels | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Electric | Environment | Mitsubishi

August 6, 2008

Mitsubishi Awards Cars to AFL Fans and ArenaBowl XXII MVP

CYPRESS, CA -- Mitsubishi Motors, the official automotive sponsor of the Arena Football League, handed the keys to three new Mitsubishi vehicles to Philadelphia Soul QB Matt D'Orazio and two lucky fans at the conclusion of ArenaBowl XXII Championship weekend in New Orleans, July 26-27.

Mitsubishi Motors presented D'Orazio with the keys to a 2009 Solar Yellow Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT after the QB led Philadelphia to a 59-56 victory over the defending champion San Jose SaberCats, completing 26 of 43 pass attempts for 302 yards and seven touchdowns and one rushing score.

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Posted by Frank at 11:53 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

August 2, 2008

Mitsubishi Motors Reports July Sales

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors today announced total July 2008 sales of 9,644.

-- Galant sales were 2,286, up 30.6 percent compared to July 2007. Calendar year-to-date Galant sales are 3.4 percent ahead of January-July 2007.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Motors Reports July Sales"

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July 26, 2008

Mitsubishi Increases Exposure at ArenaBowl XXII

Cypress, CA -- In its second year as the automotive sponsor of the Arena Football League, Mitsubishi Motors will be increasing its presence with game attendees and a national television audience as ArenaBowl XXII Championship Weekend takes over New Orleans July 24-27.

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Posted by Frank at 11:02 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

July 2, 2008

Mitsubishi Motors Reports June Sales

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors today announced total June 2008 sales of 7,494.

-- The fuel-efficient Lancer continues to lead the way for Mitsubishi in the U.S. with 2,688 sales, making June the second best month of the year for Lancer. May 2008 was Lancer's best month with 3,318 sales.

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Posted by Frank at 10:53 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

July 1, 2008

Redesigned Subaru Forester Becomes Top-Rated Small SUV

YONKERS, N.Y. -- The redesigned Subaru Forester emerged as Consumer Reports' new top-rated small sport-utility vehicle, following testing of seven SUVs for the August issue. The Toyota RAV4 had previously been top-ranked by CR in that category.

The Forester 2.5XT Limited achieved an "Excellent" overall score in CR's battery of more than 50 tests at its Auto Test Center in East Haddam, CT.

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Posted by Frank at 10:44 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Dodge | Jeep | Kia | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Subaru

June 26, 2008

Mitsubishi Lancer Recognized for Highest Owner Satisfaction

Mitsubishi_LancerGTS_08.jpgAdding to its impressive collection of industry awards and accolades, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer has been recognized as the compact car with the highest owner satisfaction rating, after receiving the 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Award within the compact car category.

Conducted by noted automotive consulting firm, AutoPacific, Inc., the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) serve as an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new passenger car or light truck.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Lancer Recognized for Highest Owner Satisfaction"

Posted by Frank at 5:48 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

June 19, 2008

Mitsubishi Motors Selects RWB as New PR Agency

CYPRESS, CALIF. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today announced RWB as its new public relations agency of record. The announcement follows the recent signing of Traffic as Mitsubishi's new advertising agency.

"This is the start of a creative renaissance for Mitsubishi," said Dan Kuhnert, executive vice president of sales and marketing. "RWB has a firm grasp of the automotive industry and can immediately apply their knowledge and experience to help us communicate our brand's strengths and messages. Together with our new advertising agency, we are perfectly positioned to tell the Mitsubishi story in an exciting new way."

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Posted by Frank at 12:25 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

June 13, 2008

Mitsubishi Motors Selects Traffic as New Advertising Agency

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today announced Traffic to be its new advertising agency of record. The announcement comes after a comprehensive agency review involving numerous top advertising agencies.

"The creativity of all the finalists was remarkable," said Dan Kuhnert, executive vice president of sales and marketing. "They all demonstrated insight into the Mitsubishi brand, and had great ideas. However Traffic presents a keen understanding of how to leverage the strengths of our brand and the 'importance of now' which is extremely relevant in today's auto industry."

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Posted by Frank at 12:02 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

June 8, 2008

Mitsubishi increases destination charges

Mitsubishi Motors North America will be increasing Destination and Handling charges on all new
trucks and SUVs effective June 2, 2008. The new charge for most models will be $675 for the 48 contiguous U.S. states, plus Hawaii and $800 for Alaska.

The destination charges for Outlander, Endeavor and Montero will be $695 and $820, respectively.

Posted by Frank at 2:58 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Mitsubishi

June 3, 2008

Mitsubishi Reports May Sales Up 7.9%

CYPRESS, Calif.-- Mitsubishi Motors today announced total May 2008 sales of 10,430.

-- Galant sales in May were 2,783, an increase of 7.9 percent over May 2007. Galant sales are up 14.5 percent calendar-year-to-date.

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Posted by Frank at 4:51 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

May 29, 2008

Cadillac Tops 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

TUSTIN, Calif. -- A study released today by noted automotive consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc. summarizes the results of its 2008 model year vehicle satisfaction research. AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new passenger car or light truck.

In a year that promises to be the toughest in a decade, owner-based awards like AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award will help customers make their purchase decisions.

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Posted by Frank at 6:20 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Acura | Audi | Auto Marketing | Auto News | BMW | Buick | Cadillac | Car Tech | Chevrolet | Ford | GM | GMC | Honda | Hummer | Hyundai | Kia | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Saturn | Scion | Suzuki | Toyota | Volkswagen

May 22, 2008

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Offers More Tech

Evolution_MR.jpgCYPRESS, CA -- On the heels of the successful introduction of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR, Mitsubishi Motors announces the availability of the more technologically advanced 2008 Lancer Evolution MR, the newest and most sophisticated version of the model series that began 16 years ago.

Shown coming off the production line in Japan, the Lancer Evolution MR arrives at showrooms in the U.S. in June and is available for a suggested retail price of $38,290.

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Posted by Frank at 6:06 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2009 Vehicles | 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

May 17, 2008

Mitsubishi Realigns Field Operations

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America has announced a plan to realign its US field operations into Eastern and Western zones, with a separate office dedicated to field operations in the State of California.

MMNA President & CEO Hiroshi Harunari said the improvements will strengthen sales operations and make the company's infrastructure more efficient in adjusting to dynamic market conditions.

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Posted by Frank at 6:56 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

May 16, 2008

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Convertible Pricing Announced

Mitsubishi_EclipseSpyder_09.jpgMitsubishi has announced pricing for the 2009 Eclipse Spyder convertible sports car, with four basic trim lines available:

-- Eclipse Spyder GS SOHC: I4 MIVEC (2.4L/5M), $25,799.00, 2-Door Convertible, 5-Speed Manual

-- Eclipse Spyder GS SOHC: I4 MIVEC (2.4L/4S), $26,799.00, 2-Door Convertible, 4-Speed Sportronic

-- Eclipse Spyder GT SOHC: V6 MIVEC (3.8L/6M), $28,299.00, 2-Door Convertible, 6-Speed Manual

-- Eclipse Spyder GT SOHC: V6 MIVEC (3.8L/5S), $29,999.00, 2-Door Convertible, 5-Speed Sportronic

Posted by Frank at 8:47 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Mitsubishi

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Pricing Announced

Mitsubishi_EclipseGT_09.jpgMitsubishi has announced pricing for the 2009 Eclipse sports car, with four basic trim lines available:

-- Eclipse GS SOHC: I4 MIVEC (2.4L/5M), $20,099.00, 3-Door Coupe, 5-Speed Manual

-- Eclipse GS SOHC:I4 MIVEC (2.4L/4S), $21,099.00, 3-Door Coupe, 4-Speed Sportronic

-- Eclipse GT SOHC: MIVEC (3.8L/6M), $23,999.00, 3-Door Coupe, 6-Speed Manual

-- Eclipse GT SOHC: MIVEC (3.8L/5S), $24,999.00, 3-Door Coupe, 5-Speed Sportronic

Posted by Frank at 8:33 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Mitsubishi

May 12, 2008

2008 Fuel Economy Guide Available for Download

fuel_econ_guide_08.jpgThe EPA has issued a comprehensive PDF guide to fuel economy of all 2008 vehicles, which you can download by right-clicking here.

In today's gas market, buyers are more sensitive than ever about buying cars that get good mileage, and more important, they want the government ratings to be as accurate as possible -- nobody wants to buy a vehicle that gets 10% worse mileage in the real world than the sticker rating.

To address this situation, the EPA has started using an updated test to assign more accurate MPG ratings to new vehicles, and you can learn about that by watching the video in this post.

Posted by Frank at 3:04 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | 5th Wheel | Acura | Alternative Fuels | Aston Martin | Audi | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Bentley | BMW | Buick | Cadillac | Car Tech | Chevrolet | Chrysler | Diesel | Dodge | Electric | Environment | Ethanol | Ferrari | Finance | Ford | GM | GMC | Honda | Hummer | Hybrid | Hydrogen | Hyundai | Infiniti | Isuzu | Jaguar | Jeep | Kia | Lamborghini | Land Rover | Lexus | Lincoln | Maserati | Maybach | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury | MINI | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Pontiac | Porsche | Rolls-Royce | Saab | Saturn | Scion | Smart | Subaru | Suzuki | Toyota | Volkswagen | Volvo

May 3, 2008

Mitsubishi Lancer And Outlander position brand as demand rises

MitsubishiOutlander.jpgCYPRESS, CA -- As the market demand for compact vehicles increases with the help of rising gas prices, sales of Mitsubishi Motors' Lancer and Outlander vehicles continue to drive the brand's caché.

Built on the same global C-Segment platform, the two model lines accounted for 44.2 percent of Mitsubishi Motors North America's (MMNA) total sales in the calendar year 2007.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Lancer And Outlander position brand as demand rises"

Posted by Frank at 2:16 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

May 2, 2008

Mitsubishi Reports April Sales Down 26.3%

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors today announced total April 2008 sales of 8,878.

-- Lancer was the volume leader at 2,598. This was the best month for Lancer sales in 7 months.

-- Galant sales were 1,402 for the month. Galant sales year-to-date are up 16.8% compared to the first four months of 2007.

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Posted by Frank at 4:09 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

May 1, 2008

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Named Cool Car Under $18,000

Mitsubishi_LancerGTS_08.jpgCYPRESS, Calif. -- The Mitsubishi Lancer today was named a 2008 Coolest New Car Under $18,000 by the expert editors at Kelley Blue Book.

With versatility and technology becoming growing trends in the under-$18,000 segment, the next-generation 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer offers consumers an economic entry-level package that combines rally-inspired performance and handling features with cutting-edge in-car technology.

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Posted by Frank at 7:24 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Mitsubishi

April 30, 2008

Mitsubishi Motors announces fiscal results, forecasts

Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced its full-year results for the year ending March 31, 2008, together with forecasts for the year ending March 31, 2009.

Mitsubishi Motors' consolidated sales for fiscal 2007 totaled 2 trillion 682.1 billion yen ($25.7 billion), a 22 percent increase of 479.2 billion yen ($4.60 billion) over the previous fiscal year.

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Posted by Frank at 1:58 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Mitsubishi

April 8, 2008

Volkswagen Eos Tops Convertibles List

YONKERS, N.Y. -- The Volkswagen Eos achieved the best overall score in Consumer Reports' tests of seven convertibles for the May issue, narrowly outpointing the BMW 328i. Both vehicles earned "Very Good" overall scores.

Two vehicles in the group, the Saab 9-3 and Volvo C70, earned somewhat lower overall road-test scores, but were still within the "Very Good" range.

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Posted by Frank at 5:29 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Chrysler | Mitsubishi | Pontiac | Saab | Volkswagen | Volvo

April 6, 2008

Mitsubishi Lease Deals for April

mitsubishi_logo.jpgMitsubishi is offering the following lease deals for April:

2009 Galant ES Lease -- $219 per month / 24 months / $2,968 due at lease signing (after applying $2,500 factory lease cash rebate).

2008 Lancer DE Lease -- $189 per month / 24 months / $2,388 due at lease signing.

2008 Eclipse GS Lease -- $249 per month / 42 months / $1,748 due at lease signing (after applying $1,000 factory lease cash rebate).

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Lease Deals for April"

Posted by Frank at 1:26 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto leasing | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Free Price Quote | Mitsubishi

April 5, 2008

April Mitsubishi Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

mitsubishi_logo.jpgMitsubishi is offering up to a $3,500 rebate on the Endeavor SUV and up to $4,500 on the '07 Raider pickup; up to a $3,000 rebate on the Galant sedan is also available. Low interest financing is also available.

Programs end 4/30/08.

If you would like to research current auto rebates for all make and models for sale in the United States, check out CurrentAutoRebates.com, a fabulous service that allows you to check up on all rebate programs through a handy PDF report. The service is free and available now!

Posted by Frank at 4:28 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Auto rebates | Finance | Mitsubishi

April 1, 2008

Mitsubishi Motors Reports March Sales Down 14.2%

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors today announced total March 2008 sales of 10,750:

-- Galant was the volume leader at 2,676, up 26.6% from last March's volume.

-- This was Galant's best first quarter in three years.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Motors Reports March Sales Down 14.2%"

Posted by Frank at 2:16 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

March 22, 2008

Mitsubishi Presents New 2008 Eclipse to Winner of Champs Sports 'Bowl Bingo'

OCALA, Fla. -- Mitsubishi Motors and Champs Sports handed Sumter County resident Maryann Goniea the keys to a new 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse at Ocala Mitsubishi today, helping her family recover from losing their home and previous car to last February's deadly Central Florida tornadoes.

Ms. Goniea received the new Eclipse as the grand prize winner of the Champs Sports "Bowl Bingo" promotion held during the Champs Sports Bowl hosted by Florida Citrus Sports last December.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Presents New 2008 Eclipse to Winner of Champs Sports 'Bowl Bingo'"

Posted by Frank at 7:51 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

March 19, 2008

Mitsubishi Showcases Little Cars With Big Capabilities in NYC

08NYconi.jpgNEW YORK -- The Mitsubishi Motors vehicles displayed at the 2008 New York International Auto Show will help North American consumers "get small" and get acquainted with Mitsubishi's renowned small car building capabilities.

Tetsuro Aikawa, Managing Director In Charge of Product Development Group Headquarters, will introduce to the North American media the i, i MiEV, i MiEV Sport concept and Concept-cX minicars.

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Posted by Frank at 6:28 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

March 4, 2008

Mitsubishi Reports February Sales Down 6.4%

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors today announced total February 2008 sales of 9,105.

-- Galant was the volume leader at 2,424, up 16.4% from last February's volume and up 22.2% calendar year-to-date.

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Posted by Frank at 1:16 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

February 27, 2008

Mitsubishi Motors lineup at 2008 Geneva Motor Show

Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to give the Prototype-S sport hatchback concept its global debut at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 4 through March 16 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 6).

Also included in Mitsubishi Motors' 16-model stand (13 on Press Days) are: the i MiEV (dubbed the i-EV in Europe) and the Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X on the Japanese market).

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Motors lineup at 2008 Geneva Motor Show"

Posted by Frank at 12:08 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

February 8, 2008

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Overview

Mitsubishi_EclipseSpyder_09.jpgCYPRESS, Calif. -- The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is the "attainable exotic" that combines exciting design and performance with a high-tech convertible top and excellent value.

For 2009, Mitsubishi restyled the Spyder's front and rear bumper fascias, and the GT model also gets three significant upgrades for 2009: a new dual exhaust system yields a more powerful sound while also boosting horsepower to 265 (up from 260); standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps sharpen front styling and aid nighttime visibility, and standard Active Stability Control (ASC) enhances driving safety.

Continue reading "2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Overview"

Posted by Frank at 1:23 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Overview

Mitsubishi_Eclipse_09.jpgCYPRESS, Calif. -- The Mitsubishi Eclipse offers the sport coupe customer an "attainable exotic" with striking design, sports car handling and dazzling performance. For 2009, Mitsubishi restyled the front and rear bumper fascias and gave the Eclipse GT model a large rear spoiler.

The GT also gets three significant upgrades for 2009: a new dual exhaust system yields a more powerful sound while also boosting horsepower to 265 (up from 263); standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps sharpen front styling and aid nighttime visibility, and standard Active Stability Control (ASC) enhances driving safety and performance.

Continue reading "2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Overview"

Posted by Frank at 1:03 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

2009 Mitsubishi Galant Overview

Mitsubishi_Galant_09.jpgCYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi has introduced the new 2009 Galant midsize sedan, featuring expressive new styling, new user technology and a new value standard. The performance-tuned Galant Ralliart spearheads the lineup, which for 2009 also includes the 4-cylinder ES, the new 4-cylinder Sport Edition, and the Sport V-6.

New standard factory value packages add a long roster of premium equipment to the 2009 Galant Sport models, at a substantial savings. The 2009 Galant Sport models offer a $1,000+ MSRP value advantage over comparably equipped competitive midsize models.

Continue reading "2009 Mitsubishi Galant Overview"

Posted by Frank at 12:52 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Gets A Fresh Face, A Deeper "Voice" And New Safety Features

Mitsubishi_EclipseSpyder_09.jpgCYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is giving its "attainable exotic" Eclipse Spyder a deeper sound, a bit more power and new safety features for 2009. Restyled front and rear bumper fascias distinguish the Eclipse Spyder models for 2009.

With the freshened styling comes a deeper "voice" from a new dual exhaust system for the V6-powered Eclipse GT Spyder. The more powerful sound is accompanied by a minor boost in horsepower to 265 (up from 260).

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Gets A Fresh Face, A Deeper "Voice" And New Safety Features"

Posted by Frank at 1:08 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Makes Eclipse More "Visible" And "Audible" For 2009

Mitsubishi_Eclipse_09.jpgCYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., is introducing its revised 2009 Eclipse, which arrives in dealerships this summer.

Restyled front and rear bumper fascias distinguish the Eclipse models for 2009, with the GT also now sporting a new large rear spoiler. The GT model also gains standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps for 2009, further sharpening front styling while aiding visibility for nighttime driving.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Makes Eclipse More "Visible" And "Audible" For 2009"

Posted by Frank at 12:38 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Showcases 2009 Galant At Chicago Auto Show

Mitsubishi_Galant_09.jpgCHICAGO -- Mitsubishi will showcase its new 2009 Galant midsize sedan at the Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 8-17 at McCormick Place.

Presenting expressive new styling, new user technology and a new value standard, the 2009 Galant brings Mitsubishi performance and character to the highly competitive midsize segment. The 2009 Galant arrives at Mitsubishi dealers in February.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Showcases 2009 Galant At Chicago Auto Show"

Posted by Frank at 12:27 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

February 7, 2008

Mitsubishi Offers Safety Demonstrations and Entertainment at Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO -- In addition to showcasing its new, futuristic and historic high-performance models at the Chicago Auto Show, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is presenting show attendees other fun and educational activities including booster seat safety demonstrations (and free booster seats), an Eclipse fantasy kiosk and an opportunity to take a photograph at a special AFL Chicago Rush team display throughout the run of the show.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Offers Safety Demonstrations and Entertainment at Chicago Auto Show"

Posted by Frank at 5:22 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

February 6, 2008

Updated: Mitsubishi Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

mitsubishi_logo.jpgMitsubishi is offering up to a $3,500 rebate on the Endeavor SUV and up to $1,500 on the Eclipse; up to a $3,000 rebate on the Galant sedan is also available. Low interest financing is also available.

Programs end 2/29/08.

If you would like to research current auto rebates for all make and models for sale in the United States, check out CurrentAutoRebates.com, a fabulous service that allows you to check up on all rebate programs through a handy PDF report.

Since rebate programs from different manufacturers can change a couple times a month, we urge you to sign up for free updates at this page, to ensure you'll always have the latest info with which to make an informed purchase.

The service is free and available now!

Posted by Frank at 3:16 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Auto rebates | Finance | Free Price Quote | Mitsubishi

February 2, 2008

Current Auto Rebates Has All the Updated Rebates!

With auto sales down 4.3% in January 2008, many automakers are increasing the rebate and incentive offers they have on the hoods of their vehicles.

Yet keeping track of all the rebate programs can be difficult work, which is why we began publishing Current Auto Rebates, the Internet's first document that lists every rebate program for every vehicle for same in the United States.

This 13-page PDF makes it easy for you to look up rebates on any model you're interested in, and even allows you to contact your local dealer who will give you a free price quote on the ride of your choice.

Since rebate programs can change several times per month, you may want to sign up for free updates to the publication -- when we update the document you'll get an email from us letting you know a refreshed version is available for you to download.

And if someone you know is currently shopping for a new vehicle, you may want to download a copy and email it to them -- they'll thank you for doing so!

Posted by Frank at 4:02 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Acura | Aston Martin | Audi | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Auto rebates | Bentley | BMW | Buick | Cadillac | Chevrolet | Chrysler | Dodge | Ferrari | Finance | Ford | GM | GMC | Honda | Hummer | Hyundai | Infiniti | Isuzu | Jaguar | Jeep | Kia | Lamborghini | Land Rover | Lexus | Lincoln | Maserati | Maybach | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury | MINI | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Pontiac | Porsche | Rolls-Royce | Saab | Saturn | Scion | Smart | Subaru | Suzuki | Toyota | Volkswagen | Volvo

February 1, 2008

Mitsubishi Motors Reports January Sales Down 23%

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors today announced January 2008 sales of 7,226, a 23.0% decrease compared to January 2007.

Galant was the volume leader at 2,144 units sold, an increase of 29.6% over January last year.

Eclipse Spyder sales were 686, up 124% from last January.

Posted by Frank at 4:41 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

January 30, 2008

With Home Prices Dropping, Car Prices Are Sure to Follow

It's accepted wisdom now that overall auto sales will drop in 2008. This is seen as a function of the housing bust, during which as much as 20% of new car purchases were funded by residential real estate profit, home equity cashouts and the general euphoria in real estate related industries.

Now that home prices are dropping -- and will continue to do so until they fall in line with median income -- we believe the average new vehicle transaction price will drop as well. If houses can fall 10%-30% in value, why not cars?

In November we ran a story from Comerica Bank stating the average transaction price of a new vehicle was $29,024. Our projection is this number will fall below $25,000, perhaps in 2009 if not this year, for several reasons:

1. Less money to spend. The option of taking cash out of a home to finance a new purchase is gone. The psychology of spending "free money" to buy a luxe ride will give way to folks actually having to make the payment out of their own pocket. And with many people paying even more for housing due to adjustable rates, they will choose cheaper rides.

2. Gas prices. While $3 a gallon gas isn't as draconian as five bucks, it will have an effect over time. People are already choosing more efficient crossovers and smaller SUVs over the big buses, and V8s are going out of favor. Look for more people to choose V6s in cars and for four-cylinders to pick up in popularity.

3. Negative equity. A greater percentage of folks are upside down in their cars, and have been rolling their balances into new loan agreements. To catch up, their new purchases will have to be cheaper and it's going to take years to eat away at the balance.

4. New frugality. In a tough economy, the value of money becomes more dear. People will start thinking twice about how much money they spend. They will choose cheaper cars, perhaps with more options, but the luxe-marques are in for a rough ride.

5. New wage structures. The Detroit car companies have made big headlines with their new labor deals, that allow them to replace higher paid union workers with new hires at a lower wage scale. The higher wages translated into higher sticker prices; the lower wages will allow for slimmer price hikes and even reductions.

6. Battle for fewer consumers. Don't let the tough talk fool you. As fewer cars are sold throughout 2008, the rebate war will kick into full swing -- and spiffs will help bring down the average transaction price.

This last reason is why we launched Current Auto Rebates, a site that publishes all the rebates for every model in a single PDF file, to make bargain hunting that much easier.

Posted by Frank at 6:02 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Acura | Aston Martin | Audi | Auto leasing | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Auto rebates | Bentley | BMW | Buick | Cadillac | Chevrolet | Chrysler | Dodge | Ferrari | Finance | Ford | GM | GMC | Honda | Hummer | Hyundai | Infiniti | Isuzu | Jaguar | Jeep | Kia | Lamborghini | Land Rover | Lexus | Lincoln | Maserati | Maybach | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury | MINI | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Pontiac | Porsche | Rolls-Royce | Saab | Saturn | Scion | Smart | Subaru | Suzuki | Toyota | Volkswagen | Volvo

Daimler Launches Diesel Hybrid Truck in Europe

Daimler_Hybrid.jpgStuttgart – Deutsche Post World Net is the first logistics company in Europe to trial hybrid trucks in its operations. The go-ahead for the largest fleet test in the company’s history was given on January 29, 2008 during the World Mobility Forum in Stuttgart.

Andreas Renschler, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Daimler Trucks, today handed over the first two vehicles, a Mercedes-Benz Atego BlueTec Hybrid and a Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid, to Deutsche Post World Net.

Continue reading "Daimler Launches Diesel Hybrid Truck in Europe"

Posted by Frank at 5:12 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Alternative Fuels | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Diesel | Hybrid | Mitsubishi

January 29, 2008

Mitsubishi Donates D.A.R.E. Car to Cypress Police Department

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) proudly announces the donation of a 2008 Lancer to the Cypress Police Department for use as the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) vehicle.

The Cypress Police Department will utilize the vehicle to supplement educational programs and to build community awareness of D.A.R.E.'s mission to keep kids off illegal drugs, decrease membership in gangs, and detour violent behavior in kids.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Donates D.A.R.E. Car to Cypress Police Department"

Posted by Frank at 4:09 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

January 27, 2008

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander has 4.9% financing available; program ends 1/31/08. The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander base price -- $19,990.

Click here to get your free 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander price quote!

To stay up-to-date on 2008 Mitsubishi rebates, check out Current Auto Rebates, the web's #1 source for car, truck and SUV rebates and incentives.

Current Auto Rebates is the only publication of its kind: a 13-page PDF file that lists all the current rebates, from every vehicle manufacturer. What you don't know about current auto rebates could cost you thousands of dollars -- get your free report today!

Posted by Frank at 9:08 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Auto rebates | Finance | Free Price Quote | Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer has 4.9% financing available; program ends 1/31/08. The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer base price -- $13,990.

Click here to get your free 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer price quote!

To stay up-to-date on 2008 Mitsubishi rebates, check out Current Auto Rebates, the web's #1 source for car, truck and SUV rebates and incentives.

Current Auto Rebates is the only publication of its kind: a 13-page PDF file that lists all the current rebates, from every vehicle manufacturer. What you don't know about current auto rebates could cost you thousands of dollars -- get your free report today!

Posted by Frank at 9:04 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Auto rebates | Finance | Free Price Quote | Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Galant Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant has a $2,500 rebate or 0% financing available; program ends 1/31/08. The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant base price -- $19,999.

Click here to get your free 2008 Mitsubishi Galant price quote!

To stay up-to-date on 2008 Mitsubishi rebates, check out Current Auto Rebates, the web's #1 source for car, truck and SUV rebates and incentives.

Current Auto Rebates is the only publication of its kind: a 13-page PDF file that lists all the current rebates, from every vehicle manufacturer. What you don't know about current auto rebates could cost you thousands of dollars -- get your free report today!

Posted by Frank at 8:54 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Auto rebates | Finance | Free Price Quote | Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor has a $3,000 rebate or 4.9% financing available; program ends 1/31/08. The 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor base price -- $27,599.

Click here to get your free 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor price quote!

To stay up-to-date on 2008 Mitsubishi rebates, check out Current Auto Rebates, the web's #1 source for car, truck and SUV rebates and incentives.

Current Auto Rebates is the only publication of its kind: a 13-page PDF file that lists all the current rebates, from every vehicle manufacturer. What you don't know about current auto rebates could cost you thousands of dollars -- get your free report today!

Posted by Frank at 8:50 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Auto rebates | Finance | Free Price Quote | Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder has 4.9% financing available; program ends 1/31/08. The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder base price -- $25,389.

Click here to get your free 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder price quote!

To stay up-to-date on 2008 Mitsubishi rebates, check out Current Auto Rebates, the web's #1 source for car, truck and SUV rebates and incentives.

Current Auto Rebates is the only publication of its kind: a 13-page PDF file that lists all the current rebates, from every vehicle manufacturer. What you don't know about current auto rebates could cost you thousands of dollars -- get your free report today!

Posted by Frank at 8:48 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Auto rebates | Finance | Free Price Quote | Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse has a $1,000 rebate or 0% financing available; program ends 1/31/08. The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse base price -- $19,999.

Click here to get your free 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse price quote!

To stay up-to-date on 2008 Mitsubishi rebates, check out Current Auto Rebates, the web's #1 source for car, truck and SUV rebates and incentives.

Current Auto Rebates is the only publication of its kind: a 13-page PDF file that lists all the current rebates, from every vehicle manufacturer. What you don't know about current auto rebates could cost you thousands of dollars -- get your free report today!

Posted by Frank at 8:43 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Auto rebates | Finance | Free Price Quote | Mitsubishi

January 23, 2008

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Packs the Rockford Fosgate PUNCH

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Rockford Corporation today announced the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart will feature an optional Rockford Fosgate performance audio system featuring 9 custom loudspeakers, including a legendary 10-inch long-throw PUNCH subwoofer, and a networked 650-Watt DSP amplifier.

Continue reading "2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Packs the Rockford Fosgate PUNCH"

Posted by Frank at 10:19 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Audio | Mitsubishi

Harness the power of free price quotes!

Many of you have seen the link to get a free dealer price quote on our pages, as well as in our Current Auto Rebates report.

The free price quote is one of the best tools for savvy vehicle shoppers -- it's convenient, and there is absolutely no obligation to buy anything. Here are some of the other advantages:

-- You are essentially putting a bid out to local new vehicle dealers to compete for your business. In many cases, several dealers will respond to your price quote request. Armed with your knowledge of MSRP and rebates, you can then have dealers compete on price for your car buying dollars!

-- You can fill out a free price quote for each vehicle you are cross-shopping.

-- Schedule your test drive appointments. Just think, you know longer have to suffer the indignity of walking into a dealership and either being ignored or descended upon like a piece of fresh meat.

-- The dealership will have the vehicle you are interested in ready and waiting [if they are pros, which many are nowadays, given the competition of the Internet.]

-- You will be doing 90% of the work that goes into buying a new vehicle from the convenience of your own computer -- how civilized is that!

Get your free dealer price quote today!

Posted by Frank at 6:20 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Acura | Aston Martin | Audi | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Bentley | BMW | Buick | Cadillac | Chevrolet | Chrysler | Dodge | Ferrari | Finance | Ford | Free Price Quote | GM | GMC | Honda | Hummer | Hyundai | Infiniti | Isuzu | Jaguar | Jeep | Kia | Lamborghini | Land Rover | Lexus | Lincoln | Maserati | Maybach | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury | MINI | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Pontiac | Porsche | Rolls-Royce | Saab | Saturn | Scion | Smart | Subaru | Suzuki | Toyota | Vehicles | Volkswagen | Volvo

Current Auto Rebates -- What You Don't Know Could Cost You Thousands of Dollars

Current_Auto_Rebates_CBN.jpg

Want to see all the rebates on every make and model vehicle for sale in the United States?

Current Auto Rebates has just launched a valuable 13-page PDF report that is the first of its kind -- listing all rebates for all vehicles. What you don't know about current auto rebates could cost you thousands of dollars!

Aren't you tired of clicking through page after page on web sites to find the information you need? This report has everything you need in one convenient, easy-to-use package.

Check out CurrentAutoRebates.com and get your free PDF report today!

Posted by Frank at 6:09 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Acura | Aston Martin | Audi | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Bentley | BMW | Buick | Cadillac | Chevrolet | Chrysler | Dodge | Ferrari | Finance | Ford | Free Price Quote | GM | GMC | Honda | Hummer | Hyundai | Infiniti | Isuzu | Jaguar | Jeep | Kia | Lamborghini | Land Rover | Lexus | Lincoln | Maserati | Maybach | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury | MINI | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Pontiac | Porsche | Rolls-Royce | Saab | Saturn | Scion | Smart | Subaru | Suzuki | Toyota | Vehicles | Volkswagen | Volvo

January 20, 2008

Mitsubishi Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

mitsubishi_logo.jpgMitsubishi is offering up to a $3,000 rebate on the Endeavor SUV and up to $4,500 on the '07 Raider pickup; up to a $2,500 rebate on the Galant sedan is also available. Low interest financing is also available.

Programs end 1/31/08.

If you would like to research current auto rebates for all make and models for sale in the United States, check out CurrentAutoRebates.com, a fabulous service that allows you to check up on all rebate programs through a handy PDF report. The service is free and available now!

Posted by Frank at 7:34 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Free Price Quote | Mitsubishi

January 19, 2008

2008 Mitsubishi Raider At-A-Glance

Mitsubishi_Raider.jpgClick here to get a free price quote on the Mitsubishi Raider!

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi's dramatically styled Raider mid-size pickup truck was introduced for 2006 and earned the Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) for compact pickups from the renowned AutoPacific, Inc. industry consulting group.

The model line is streamlined for 2008, offering one extended-cab model and two Double Cab models.

Continue reading "2008 Mitsubishi Raider At-A-Glance"

Posted by Frank at 4:48 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Free Price Quote | Mitsubishi

January 16, 2008

Mitsubishi Announces pricing for 2008 Outlander

Mitsubishi_Outlander_08.jpgClick here to get a free price quote on the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander!

Mitsubishi has announced pricing for the 2008 Outlander, slated to start at only $19,990 for the two-wheel drive ES model.

Additional models are priced as follows:

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Announces pricing for 2008 Outlander"

Posted by Frank at 10:29 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Free Price Quote | Mitsubishi

January 14, 2008

Mitsubishi Debuts Concept-RA and Lancer Ralliart Debut at 2008 Detroit Auto Show

Concept-RA_Fr.jpgDETROIT -- Building on Mitsubishi's global history of exciting two door sports coupes, the MITSUBISHI Concept-RA takes the sports coupe design theme in a new direction and brings the ROAD ALIVE.

The exciting MITSUBISHI Concept-RA is an athletic pure coupe concept that allows a passion for dynamic performance driving to coexist with a heightened sensitivity for the environment thanks to high output clean diesel power.

Also making its global debut, the 2009 Lancer Ralliart is a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive compact sports sedan that will be in showrooms in the summer of 2008.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Debuts Concept-RA and Lancer Ralliart Debut at 2008 Detroit Auto Show"

Posted by Frank at 8:05 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2009 Vehicles | 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

2009 Lancer Ralliart

Mitsubishi_LancerRalliart_0.jpgCYPRESS, Calif. -- The new Lancer Ralliart reinforces the sporty identity of the Lancer lineup (Lancer, Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution) with aggressive styling and driving performance that creates a unique product between the Lancer GTS 2.4 and the Lancer Evolution models.

The Lancer Ralliart makes effective use of the Lancer's rigid unibody and four-wheel independent suspension by mating this capable chassis to a turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive.

Continue reading "2009 Lancer Ralliart"

Posted by Frank at 8:02 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Concept-RA

Mitsubishi_ConceptRA1.jpgCYPRESS, Calif. -- The MITSUBISHI Concept-RA offers a unique interpretation of the sporty coupe. This two-seat pure coupe concept explores the transversely mounted, front engine packaging theme.

Generous helpings of technology create a vehicle that combines exotic appeal, outstanding, fun-to-drive dynamics and heightened sensitivity for the environment.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Concept-RA"

Posted by Frank at 7:59 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer At-A-Glance

Mitsubishi_LancerGTS_09.jpgCYPRESS, Calif. -- The Mitsubishi Lancer for 2009 delivers thrilling dynamics, "class-up" value, advanced safety and cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package.

The new Lancer brings the bold, dynamic lines of the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution to the showroom, with a shark-nosed front end, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines.

Continue reading "2009 Mitsubishi Lancer At-A-Glance"

Posted by Frank at 7:54 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2009 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

January 12, 2008

Mitsubishi Announces Pricing For All-New 2008 Lancer Evolution

Mitsubishi_LancerEvo_08.jpgClick here to get a free price quote on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution!

CYPRESS, CA. -- Mitsubishi has announced pricing for its all-new 2008 Lancer Evolution GSR high-performance sedan.

The strikingly styled 2008 Lancer Evolution showcases new performance and handling technology, including an all-new 291-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Announces Pricing For All-New 2008 Lancer Evolution"

Posted by Frank at 11:44 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Free Price Quote | Mitsubishi

January 9, 2008

Mitsubishi Renews Arena Football League Sponsorship

NEW YORK -- Mitsubishi Motors has renewed as the Official Automobile Manufacturer of the Arena Football League's 2008 regular season, and will become the Exclusive Automobile Manufacturer of the 2008 AFL playoffs, including ArenaBowl XXII, both organizations jointly announced today.

The one-year agreement mirrors last year's partnership, including a variety of branding and activation elements, such as helmet decals, as well as a full slate of playoff and ArenaBowl promotional platforms.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Renews Arena Football League Sponsorship"

Posted by Frank at 4:53 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Survey: Drivers See Toyota, Honda as Best Overall

NEW YORK -- Consumers perceived Toyota and Honda brands to be best by a wide margin, followed by Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC, according to Consumer Reports' 2008 Car Brand Perception Survey.

The survey also revealed that car buyers consider safety and quality as the most important considerations, followed by value, performance, environmental friendliness, design, and technical innovation.

Continue reading "Survey: Drivers See Toyota, Honda as Best Overall"

Posted by Frank at 4:19 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Acura | Audi | Auto Marketing | Auto News | BMW | Buick | Cadillac | Chevrolet | Ford | GMC | Honda | Kia | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury | Mitsubishi | Porsche | Subaru | Toyota | Volvo

January 3, 2008

Mitsubishi Sales Up 8.8% in 2007, Best Since '04

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors announced today that calendar year 2007 (CY07) sales were 128,993, an 8.8% increase compared to 2006 and Mitsubishi's best sales year since 2004.

In December, sales of the fuel-efficient Lancer sedan were 1,537, up 49.4 percent, marking the ninth monthly sales increase for Lancer in the past ten months. Overall December sales this year were 5,904, a decrease of 40.4 percent compared to December 2006.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Sales Up 8.8% in 2007, Best Since '04"

Posted by Frank at 2:55 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

December 20, 2007

Engine Maker Alliance (GEMA) Receives Engineering Award

Auburn Hills, Mich. -- Plant Engineering magazine has named the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) in Dundee, Mich.—a joint venture between Chrysler LLC, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company—one of three winners of its 2007 Top Plant award. The Top Plant award is presented each year to manufacturing facilities that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in terms of production and product.

The GEMA plant was recognized for its operational excellence through the use of best practices in plant engineering management as well as its use of lean and green operations.

Continue reading "Engine Maker Alliance (GEMA) Receives Engineering Award"

Posted by Frank at 12:07 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Chrysler | Dodge | Hyundai | Jeep | Mitsubishi

December 11, 2007

Honda Element Named DogCar of the Year

TWIN FALLS, Idaho -- DogCars.com, the car-buying resource for dog-lovers everywhere, has chosen the Honda Element as the DogCar of the Year for 2007.

Created by “Good Morning America” veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and his writing partner, the syndicated columnist, book author and PetConnection.com blogger Gina Spadafori, DogCars.com also gave high honors to the Suzuki Forenza wagon as the Best DogCarsValue among 2007 models.

Continue reading "Honda Element Named DogCar of the Year"

Posted by Frank at 12:39 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Dodge | Ford | Honda | Land Rover | Mazda | Mitsubishi | Suzuki | Volkswagen

December 3, 2007

Mitsubishi November Sales Up 13.3%, Turnaround Working

Mitsubishi 2007 Sales Through November Exceed Entire 2006 Total

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors announced today that calendar year-to-date (CYTD) sales reached 123,089 as of the end of November, a 13.3% increase compared to the first eleven months of 2006 and already more than the entire 2006 full-year total of 118,558.

November sales this year were 7,983, a decrease of 13.8 percent compared to the 9,256 units sold in November 2006.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi November Sales Up 13.3%, Turnaround Working"

Posted by Frank at 4:49 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

December 1, 2007

MITSUBISHI Concept-RA design sketch revealed

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Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. (MMNA, based in Cypress California) will premiere MITSUBISHI Concept-RA to the world at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS or the Detroit Motor Show).

MITSUBISHI Concept-RA fuses a passion for dynamic, exciting driving with a heightened sensitivity for the environment thanks to clean, efficient high performance diesel power. The 2008 NAIAS runs from January 13 to 27 at the Cobo Center in Detroit and opens to the general public on January 19.

Posted by Frank at 5:09 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

November 29, 2007

"MITSUBISHI Concept-RA" to premiere at 2008 Detroit Show

Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. (MMNA, based in Cypress California) will premiere MITSUBISHI Concept-RA to the world at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS or the Detroit Motor Show).

MITSUBISHI Concept-RA fuses a passion for dynamic, exciting driving with a heightened sensitivity for the environment thanks to clean, efficient high performance diesel power. The 2008 NAIAS runs from January 13 to 27 at the Cobo Center in Detroit and opens to the general public on January 19.

Continue reading ""MITSUBISHI Concept-RA" to premiere at 2008 Detroit Show"

Posted by Frank at 4:33 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

November 19, 2007

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse At-A-Glance

08Eclipse_GT_06.jpg

CYPRESS, Calif. -- The new-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe combines thrilling design and performance with outstanding value to offer the sport coupe customer an attainable exotic. New for 2008, limited-production Special Edition models will be available with either the V-6 or 4-cylinder engine. The SE models combine an exclusive aerodynamic body package, a unique exterior graphic treatment and interior enhancements.

The Eclipse GT gains standard 18-inch alloy wheels for 2008, and the SE V-6 includes Active Stability Control (ASC). SIRIUS® Satellite Radio is now added with the available Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system, including a 6-month pre-paid subscription. All models for 2008 gain a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Continue reading "2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse At-A-Glance"

Posted by Frank at 9:53 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

All-New 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Delivers Exciting Concept Car Design

11_08LancerSil.jpg

Cypress, Calif. -- The all-new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer brings the bold, dynamic and taut lines of the company's show-stopping Concept-X to the showroom. The stunning Concept X previewed not only the next generation compact sport sedan from Mitsubishi, but also a new design language to convey an unmistakable brand identity.

The exciting new design serves as the perfect showcase to package the 2008 Lancer's European-inspired driving dynamics, refined interior appointments and impressive equipment levels.

Continue reading "All-New 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Delivers Exciting Concept Car Design"

Posted by Frank at 9:00 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer - At-A-Glance

CYPRESS, Calif. -- The all-new Mitsubishi Lancer for 2008 delivers thrilling dynamics, "class-up" value, advanced safety and cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package.

The new Lancer brings the bold, dynamic lines of the Mitsubishi Concept-X to the showroom, with a shark-nosed front end, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines. Lancer is available as the value-minded DE, the well-equipped ES and the sport-tuned GTS.

Continue reading "2008 Mitsubishi Lancer - At-A-Glance"

Posted by Frank at 8:55 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Is The Safe, Intelligent Choice

CYPRESS, Calif. -- The engineering that went in to making the all-new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer a driver's choice in its segment also makes it a smart choice, with a compelling combination of safety, quality and value.

From its standard seven air bags - including a segment-first driver's knee air bag - to low operating costs, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the 2008 Lancer is designed to reward the driver in all facets of ownership.

Continue reading "2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Is The Safe, Intelligent Choice"

Posted by Frank at 8:49 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Offers European Sport Sedan Dynamics

CYPRESS, Calif. -- The all-new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer was engineered from bumper to bumper to provide a driven-to-thrill experience behind the wheel. Driving enthusiasts will feel the difference through every curve, especially in the sport-tuned Lancer GTS model. Customers who purchase a Lancer DE or ES model will find themselves enjoying driving more than before.

The source for Lancer's engaging, fun-driving character is a new global performance-engineered platform that has been optimized for a maximum-performance variant (which will arrive at a later date). This platform was introduced first for the 2007 Outlander SUV, a vehicle that provides uncommonly energetic driving responses for its segment.

Continue reading "2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Offers European Sport Sedan Dynamics"

Posted by Frank at 8:39 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Offers Advanced User Technology

CYPRESS, Calif. -- The all-new, next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer for 2008 carries its high-performance engineering inside, with powerful audio and advanced user-technology options designed to exceed customers' expectations.

The Lancer GTS comes standard with a Bluetooth wireless technology cell phone interface system with voice recognition microphone for hands-free calling (also available for the ES model). Both the mid-line ES and top-line GTS models offer navigation, high-power audio and the FAST Key (Freehand Advanced Security Transmitter) entry system. FAST Key allows passive vehicle unlocking and engine start/stop simply by carrying the remote control.

Continue reading "2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Offers Advanced User Technology"

Posted by Frank at 8:33 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car accessories | Car Audio | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Delivers New 152-Hp Engine And Optional CVT

CYPRESS, Calif. -- The all-new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer delivers driven-to-thrill performance with an all-new 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine, standard in all models. The new-generation Lancer is also the first Mitsubishi in North America to offer an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) in place of a conventional automatic transmission.

When equipped with the optional CVT, the Lancer GTS exclusively features a 6-step Sportronic that allows the driver to manually control the CVT using magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters - a first in the segment.

Continue reading "2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Delivers New 152-Hp Engine And Optional CVT"

Posted by Frank at 8:31 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Introduces 2008 Lancer Compact Sport Sedan

Cypress, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) last spring introduced the all-new, 2008 Lancer compact sport sedan, delivering thrilling dynamics, "class-up" value, advanced safety and available cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package. For the fall, the 2008 Lancer gains a new Technology and Appearance Package in the mid-line ES model, bundling a number of user technology features from the GTS model with a rear trunk lip spoiler, chrome exhaust tip and chrome beltline accents.

The 2008 Lancer brings the bold, dynamic lines of the show-stopping Mitsubishi Concept-X to the showroom. First shown in 2005, the stunning Concept X previewed not only the next generation Mitsubishi compact sport sedan, but also a new design language to convey an unmistakable brand identity.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Introduces 2008 Lancer Compact Sport Sedan"

Posted by Frank at 8:28 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

2007 Mitsubishi Raider At-A-Glance

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CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi's dramatically styled Raider mid-size pickup truck was introduced for 2006 and earned the Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) for compact pickups from the renowned AutoPacific, Inc. industry consulting group.

The model line is streamlined for 2007, offering one extended-cab model and three Double Cab models, including the only import-brand midsize pickup with a V-8 engine.. The emphasis on four-door Double Cab models reflects Raider's appeal as a multi-capable SUV alternative.

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Posted by Frank at 8:24 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2007 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor At-A-Glance

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CYPRESS, Calif. -- The Mitsubishi Endeavor is a crossover-type mid-size sport-utility vehicle that combines car-like driving dynamics with impressive comfort, safety, room and versatility. Endeavor is available with front-wheel drive or full-time all-wheel drive.

New for 2008, front-wheel drive models gain the Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC) system, which was already standard on the all-wheel drive models. Also for 2008, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, with six-month pre-paid service, is included with the Endeavor SE models. In addition to three rich new exterior colors, the 2008 Endeavor offers a sumptuous new two-tone leather seating option in the SE model. The Suki Beige seating is accented by black side bolsters for a premium appearance.

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Posted by Frank at 7:04 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Endeavor SUV Gains New Refinements For 2008

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) continues to enhance the value of its Endeavor mid-size crossover SUV model, making the Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC) system standard on front-wheel drive models for 2008. (The ASTC system was already standard on the all-wheel drive models.) Additional refinements for 2008 add a premium character to Endeavor while preserving its excellent customer value.

Endeavor is available as the high-value LS and the luxuriously equipped SE that challenges near-luxury brand models, but at a better value. All models are powered by a 225-hp 3.8-liter SOHC V-6 engine that requires regular-grade fuel.

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Posted by Frank at 7:03 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Galant At-A-Glance

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CYPRESS, Calif. -- The Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart spearheads the Galant mid-size sedan line, which for 2008 also includes the 4-cylinder DE and ES models. The GTS model is discontinued.

Galant Ralliart is a complete performance package, designed to challenge leading sport sedans, but with better value. It is exclusively powered by a 258-hp 3.8-liter MIVEC V-6 engine and equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic™ to allow manual gearshift control.

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Posted by Frank at 6:35 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Streamlines Galant Model Line For 2008

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA), which last year introduced the newly restyled and enhanced Galant mid-size sedan and high-performance Galant Ralliart, for 2008 simplifies the model line.

In addition to the Ralliart model, the Galant DE and ES 4-cylinder models continue for 2008. The V-6 Galant GTS is discontinued. A tire pressure monitor system is standard for all Galant models for 2008.

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Posted by Frank at 6:16 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Outlander Brings Premium SUV Tech To Compact SUV Segment

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CYPRESS, Calif. -- The all-new, next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander introduced for the 2007 model year offers a level of user technology generally associated with luxury-category, sport-utility vehicles, including several firsts for the compact SUV segment.

The Outlander optionally offers a hard drive navigation system, a 650-watt (max) Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system, SIRIUS® satellite radio with six month pre-paid subscription and hands-free calling through Bluetooth® wireless technology. For 2008, all Outlander models can be equipped with an accessory DVD rear seat entertainment system with a nine-inch wide-format LCD screen.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Outlander Brings Premium SUV Tech To Compact SUV Segment"

Posted by Frank at 6:11 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Outlander Brings New Ideas In Flexibility To Compact SUV Segment

CYPRESS, Calif. -- The next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander, introduced for the 2007 model year, melds bold, sporty design with impressive room and utility. The Outlander offers 5- or 7-seat flexibility, clever cargo area packaging and the segment's first flap-fold tailgate.

The new Outlander debuted a new Mitsubishi design language that conveys the performance-oriented essence of the brand. Clean, sharp lines, featuring a "diamond cut" front end and boldly sculpted fender flares, evoke the athleticism of a sport sedan and the sophistication of a premium SUV. The LED tail lamp clusters give the rear of the vehicle a distinctive appearance.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Outlander Brings New Ideas In Flexibility To Compact SUV Segment"

Posted by Frank at 6:09 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Outlander Brings Sport Sedan Dynamics To Compact SUV

CYPRESS, Calif. -- The next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander, introduced for the 2007 model year, is based on a new global performance-engineered platform that also forms the foundation for the new Lancer and 2008 Lancer Evolution models. As such, the Outlander was engineered from wheels to roof to give the driver a confident feel behind the wheel.

The engineering that went into making the Outlander a driver's SUV reflects Mitsubishi's renowned motorsports expertise. In 2007, Mitsubishi scored its seventh consecutive win in the Paris-to-Dakar off-road endurance race in a special competition-built Montero SUV.

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Posted by Frank at 6:01 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander At-A-Glance

CYPRESS, Calif. -- For 2008, the Mitsubishi Outlander offers acompelling blend of driven-to-thrill dynamics, bold styling, and five-or seven-passenger versatility. Outlander features the segment's first flap-fold tailgate for easy loading and several user-technology firsts for the compact SUV segment.

The Outlander is based on a new performance-engineered global platform derived from the foundation of the Mitsubishi Lancer and next-generation Lancer Evolution models. The Outlander LS and XLS models are powered by a new 3.0-liter 220-hp aluminum MIVEC V-6 engine teamed to a six-speed Sportronic® automatic transmission (with magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters in XLS models).

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Posted by Frank at 5:58 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Introduces New Outlander 2.4-Liter Es And Special-Edition Models For 2008

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is expanding the market reach of its popular next-generation Outlander crossover SUV for 2008 with the introduction of two new 4-cylinder models, the value-minded ES and the high-tech-equipped Special Edition (SE).

Available with 2WD or 4WD, the Outlander ES and Special Edition models are powered by a new 2.4-liter DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine teamed with a Sportronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Special Edition features magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Introduces New Outlander 2.4-Liter Es And Special-Edition Models For 2008"

Posted by Frank at 5:56 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Offers Choice Between V-6 And New I-4 Power

CYPRESS, Calif. -- The next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander, which was introduced for 2007 exclusively powered by a new 220-hp V-6 engine, for 2008 offers a a new 2.4-liter DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine.

The 4-cylinder engine is featured in the revised Outlander ES model and new Special Edition model to provide a new choice for customers who prioritize fuel economy over maximum performance.

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Posted by Frank at 5:54 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

What's New for 2008 Outlander

CYPRESS, Calif. -- The Outlander, Mitsubishi's compact SUV, has exciting additions for the 2008 model line up. A 168 hp, 2.4L 4-cylinder MIVEC engine replaces the V6 in the ES model and is combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

This model is a smart choice for consumers entering the market who want a value-priced compact SUV with plenty of power and space to take along family and cargo. (Late fall availability.)

Continue reading "What's New for 2008 Outlander"

Posted by Frank at 5:16 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

November 18, 2007

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, The "Attainable Exotic,"

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CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) last year introduced the all-new Eclipse Spyder and for 2008 upgrades this popular model with newly standard SIRIUS® Satellite Radio (including 6-month pre-paid service), standard 18-inch alloy wheels on the GT model, plus a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System on all models.

The addition of the standard SIRIUS Satellite Radio system is the ideal complement to the Spyder's already-standard Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system, which is among the most powerful factory-installed mobile audio systems in the market today.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, The "Attainable Exotic,""

Posted by Frank at 11:39 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder At-A-Glance

CYPRESS, Calif. -- The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is the "attainable exotic" that combines thrilling design and performance with a high-tech convertible top and outstanding value.

New for 2008, the Eclipse Spyder GT gains standard 18-inch alloy wheels. SIRIUS® Satellite Radio is now included with the standard Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system, including a 6-month pre-paid subscription. All Eclipse models for 2008 gain a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Continue reading "2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder At-A-Glance"

Posted by Frank at 11:07 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

November 17, 2007

2007 Mitsubishi Raider Puts Focus On Style And Sporty Attitude

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CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) re-aligned its dramatically styled Raider mid-size pickup truck for 2007, sharpening the focus on customer value. The Raider model line is streamlined for 2007, now offering one extended-cab model and three Double Cab models.

Four Raider models for 2007 are available in the well equipped LS trim line: Extended Cab 2WD; Double Cab 2WD and Double Cab 4WD, plus the Double Cab 2WD Special Edition powered exclusively by a 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 engine. All Raider models are built on the same long 131.3-inch wheelbase. The Extended Cab model has a 6.4-foot bed, and Double Cab models come with a 5.3-foot bed.

Continue reading "2007 Mitsubishi Raider Puts Focus On Style And Sporty Attitude"

Posted by Frank at 11:58 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2007 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

November 16, 2007

Mitsubishi Offers "Factory Custom" Eclipse For 2008

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CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is offering customers the opportunity to buy a "factory custom" version of its popular Eclipse Coupe models for 2008.

The Eclipse Special Edition, available as a limited-production option for both the 4-cylinder and the V-6 engines, combines a specially developed aerodynamic body package with a unique exterior graphic treatment and additional handling-enhancement features.

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Posted by Frank at 10:13 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Audio | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

November 15, 2007

Mitsubishi Unveils All-New Lancer Evolution At LA Auto Show

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Mitsubishi Motors today debuted to North America the all-new and much-anticipated 2008 Lancer Evolution.

Building on the success of the all-new Lancer launched in spring 2007, and the all-new Outlander crossover SUV, Mitsubishi introduces the high-performance 2008 Lancer Evolution, which was recently awarded Popular Mechanic's 2008 Automotive Excellence Award (Fun to Drive category.)

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Unveils All-New Lancer Evolution At LA Auto Show"

Posted by Frank at 5:44 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

November 8, 2007

Check out the latest car videos

Check out the latest car videos with our nifty new YouTube player.

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November 3, 2007

What's New for Mitsubishi's 2008 Outlander

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CYPRESS, Calif. -- The Outlander, Mitsubishi's compact SUV, has exciting additions for the 2008 model line up. A 168 hp, 2.4L 4-cylinder MIVEC engine replaces the V6 in the ES model and is combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

This model is a smart choice for consumers entering the market who want a value-priced compact SUV with plenty of power and space to take along family and cargo. (Late fall availability.)

Continue reading "What's New for Mitsubishi's 2008 Outlander"

Posted by Frank at 3:04 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi's Gary Ragle Selected as One of Seven Winners in Hot Wheels Designer's Challenge

Cypress, Calif. -- Toy manufacturer Mattel has announced that Mitsubishi Motors Research and Design of America (MRDA) employee Gary Ragle is among seven designer finalists to be selected in the company's first-ever Hot Wheels Designer's Challenge.

MRDA was among six automotive manufacturers to participate in the challenge, which marked the first time Hot Wheels® has turned outside the company to seek new vehicle designs.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi's Gary Ragle Selected as One of Seven Winners in Hot Wheels Designer's Challenge"

Posted by Frank at 10:40 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Announces FY2007 First Half Financial Results and Forecasts

Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced financial results for the first half of the 2007 fiscal year ending March 31, 2008, and outlined its forecasts for the full year.

Mitsubishi Motors posted consolidated net sales of 1,313.4 billion yen ($11.4 billion) for the first half of fiscal year 2007 (April 1 through September 30, 2007), a more than 30 percent increase of 308 billion yen ($2.7 billion) over the same period last year (1,005.4 billion yen) ($8.7 billion). Factors contributing to this increase include increased sales volumes in overseas markets, the start of supplies of SUVs to PSA Peugeot Citroen as well as favorable yen exchange rates.

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Posted by Frank at 12:38 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto News | Finance | Mitsubishi

November 1, 2007

Mitsubishi Reports 15.8% Year-to-Date Increase Through October

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported October sales of 9,280, virtually unchanged from last year's October volume of 9,288.

Calendar year-to-date (CYTD) sales are 115,106, remaining well ahead of the first ten months of last year (99,392), up 15.8% compared to last year's first-ten-months total.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Reports 15.8% Year-to-Date Increase Through October"

Posted by Frank at 3:30 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

October 26, 2007

Volvo and Volkswagen Top Certified Pre-Owned List

LAS VEGAS -- IntelliChoice has announced the winners of its ninth annual ranking of certified pre-owned (CPO) manufacturer-sponsored programs.

Overall, Volvo beat out Cadillac for the best Luxury program—one year after Cadillac ended Jaguar’s long reign in the category—while Volkswagen was recognized for the fourth straight year for best Non-Luxury program. The rankings were unveiled at the 2008 National Remarketing Conference & Used Car Expo, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Posted by Frank at 2:16 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Audi | Auto Marketing | Auto News | BMW | Buick | Cadillac | Chevrolet | Chrysler | Dodge | Finance | Ford | GM | GMC | Honda | Hummer | Hyundai | Infiniti | Isuzu | Jaguar | Jeep | Kia | Land Rover | Lexus | Lincoln | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury | MINI | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Pontiac | Porsche | Rolls-Royce | Saab | Saturn | Scion | Smart | Subaru | Suzuki | Toyota | Used vehicles | Volkswagen | Volvo

October 23, 2007

Consumer Guide Announces 2008 Best Buys

LINCOLNWOOD, Ill. -- Consumer Guide Automotive, the leading publisher of authoritative, objective new and used car reviews for 40 years, today announced the recipients of its 2008 Best Buy and Recommended Awards.

The annual list, designed to make car buying easier for consumers, represents the best overall values in 18 categories and includes a total of 87 vehicles.

The editors then use objective criteria, such as price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records and resale value, to assess each vehicle. The winners are divided into two categories: The Consumer Guide Automotive "Best Buy" and "Recommended" winners.

Continue reading "Consumer Guide Announces 2008 Best Buys"

Posted by Frank at 6:48 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Acura | Aston Martin | Audi | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Bentley | BMW | Buick | Cadillac | Chevrolet | Chrysler | Dodge | Ferrari | Ford | GM | GMC | Honda | Hummer | Hyundai | Infiniti | Isuzu | Jaguar | Jeep | Kia | Lamborghini | Land Rover | Lexus | Lincoln | Maserati | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury | MINI | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Pontiac | Porsche | Rolls-Royce | Saab | Saturn | Scion | Smart | Subaru | Suzuki | Toyota | Volkswagen | Volvo

October 21, 2007

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution At-A-Glance

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Cypress, Calif. -- While remaining true to the core values that have made the Lancer Evolution synonymous with thrilling performance, the next-generation 2008 model offers all-around capability and user technology that distinguish the world's best performance models.

The 2008 Lancer Evolution showcases new performance and handling technology, including an all-new 295-hp (est.) 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system.

Continue reading "2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution At-A-Glance"

Posted by Frank at 12:32 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

October 15, 2007

Mitsubishi Motors North America Celebrates 25th Anniversary Dealers

Pioneering Dealers From Across the U.S. Recognized for Their Loyalty and Success Representing the Mitsubishi Motors Brand

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Celebrating 25 years of selling cars and trucks in North America, Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today recognizes ten dealers from across the United States who have owned and operated Mitsubishi franchises since 1982.

From Florida to Washington, each 25-year dealer will be honored at special regional events during the month of October. Mitsubishi President and CEO, Hiroshi Harunari will present each dealership owner with a special award commemorating their success and long franchise history with the company.

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Posted by Frank at 9:45 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

October 3, 2007

Team Mitsubishi Alcan Claims First Victories

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Team Mitsubishi Alcan took the overall victory in the Gran Prix Imports Oregon 1000 Rally on Sunday, September 23. The event featured over 1,000 kilometers of SCCA Time-Speed-Distance RoadRally competition.

"It was a long weekend, but it was a great rally and a great chance to get comfortable working in our new Outlanders," said team driver April Smith.

The Oregon 1000 rally starts at Gran Prix Imports, an auto dealership near Portland, and takes teams on a scenic tour over backroads to Port Orford on Oregon's southern coast. Along the way, participants travel a predetermined route at specified average speeds.

Continue reading "Team Mitsubishi Alcan Claims First Victories"

Posted by Frank at 5:19 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Introduces 2008 Lancer Evolution With Turbo/Intercooled Engine

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Cypress, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors is introducing the 2008 Lancer Evolution, the newest and most sophisticated version of the legendary high-performance model series that began 16 years ago.

While remaining true to the core values that have made the Lancer Evolution synonymous with thrilling performance, the next-generation model offers all-around capability and user technology that distinguish the world's best performance models.

The strikingly styled 2008 Lancer Evolution showcases new performance and handling technology, including an all-new 295-hp (est.) 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system. S-AWC offers an extraordinary level of control at each wheel, going well beyond the capabilities of other all-wheel drive systems.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Introduces 2008 Lancer Evolution With Turbo/Intercooled Engine"

Posted by Frank at 9:37 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

October 2, 2007

Mitsubishi September Sales Up 17.6%; Best Since 2003

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported September sales of 12,102 units, up 17.6 % from last year's September volume of 10,287. Calendar year-to-date sales are 105,826 up 17.4% compared to last year's first-nine-months total.

Sales of the fuel efficient 2008 Lancer sedan and the Outlander crossover sport utility continue to lead the way:

Continue reading "Mitsubishi September Sales Up 17.6%; Best Since 2003"

Posted by Frank at 3:05 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

September 26, 2007

'Buy American' Desire Drives Many New Shoppers to Purchase Domestic Rather Than Import Nameplates

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Despite the fact that import vehicles make up nearly 49 percent of the U.S. auto market, the country of origin still plays a crucial role in consumer choice of which make and model to purchase, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Escaped Shopper Study released today. The study provides a comprehensive evaluation of why consumers may consider one model, but ultimately purchase another.

Nearly 80 percent of new-vehicle buyers limit their consideration set to include only domestic models or only import models. Among those who cross-shop for both import and domestic models, consumers who ultimately buy a domestic frequently do so because they simply decide they do not want an import. Buyers of domestic new-vehicles also frequently decide against import brands for financial reasons, most often citing that the import didn't offer aggressive rebates or other incentives.

Continue reading "'Buy American' Desire Drives Many New Shoppers to Purchase Domestic Rather Than Import Nameplates"

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Mitsubishi Gives Away More Than 7,400 Booster Seats

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Through its partnership with Kids Safety First, a national non-profit organization dedicated to automotive child safety, Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) has successfully completed 13 community events at Mitsubishi car dealerships across the country, resulting in the donation of more than 7,400 booster seats.

MMNA and Kids Safety First kicked off the initiative at three Dallas-area Don Herring Mitsubishi locations in late June in an effort to educate parents about the importance of booster seat usage.

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Posted by Frank at 9:04 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi | Safety

September 10, 2007

Mitsubishi Motors lineup at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show

Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is proud to introduce three concept cars at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show.

Each car is a different expression of the three pillars of Mitsubishi Motor's vehicle strategy: driving pleasure, reassuring safety and environmental responsibility. Held at Makuhari Messe, the 40th Tokyo Motor Show is open to the public from October 27 through November 11, with press and media days October 24, 25 and 26.

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Posted by Frank at 7:38 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

September 6, 2007

Mitsubishi Motors Hosts Third Annual Factory Owner's Day Celebration

Generations of Faithful Mitsubishi Enthusiasts and Owners Expected to Attend Day of Food, Fun, Music, Competition and Giveaways

NORMAL, Ill. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America today announces details of its third annual Factory Mitsubishi Owners Day (MOD) event which will take place at the company's Normal Illinois manufacturing plant Saturday, September 8th from 10-3 p.m.

Created in 2005 and hosted by the Mitsubishi Motors Research & Design California team, the annual party brings together hardcore Mitsubishi brand lovers from across the country to celebrate anything and everything Mitsubishi.

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Posted by Frank at 4:50 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

September 4, 2007

Mitsubishi Has Best August in Four Years, Sales Up 19%

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi today reported August sales of 13,020 units, up 19% from last year's August volume of 10,954. Calendar year-to-date sales are 93,724 up 17% compared to last year's first-eight-months total.

Sales of the fuel efficient 2008 Lancer sedan and the Outlander crossover sport utility continue to lead the way:

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Has Best August in Four Years, Sales Up 19%"

Posted by Frank at 3:49 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

August 31, 2007

Hyundai Elantra Bests Competitors in Tests of Four Small Sedans

YONKERS, N.Y. -- The redesigned Hyundai Elantra outscored the Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, and Scion xB in Consumer Reports' testing of a group of four small sedans and wagons for the October issue. The Elantra now ranks sixth overall among the 14 small cars that CR has tested recently.

Also, Consumer Reports ranked the Mazdaspeed3 as its top-rated sports car following tests of three sporty vehicles for the same issue. The Mazdaspeed3 was tested against the redesigned Mini Cooper S and the Saturn Sky Redline.

Continue reading "Hyundai Elantra Bests Competitors in Tests of Four Small Sedans"

Posted by Frank at 6:41 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Ford | Honda | Hyundai | Mazda | MINI | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Saturn | Scion

August 29, 2007

Mitsubishi to Demonstrate Optical Fiber Home Network at CEDIA Expo 07

DENVER -- CEDIA EXPO 2007 -- Mitsubishi International Corporation and Firecomms today announce that the companies are collaborating to provide a live demonstration of a home network using Polymer Optical Fiber (POF) at CEDIA Expo.

Shown in a living room setting to emphasize the use of POF in the home, the home network display will demonstrate the transmission of 100 Mb Ethernet content across a network entirely comprised of POF.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi to Demonstrate Optical Fiber Home Network at CEDIA Expo 07"

Posted by Frank at 12:21 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

August 25, 2007

Report: Auto Finance Providers Exploring Direct Lending Initiatives

WESTLAKE VILLAGE -- As competition in the auto finance market intensifies, many lenders are deploying full-spectrum strategies, which consists of lenders servicing both prime and sub-prime customers, to increase volume and market share and to improve service to their dealers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Dealer Financing Satisfaction Study released today.

The study finds that many prime finance providers are making the transition to the sub-prime market, with 57 percent of dealers utilizing traditionally prime lenders for sub-prime customers. Conversely, only 33 percent of dealers report using traditional sub-prime lender services for their prime customers.

Continue reading "Report: Auto Finance Providers Exploring Direct Lending Initiatives"

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August 13, 2007

Mitsubishi Premieres Rally-Themed Ad Campaign for Nationwide Sales Event

Mitsubishi has announced it will launch an integrated national advertising campaign to support its entire vehicle line-up at dealerships nationwide on August 14.

The campaign and associated sales event, billed "The Mitsubishi Time to Rally Event," centers on the automakers storied roots and successful history in rally racing, including its 12 wins at the Dakar Rally - the most of any automaker in the world.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Premieres Rally-Themed Ad Campaign for Nationwide Sales Event"

Posted by Frank at 11:18 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

August 10, 2007

Report: Buick and Lexus Brands Tie for Highest Vehicle Dependability

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Buick ties with Lexus to rank highest among nameplates in vehicle dependability -- marking the first time in 12 years that another brand ties with Lexus for the highest-rank position, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM) (VDS) released today.

The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of 3-year-old (2004 model year) vehicles, finds that Buick and Lexus tie for the top rank position with a score of 145 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Following in the top five rankings are Cadillac, Mercury and Honda, respectively.

Continue reading "Report: Buick and Lexus Brands Tie for Highest Vehicle Dependability"

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Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Uses MSC Sim Software

SANTA ANA, Calif. -- MSC.Software, the leading global provider of enterprise simulation solutions including simulation software and services, is pleased to report that Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), of Okazaki, Japan has adopted MSC.Software's simulation solutions path forward, including a move from point products to MSC MasterKey as well as MD Nastran.

By using MSC.Software's simulation solutions, MMC will enjoy faster, more accurate results, increased productivity, improved collaboration, reduced time to market and reduced costs to market.

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Posted by Frank at 8:28 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

August 1, 2007

Mitsubishi Sales Down 1% in July, up 17% for Year

CYPRESS -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported July sales of 10,347 units, down 1% from last year's July volume of 10,502. Calendar year-to-date sales of 70,357 are up 17% compared to last year's first-seven-months total.

Sales of the fuel efficient 2008 Lancer sedan and the Outlander crossover sport utility continue to lead the way:

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Sales Down 1% in July, up 17% for Year"

Posted by Frank at 2:56 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

July 31, 2007

Mitsubishi Concept-cX: Global unveiling at 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show

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Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and its European unit Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. will unveil The MITSUBISHI Concept-cX* at the 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Held at the Frankfurt Messe Complex, the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show will be open to the public from September 15 through 23, with press and media pre-viewing September 11 through 14.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Concept-cX: Global unveiling at 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show"

Posted by Frank at 2:39 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

July 30, 2007

Car Buyer's Notebook Now Available in Nine Languages!

Thanks to the Babel Fish translation software from AltaVista, Car Buyer's Notebook is now available in translation for nine languages. If you include English.

The alternate languages include: Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian and Portugese.

All you have to do is click on the appropriate flag in the box that is on the right hand side of the site.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Spanish.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in French.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Japanese.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Chinese.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in German.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Korean.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Italian.

Click here to read Car Buyer's Notebook in Portugese.

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July 29, 2007

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse At-A-Glance

The new-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe combines "Driven to Thrill" design and performance with outstanding value to offer the sport coupe customer an attainable exotic. New for 2008, Eclipse offers a limited-production SE Package that combines a specially developed aerodynamic body package, a unique exterior graphic treatment and interior enhancements.

The Eclipse GT gains standard 18-inch alloy wheels for 2008, and the SE Package now includes Active Skid Control (ASC). SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio is now added with the available Rockford-Fosgate(R) Premium Audio system, including sixmonth complimentary service. All models for 2008 gain a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Continue reading "2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse At-A-Glance"

Posted by Frank at 12:39 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Active Center Differential

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A hydraulic multi-plate clutch inside the Mitsubishi Active Center Differential [ACD] transfer regulates the differential limiting action between free and locked states to optimize front/rear wheel torque split and thereby produce the best balance between traction and steering response.

MMC first used ACD in a production model in January 2001.

Posted by Frank at 12:37 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Active Yaw Control

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Mitsubishi Active Yaw Control [AYC] is a component system that enhancese cornering performance and vehicle stability by controlling the rear wheel torque differential using a torque transfer mechanism in the rear differential.

MMC introduced AYC, the first component system of its type in a production car, in August 1996. Switching from a bevel gear to a planetary gear differential in January 2003 doubled the amount of torque AYC was able to transfer.

Posted by Frank at 12:21 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi S-AWC Super All Wheel Control - Systematic

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What Mitsubishi S-AWC aims to achieve: To reflect driver intent when accelerating, decelerating, or cornering under all driving conditions using integrated management of brake force and drive torque at each of the four wheels.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi S-AWC Super All Wheel Control - Systematic"

Posted by Frank at 12:16 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi S-AWC Super All Wheel Control

S-AWC2_01.jpg

What Mitsubishi's S-AWC aims to achieve: To reflect driver intent when accelerating, decelerating, or cornering under all driving conditions using integrated management of brake force and drive torque at each of the four wheels.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi S-AWC Super All Wheel Control"

Posted by Frank at 12:12 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission

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Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST aims to combine the economy and dynamic driving of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic transmission.

Features
1. Slick, sporty gear changing with no clutch pedal.
2. Quick response and smooth shifting.
3. High power transmission efficiency and low fuel consumption.

Posted by Frank at 12:07 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder -- What's New for 2008

The Mitsubishi 2008 Eclipse Spyder convertible continues to offer eye-catching exotic styling and an abundance of available features not often found in this price range.

Introduced for the 2007 model year, changes to the Spyder are minimal in its sophomore season.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder -- What's New for 2008"

Posted by Frank at 11:48 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Galant -- What's New for 2008

The 2008 Galant continues to offer a tremendous mid-sized car value with a plethora of features available throughout the trim lines.

To make ordering easier, the GTS has been removed from the line up, and its feature content spread throughout the remaining trim levels.

All of the great features of the Galant line up are still found in DE, ES, and Ralliart. In addition to the Galant's highly acclaimed safety features, every Galant (including DE) now has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Galant -- What's New for 2008"

Posted by Frank at 11:47 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Endeavor -- What's New for 2008

The 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor continues to add popular premium features. The 2008 Endeavor's standard features list now includes Anti-lock Braking System, Active Skid & Traction Control, and a power steering oil cooler usually found on high performance or specialty vehicles.

Building upon the equipment first offered in the 2007 Endeavor Special Edition, a new 2-tone leather interior will be available in November.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Endeavor -- What's New for 2008"

Posted by Frank at 11:38 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Develops New Torque, Clutch Systems

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has developed two new component systems that are expected to feature in the new Lancer Evolution*, due to be launched this autumn.

S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) is an advanced vehicle dynamics control system that regulates drive torque at each wheel.

Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) is an automated manual transmission that delivers slicker shifting through the gears while freeing the driver from the need to operate the clutch.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Develops New Torque, Clutch Systems"

Posted by Frank at 11:36 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Car Tech | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe -- What's New for 2008

For 2008, Mitsubishi's affordable exotic, Eclipse, continues as a thrilling model that boasts an athletic, innovative style and outstanding performance.

This fourth generation Eclipse is a fun-to-drive sporty coupe that offers a high degree of content and a tremendous value. For 2008, the Eclipse line-up adds the SE trim level for both the 2.4-liter and 3.8-liter V6 engines.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe -- What's New for 2008"

Posted by Frank at 11:31 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

July 26, 2007

Mitsubishi summer lease deal

Mitsubishi has summer lease deals on several vehicles. Terms may vary according to region and individual credit history.

Check with your local dealers, and be sure to get a free price quote before you go anywhere!

* Outlander ES 2WD: $269/mo for 42-month lease, $2,568 due at signing (after applying $1,000 factory lease cash rebate).
* Endeavor LS 2WD: $319/mo for 42-month lease, $2,568 due at signing (after applying $1,000 factory lease cash rebate).
* Galant DE: $269/mo for 42-month lease, $2,568 due at signing (after applying $1,000 factory lease cash rebate).

Posted by Frank at 5:43 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 2007 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Mitsubishi

July 24, 2007

Mitsubishi Dealer Commitment Results in Big Customer Service Gain

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) President & CEO Hiroshi Harunari today cited the commitment of its dealers as the main contributor to the automaker's dramatic jump in a customer satisfaction study.

J.D. Power and Associates' annual Customer Service Index (CSI) study, released today, showed MMNA made the largest year over year improvement of any automaker in customer satisfaction with service at its dealerships, although MMNA ranked in a tie for 22nd overall in the study.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Dealer Commitment Results in Big Customer Service Gain"

Posted by Frank at 9:25 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

July 11, 2007

Mitsubishi Deploys GXS Managed Services for Global Trading Network

GAITHERSBURG, Md. and TOKYO -- GXS, a leading provider of business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce solutions, today announced that Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has deployed GXS Managed Services to improve the efficiency of the company's B2B e-commerce operations. Mitsubishi Motors deployed GXS Managed Services to enable the exchange of electronic ordering and procurement information with trading partners in Europe.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Deploys GXS Managed Services for Global Trading Network"

Posted by Frank at 12:52 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto News | Mitsubishi

July 4, 2007

Get the Car Buyer's Notebook Widget!

Car_Buyers_Notebook_Widget.jpgAren't you tired of constantly navigating to sites, several times a day to keep up with the latest news?

I know I am -- and that's why I love widgets.

Widgets are these cool pieces of desktop "furniture" [like ours at right] that you can add to your computer -- and thus have a continuous live feed of updated news -- without going to a website to scan for cool stuff. [The widget can either be "parked" on top of all windows, or left underneath -- they're customizable, too!]

In the case of Car Buyer's Notebook, we have created just such a widget for you to download to your desktop -- and when you see a story you're really interested in, click on the title and it will take you to a new browser window to see the whole thing.

Getting our widget is simple -- there's only two steps:

1. Go to Springwidgets and download the widget software.

2. Go to this page, and get the Car Buyer's Notebook widget by clicking on the little green cog underneath the widget itself. This will add our widget to your widget menu.

And you will be in automotive widget heaven!

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July 3, 2007

Mitsubishi Reports June Sales Up 30%

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. today reported June sales of 13,014 units, up 30% over last year's volume and the best June in four years. Calendar year-to-date sales of 70,357 are up 21% compared to last year's first-half total.

"The new Lancer and Outlander are well-received by new customers and current Mitsubishi owners," said President & CEO Hiroshi Harunari. "Going into the summer travel season, our dealers are reporting excellent results from our new fuel-efficient sedan and SUV."

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Reports June Sales Up 30%"

Posted by Frank at 2:57 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

July 2, 2007

Thousands of Mitsubishi Owners Celebrate at Third Annual Owner's Day

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America today announces details of its third annual Mitsubishi Owners Day (MOD) extravaganza which will take place at the company's Cypress headquarters Saturday, July 14 from 10-3 p.m. Created in 2005 and hosted by the Mitsubishi Research & Design team, the annual party brings together hardcore Mitsubishi brand lovers from across the country to celebrate anything and everything Mitsubishi.

Continue reading "Thousands of Mitsubishi Owners Celebrate at Third Annual Owner's Day"

Posted by Frank at 8:23 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

June 30, 2007

Mitsubishi Gears Up for Arena Football Playoff Season

Official AFL Automotive Manufacturer Prepares For Big Thrills On and Off The Field Leading Up to ArenaBowl XXI

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, the Official Automobile Manufacturer of the Arena Football League (AFL), announced today it will engage in a variety of new on- and off-field branding activities, as well as a full slate of playoff and ArenaBowl promotional platforms beginning this week as the 2007 AFL playoffs get underway.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Gears Up for Arena Football Playoff Season"

Posted by Frank at 10:53 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

June 29, 2007

Mitsubishi Promotes Dan Kuhnert to Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) announced today that Daniel P. Kuhnert has been promoted to executive vice president of sales and marketing.

Kuhnert rejoined MMNA in April 2005 as senior vice president of sales after more than a decade as a dealer principal of two Mitsubishi dealerships in San Diego County.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Promotes Dan Kuhnert to Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing"

Posted by Frank at 10:38 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

June 28, 2007

Report: Honda Captures Most Awards in 2007 APEAL Study

Higher Vehicle Appeal May Allow for Lower Dealer Incentives

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Honda captures four model segment awards -- more than any other vehicle nameplate this year -- according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study(SM) released today.

Honda's four segment-leading models are the Fit (in a tie), CR-V, Ridgeline and Odyssey. BMW and Mercedes-Benz receive three segment awards, while Ford, Nissan and Volkswagen each garner two awards. BMW models receiving awards include the 3 Series, 6 Series and X5, while Mercedes-Benz earns awards for the E-Class, S-Class and GL-Class. Ford models earning awards are the Mustang and Edge. Volkswagen receives awards for the Jetta and GTI, while Nissan earns awards for the Altima Sedan and Armada.

Continue reading "Report: Honda Captures Most Awards in 2007 APEAL Study"

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June 23, 2007

Mitsubishi Announces National Booster Seat Awareness Initiative

Carmaker and Non-Profit Organization Poised to Give Away 12,000 Booster Seats Nationwide As Part Of Important Safety Awareness Campaign

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. today announced it is teaming up with 10 Mitsubishi dealerships across the country to kickoff of a nationwide child safety awareness initiative.

Through its partnership with Kids Safety First, a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting automotive child safety, MMNA aims to educate consumers about the importance of life-saving booster seats by working with local safety experts to demonstrate their proper usage.

Mitsubishi and Kids Safety First will work with dealers nationwide to donate approximately 12,000 booster seats throughout the summer as part of the program.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Announces National Booster Seat Awareness Initiative"

Posted by Frank at 12:55 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi | Safety

June 8, 2007

Mitsubishi Spotlights Environmentally Friendly 2008 Lancer and 2007 Outlander in KABC's Third Annual Clean Air Showcase

Rally-Inspired Vehicles Prove Power and Clean Air Technology Can Live in Harmony

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) announced today that it will participate in TalkRadio 790 KABC's Third Annual Clean Air Showcase on Saturday, June 9 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Spotlights Environmentally Friendly 2008 Lancer and 2007 Outlander in KABC's Third Annual Clean Air Showcase"

Posted by Frank at 6:07 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Environment | Mitsubishi

June 7, 2007

Report: Ford Motor Company Captures Most Awards in 2007 Initial Quality Study

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Ford Motor Company garners five top model segment awards -- more than any other automobile corporation this year, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS) released today.

In the study, Ford Motor Company earns model segment awards for the Ford Mustang, Lincoln Mark LT, Lincoln MKZ, Mazda MX-5 Miata and Mercury Milan.

Continue reading "Report: Ford Motor Company Captures Most Awards in 2007 Initial Quality Study"

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June 1, 2007

Fuel-Efficient Lancer Leads Mitsubishi to 15.5% May Increase

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported May sales of 13,651 units, up 15.5% from last May's total of 11,821.* It marks Mitsubishi's biggest month of sales in more than two years (March 2005).

Sales of the all-new fuel-efficient Lancer more than tripled compared to last May, up 228% at 4,028.

"Every day more consumers are discovering that Lancer may be their best choice in the compact sedan segment for its combination of fuel-efficiency, safety, performance, styling, and overall value," said MMNA CEO Hiroshi Harunari. "The same can be said for our all-new Outlander crossover SUV that continues to sell very well."

Continue reading "Fuel-Efficient Lancer Leads Mitsubishi to 15.5% May Increase"

Posted by Frank at 4:32 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

May 28, 2007

Mitsubishi's $500 Military Discount

mimidi.jpgYour investment in this country is to be commended, and in recognition of your efforts, Mitsubishi Motors is offering you a $500 rebate.

Mitsubishi recognizes the dedication and achievements of the hardworking women and men of the military. Your investment in this country is to be commended, and in recognition of your efforts, Mitsubishi Motors is offering you a $500 rebate on your next Mitsubishi vehicle purchase.

This program will end on May 31, 2007. Important restrictions and rules apply.

Posted by Frank at 6:42 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Finance | Mitsubishi

May 25, 2007

"Power-saving Automotive Air Conditioner" jointly developed with Mitsubishi wins EPA award

May 25, 2007 -- Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces that it has won a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2007 Climate Protection Award in recognition of its contribution to protection of the global climate for the Power-saving Automotive Air Conditioning Unit that it has developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

In its selection of the Power-saving Air Conditioner for the award, the EPA cited the significant reductions in power consumption it achieves as a result of improvements to the air conditioner itself and to its control system.

Continue reading ""Power-saving Automotive Air Conditioner" jointly developed with Mitsubishi wins EPA award"

Posted by Frank at 5:04 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink| Filed under Auto News | Car Tech | Environment | Mitsubishi

May 2, 2007

Mitsubishi Reports 11% Sales Increase in April

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported April sales of 12,047 units, up 11.1% from last April's total of 10,841.*

Year-to-date, Mitsubishi sales are up 19.6%, compared to the January-April period in 2006.

"We are particularly pleased that sales of our all-new fuel-efficient 2008 Lancer are off to a tremendous start," said MMNA CEO Hiroshi Harunari. "At the same time our all-new Outlander crossover SUV continues to sell very well."

Lancer sales for the month were 3,860, up 263.5% compared to April 2006. This was the largest sales month for Lancer in nearly three years (May 2004).

Other April sales highlights:

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Reports 11% Sales Increase in April"

Posted by Frank at 8:19 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

April 28, 2007

Mitsubishi Releases Exterior Shots of Lancer Evolution

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LaEvX2.jpgCypress, California -- Mitsubishi Motors in Japan revealed an exterior image of the production version of the Lancer Evolution high performance sedan.

The image, released in conjunction with a financial results announcement, reveals the subtle exterior details of the forthcoming production model, whose styling direction was first suggested with Concept X (2005 Tokyo Motor Show) and later reinforced with Prototype X (2007 NAIAS).

The soon-to-market Lancer Evolution represents the zenith of the Lancer badge's performance development; a rally racing story that began over 30 years ago in the deserts of the Safari Rally, later saw dominance on the WRC stage in the 1990's, and now combines the lessons from competition with high technology to bring an enthusiasts' hero to the streets.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Releases Exterior Shots of Lancer Evolution"

Posted by Frank at 8:02 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors Announces FY2006 Results and FY2007 Forecasts

Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced its full-year results for the year ending March 31, 2007, together with forecasts for the year ending March 31, 2008.

Fiscal 2006 full-year results

1.Fiscal 2006 overview

Mitsubishi Motors' consolidated sales for fiscal 2006 totaled 2 trillion, 202.9 billion yen: an increase of 82.8 billion yen over the previous fiscal year. Favorable yen exchange rates and a more profitable model mix more than offset decreases in retail sales volume and in the OEM supply volume resulting from the ending of the production of the smart forfour.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Motors Announces FY2006 Results and FY2007 Forecasts"

Posted by Frank at 7:57 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Finance | Mitsubishi

April 16, 2007

Report: most cars still can't prevent whiplash

Rear crash protection in cars: seat/head restraints in two of every three models are marginal or poor

Among the winners are seat designs in all Volvos; Audi A4, S4 and A6; Ford Five Hundred/ Mercury Montego; Nissan Sentra and Versa; Saab 9-3; and Subaru Impreza and Legacy/Outback.

ARLINGTON, VA — Seat/head restraint designs in 22 current car models are rated good for rear crash protection, but those in 53 other cars are rated marginal or poor. The latest evaluations of occupant protection in rear-end collisions by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that the seat/head restraints in more than 60 percent of car models fall short of current state-of-the-art protection from neck injury or whiplash.

The ratings of good, acceptable, marginal, or poor are based on geometric measurements of head restraints and simulated crashes that together assess how well people of different sizes would be protected in a typical rear-end collision.

Among the winners are seat designs in all Volvos; Audi A4, S4 and A6; Ford Five Hundred/ Mercury Montego; Nissan Sentra and Versa; Saab 9-3; and Subaru Impreza and Legacy/Outback. Seat/head restraints in 12 other car models are rated acceptable. These results show some improvement since the Institute began rear impact tests of seat/head restraints in 2004. Seats in only 8 car models earned good ratings in 2004.

Continue reading "Report: most cars still can't prevent whiplash"

Posted by Frank at 8:19 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Acura | Audi | Auto News | BMW | Buick | Cadillac | Chevrolet | Chrysler | Dodge | Ford | GM | GMC | Honda | Hummer | Hyundai | Infiniti | Jaguar | Jeep | Kia | Land Rover | Lexus | Lincoln | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury | MINI | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Pontiac | Saab | Safety | Saturn | Scion | Subaru | Toyota | Volkswagen | Volvo

April 5, 2007

Mitsubishi to Offer SIRIUS Satellite Radio on New Eclipse Spyder, all 2007 Models

NEW YORK -- Mitsubishi Motors North America and SIRIUS Satellite Radio today announced that Mitsubishi will offer SIRIUS Satellite Radio as a standard feature on the new 2008 model year Eclipse Spyder which will be available for sale starting this April. Mitsubishi will also extend factory availability of SIRIUS to the full lineup of Mitsubishi vehicles in all 2008 models.

SIRIUS Satellite Radio will be standard equipment on the 2008 Eclipse Spyder, and packaged with the premium audio system on the 2008 Galant, Raider, Endeavor, Outlander, Lancer, Eclipse and Lancer Evolution. All SIRIUS- equipped Mitsubishi vehicles include six months of SIRIUS service.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi to Offer SIRIUS Satellite Radio on New Eclipse Spyder, all 2007 Models"

Posted by Frank at 5:33 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Car Audio | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors Launches Multi-media Ad Campaign For 2008 Rally-inspired Lancer

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America today announced a national advertising campaign to support the all-new 2008 Lancer, available for purchase this month.

The new Lancer advertising initiative continues in the focused direction the company has taken with its 25th anniversary marketing, targeting driving enthusiasts who are emotionally driven, ambitious and energetic. The campaign follows the recently launched Lancer microsite www.lancerproject.com, and is comprised of print, online, direct marketing, radio and broadcast elements.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Motors Launches Multi-media Ad Campaign For 2008 Rally-inspired Lancer"

Posted by Frank at 10:34 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2008 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

March 2, 2007

Mitsubishi Announces Pricing for All-New 2008 Lancer

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CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has announced pricing for its all-new 2008 Lancer compact sedan. The rally-inspired Mitsubishi Lancer delivers driven-to-thrill dynamics, "class-up" value, advanced safety and cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package.

The 2008 Lancer will start at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $13,990 for the value-minded DE model. The well-equipped Lancer ES will start at $15,990 and the sporty GTS, with available class-leading technology, starts at $17,490.

All Lancer models are front-wheel drive and powered exclusively by a new all-aluminum MIVEC 4-cylinder engine teamed to a five-speed manual transmission, achieving 152-hp (Federal emissions). A Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (P-ZEV) engine achieves 143-hp.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Announces Pricing for All-New 2008 Lancer"

Posted by Frank at 4:09 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2007 Vehicles | Auto News | Finance | Mitsubishi

March 1, 2007

Mitsubishi Sales Surge Continues With February Increase of 22%

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., today reported February sales of 9,726 units, up 22% from last February's total of 7,976.

Mitsubishi's calendar year sales have increased 23.7% compared to the first two months of 2006. The February increase follows a January increase of more than 25%. Mitsubishi sales have increased in eight of the eleven months of the current fiscal year (FY2006).

"While we are pleased with the sales of the past two months, all of MMNA is enthusiastically looking to the future," said MMNA CEO Hiroshi Harunari. "The marketplace performance of our products provides tremendous forward momentum and in the Spring we will add the exciting all-new Lancer sedan to the mix."

The Lancer shares a platform with Mitsubishi's new fuel-efficient Outlander crossover SUV, which saw February sales of 1,956 units, up 84% from last February's volume. Other February sales highlights:

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Sales Surge Continues With February Increase of 22%"

Posted by Frank at 3:26 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

February 21, 2007

Mitsubishi Restarts U.S. Profit Engine

Helped by popular new models and aggressive efforts to win back dealers' trust, Mitsubishi Motor Corp. is on track to achieve a full-year profit in the U.S. for the first time in four years.

Mitsubishi's recovery in the U.S. is a surprise, considering it was losing more than $2 billion a year ago and some had speculated it might pull out of the North American market.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the turn-around could pose a threat to the already crowded American auto industry, which is suffering from too much production.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Restarts U.S. Profit Engine"

Posted by Frank at 7:08 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Mitsubishi

February 16, 2007

Mitsubishi Motors R & D of America Announces New Design and Engineering Team

ANN ARBOR, Mich -- Mitsubishi Motors R & D of America (MRDA) today announced changes to the team that will build upon the success of the recently launched Outlander crossover SUV and the soon-to-hit-showrooms 2008 Lancer sedan.

Masato Suwaki has been named to temporarily oversee the North America design activities for Mitsubishi Motors. He is the Senior Vice President for Company Strategy for Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA), where he is responsible for the overall strategic planning for future Mitsubishi vehicles manufactured in North America.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Motors R & D of America Announces New Design and Engineering Team"

Posted by Frank at 10:58 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Mitsubishi

February 7, 2007

Don Swearingen Returns to Mitsubishi as Vice President of Fixed Operations

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has announced former Vice President of Parts, Don Swearingen, will return to the company as Vice President of Fixed Operations, effective Tuesday, February 20.

Continue reading "Don Swearingen Returns to Mitsubishi as Vice President of Fixed Operations"

Posted by Frank at 6:29 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Mitsubishi

February 1, 2007

Mitsubishi January Sales Soar to 25% Increase

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported January sales of 9,383 units, up 25.6% from last January's total of 7,463.

It was Mitsubishi's best January since 2004 and the largest single month percentage increase in four-and-half years (July 2002).

Continue reading "Mitsubishi January Sales Soar to 25% Increase"

Posted by Frank at 3:04 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

January 23, 2007

Record-breaking Mitsubishi Ralliart Claims Seventh Successive Dakar Rally Victory

* French duo of Peterhansel and Cottret clinch third Dakar victory in four years
* Defending champions Alphand and Picard settle for second place
* Masuoka and Maimon finish fifth; Spaniards Roma and Cruz in 13th place

Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart rewrote the history books by claiming a seventh successive victory in the punishing 2007 Dakar Rally after the final 16km special stage, near Dakar, in Sénégal on Sunday.

The success was a record-breaking 12th win in the team's 25-year history of competing in the world's toughest and most famous off-road rally. The French crew of Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret won the event for the third time in four years in their Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Evolution and beat their team mates and defending champions Luc Alphand and Gilles Picard by a margin of just seven minutes 26 seconds, after 15 days of bruising competition across Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania, Mali and Sénégal.

Continue reading "Record-breaking Mitsubishi Ralliart Claims Seventh Successive Dakar Rally Victory"

Posted by Frank at 6:59 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto News | Mitsubishi

January 11, 2007

Mitsubishi Introduces All-New 2008 Lancer Compact Sport Sedan

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Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) has introduced the all-new, 2008 Lancer compact sport sedan, delivering driven-to-thrill dynamics, "class-up" value, advanced safety and available cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package. The new-generation Lancer models arrive in Mitsubishi dealerships in early 2007.

The 2008 Lancer brings the bold, dynamic lines of the show-stopping Mitsubishi Concept-X to the showroom. First shown in 2005, the stunning Concept X previewed not only the next generation Mitsubishi compact sport sedan, but also a new design language to convey an unmistakable brand identity. A "shark-nosed" front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the Lancer's exciting new design.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Introduces All-New 2008 Lancer Compact Sport Sedan"

Posted by Frank at 11:09 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2007 Vehicles | Auto News | Mitsubishi

January 9, 2007

All-New 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer and Prototype for Next-Generation Lancer Evolution Make World Debut

MITSPROTOTYPE.jpg

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today announced the world debut of the all-new, 2008 Lancer compact sedan, and Prototype X, a vision of the next-generation, rally-bred Lancer Evolution sedan. The new Lancer sedan goes on sale in March of 2007 while the high performance, next generation Lancer Evolution will be available in the first quarter of 2008.

The 2007 NAIAS takes place from January 7-21 at the Cobo Center in Detroit and is open to the general public beginning on January 13. In addition to the world-debut vehicles, Mitsubishi is displaying its entire 2007 model line at the show, including the all-new Outlander SUV, the exciting new Galant Ralliart performance sedan and the new Eclipse Spyder.

Special Edition (SE) versions of the Galant, the Endeavor midsize SUV and the Eclipse coupe will also be on the show floor. The Mitsubishi exhibit will also showcase the Baja-winning Raider and a Safari Rally winner from 1973, the Lancer 1600 GSR, will represent more than three decades of Mitsubishi motorsports heritage.


LANCER-CO.jpg

Continue reading "All-New 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer and Prototype for Next-Generation Lancer Evolution Make World Debut"

Posted by Frank at 12:08 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2007 Vehicles | Auto News | Mitsubishi

January 3, 2007

Mitsubishi Shows December Sales Increase

Best Outlander Sales in Nearly Three Years

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported December sales of 9,910 units, up 2.5% from last December's total of 9,673.

"Much of the credit for this increase goes to the performance of the all-new fuel-efficient Outlander crossover SUV," said MMNA CEO Hiroshi Harunari. "We have high expectations for similar performance when we launch the new Lancer sedan in the spring."

Outlander sales were 2,108 units up 225.8% from last year's December volume. This was the best month for Outlander sales since February 2004.

Other December sales highlights:
* Eclipse Spyder closed at 604 units, more than ten times the sales in December of 2005.

* Eclipse coupe sales continued strong at 1,625 units, finishing at 26,385 for the calendar year, the best calendar year of sales for Eclipse since 2003.

Posted by Frank at 5:55 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

December 18, 2006

Mitsubishi Motors Will Debut Two Models at North American International Auto Show

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Prototype X and the 2008 Lancer Lead Lineup

The highly anticipated Mitsubishi Motors Prototype X and its street-legal sibling, the all-new Lancer, will debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 8, 2008.

Mr. Takashi Nishioka, chairman of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Hiroshi Harunari, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) will brief the media at the press conference in the Mitsubishi display in Detroit's Cobo Hall on Monday, January 8, 2007 at 1:55 p.m. EST.

Prototype X hints at the next production version of the world-renowned Mitsubishi Motors rally-winning Lancer Evolution, which will be released later in 2007.

The high performance engine, excellent dynamics and striking design will appeal to enthusiasts worldwide -- for those who desire a daily driver with street credentials as well as those anticipating weekend club or rally performance. The Prototype X is closely related to the all-new 2008 Lancer, which also makes its show debut in Detroit.

mitpro2.jpg

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Motors Will Debut Two Models at North American International Auto Show"

Posted by Frank at 1:49 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2007 Vehicles | 5th Wheel | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

December 16, 2006

2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse At-A-Glance

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The new-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse, which was introduced for 2006, combines Driven to Thrill design and performance with outstanding value to offer the sport coupe customer an attainable exotic. A significant part of Eclipse's appeal is its striking design, and here the car distinguishes itself from traditional, conservative or retro styling seen on some sport coupes. A color-keyed aero kit is available for all models.

Eclipse is offered in two trim and performance levels. The GS is powered by a 162-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine teamed to a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The GT's 3.8-liter V-6 produces 263 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. peak torque and is teamed with a standard six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission.

Both Eclipse engines employ the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system to help optimize efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range. Both Eclipse automatic transmissions feature Sportronic(TM) shifters to allow manual gearshift control. The Eclipse GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds.

07EclipseGS_06.jpg

Continue reading "2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse At-A-Glance"

Posted by Frank at 4:35 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2007 Vehicles | Auto News | Mitsubishi

December 11, 2006

Dan Fresh of DXR Racing Pilots the Baja Raider Truck To a Hotly Contested Baja 1000 Class Victory

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today proudly announced that the production Mitsubishi Raider truck prepared and campaigned by DXR Racing, roared to victory in the Stock Mini class at the 2006 Baja 1000, which wrapped up in La Paz, Mexico this past weekend. In a race that was determined the closest finish in Stock Mini class history, the Mitsubishi Raider won by a margin of 33 seconds.

Continue reading "Dan Fresh of DXR Racing Pilots the Baja Raider Truck To a Hotly Contested Baja 1000 Class Victory"

Posted by Frank at 12:38 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors Introduces Next-Generation 2008 Lancer

08lancer.jpg

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) will introduce, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the all-new, 2008 Lancer compact sport sedan, delivering driven-to-thrill dynamics, "class-up" value, advanced safety and available cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package. The new-generation Lancer models arrive in Mitsubishi dealerships in early 2007.

The 2008 Lancer brings the bold, dynamic lines of the show-stopping Mitsubishi Concept-X to the showroom. First shown in 2005, the stunning Concept X previewed not only the next generation Mitsubishi compact sport sedan, but also a new design language to convey an unmistakable brand identity. A "shark-nosed" front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the Lancer's exciting new design.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Motors Introduces Next-Generation 2008 Lancer"

Posted by Frank at 12:34 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2007 Vehicles | Auto News | Mitsubishi

December 3, 2006

Mitsubishi Motors Puts The Spotlight On The All-New 2007 Outlander At The Los Angeles Auto Show

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The all-new, second-generation 2007 Outlander is the center of attention at the Mitsubishi Motors booth at the Los Angeles Auto Show November 28 through December 10. The larger 2007 Outlander, in Mitsubishi dealerships now, offers a compelling blend of driven-to-thrill dynamics, bold styling, five- or seven-passenger versatility, plus numerous user-technology firsts for the compact SUV segment. Sharing the spotlight is a corn-fed Lancer Evolution, a performance driven Evolander and the newly crowned champion Baja Raider.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Motors Puts The Spotlight On The All-New 2007 Outlander At The Los Angeles Auto Show"

Posted by Frank at 2:22 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2007 Vehicles | Auto News | Mitsubishi

December 1, 2006

All-New Outlander Leads Mitsubishi to November Sales Increase

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., today reported November sales of 9,256 units, up 4% from last November's total of 8,902.

The increase included the first full month of sales of the all-new fuel-efficient crossover SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander. Outlander sales closed the month at 1,694 units, up 41.7% from November 2005 volume.

"We're very pleased with the strong launch of the Outlander," said MMNA CEO Hiroshi Harunari. "Customers obviously recognize the vehicle's outstanding styling, performance, and value."

Other November sales highlights:

* Galant was the volume leader at 2,442, up 15.7% from November of
last year.
* Eclipse Spyder closed at 424 units, up 450% from the same month last
year.
* Eclipse coupe sales continued strong at 1,753 units. Eclipse sales
for January through November 2006 are up 29.7% over the same period
last year.

Posted by Frank at 5:43 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

November 23, 2006

Mitsubishi Raider Truck Triumphs in the Prestigious 39th Annual Tecate Score Baja 1000

Dan Fresh of DXR Racing Pilots the Baja Raider Truck To a Hotly Contested Baja 1000 Class Victory

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today proudly announced that the production Mitsubishi Raider truck prepared and campaigned by DXR Racing, roared to victory in the Stock Mini class at the 2006 Baja 1000, which wrapped up in La Paz, Mexico this past weekend. In a race that was determined the closest finish in Stock Mini class history, the Mitsubishi Raider won by a margin of 33 seconds.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Raider Truck Triumphs in the Prestigious 39th Annual Tecate Score Baja 1000"

Posted by Frank at 11:05 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto News | Mitsubishi

November 20, 2006

Mitsubishi Plans Diesel for Europe, Maybe U.S.

Mitsubishi Motors North America CEO Hiroshi Harunari is "not excluding the U.S. market" as it plans to ready a four-cylinder diesel engine for Europe before 2010, reports Automotive News.

"It depends on market acceptance," Harunari said. "This is the only country where diesel fuel is more expensive than regular gas. So we will watch the market. We will not be the front-runner, but we will be ready." Honda and other automakers have already said they will launch clean diesels in the U.S.

Posted by Frank at 4:48 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Alternative Fuels | Auto News | Diesel | Mitsubishi

November 10, 2006

Mitsubishi To Unveil New Lancer Sports Sedan At 2007 North American International Auto Show

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Ninety years after starting car production (with the 1917 Model-A), Mitsubishi has embarked upon its most ambitious automotive project ever through the launch of its first global platform.

Known as "Project Global", and already successfully previewed with the second generation Outlander, it will be showcased at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit by its highest volume variant: the all-new 4-door Lancer sports sedan.

Dynamic

Designed at Mitsubishi Motors studios in Europe and Japan, the Lancer sports sedan shares its stunning design language with the much-acclaimed Mitsubishi Design Europe-penned 2005 Concept-X and Concept-Sportback show cars.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi To Unveil New Lancer Sports Sedan At 2007 North American International Auto Show"

Posted by Frank at 1:10 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Mitsubishi

November 6, 2006

Mitsubishi Motors Unveils "Out Everything" Ad Campaign For New Outlander Compact SUV

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Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today announced a national advertising campaign to support the second-generation Outlander compact Sport Utility Vehicle, available for purchase this month. The campaign is boldly titled, "Out Everything" and illustrates for consumers how the generously equipped SUV outperforms and outclasses the competition as well as emphasizes the performance heritage of the company. The campaign follows the recently launched Outlander microsite http://www.outeverything.com, and will encompass print, online and broadcast outlets.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Motors Unveils "Out Everything" Ad Campaign For New Outlander Compact SUV"

Posted by Frank at 2:15 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2007 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors Debuts Interactive Microsite For New Outlander Compact SUV

2007_Outlander_Urban_05.jpg

The 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander ad campaign aims to 'outbroadcast' the features of the all-new compact sport utility, as viewers are introduced to the new model on the just-launched microsite, http://www.outeverything.com. With the 2007 Outlander campaign, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. debuts an updated advertising design theme to complement a new series of models to be introduced over the next 18 months. Outlander goes on sale in November.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Motors Debuts Interactive Microsite For New Outlander Compact SUV"

Posted by Frank at 2:13 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2007 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

November 2, 2006

Lancer and Spyder Lead Mitsubishi Sales Performance in October

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported October sales of 9,288 units, virtually unchanged from last October's total of 9,292.

MMNA's sales have shown consistent growth over the past six months, the first six months of the business year. Sales are expected to increase significantly in November with the addition of the Outlander, Mitsubishi's all new fuel efficient crossover SUV.

October sales highlights:

* Lancer was the volume leader at 2,382, up 47.4% from October 2005.
* Eclipse Spyder sales of 518 for the month, was an increase of 469.2%
over last October.

Posted by Frank at 2:53 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

November 1, 2006

Mitsubishi's Evolander Concept Headlines a Strong Display of SEMA-ized Vehicles

All-New 2007 Outlander gets EVO-ived Race-prepped Raider Pickup debuts prior to competing in Baja 1000

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) addresses the tuner market by presenting an exciting new Evolander concept vehicle, the off-road race-ready Baja Raider truck, the Feast Audio "i" minicar, the LOUD-lander by Rockford Fosgate and several new Special Edition models at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.

"The Evolander builds upon the reputation that the Lancer Evolution sedan has built among tuners and car enthusiasts. Like the Evo, the Evolander boasts a forced induction engine, electronic all-wheel drive, and a tuned suspension that deliver on its Evo-ness," said Dan Sims, managing director of Mitsubishi Research and Design America. "A vehicle like Evolander, which blends Evolution-style design cues and sport SUV themes, might help inspire tuners to apply their wares to the compact SUV segment."

Continue reading "Mitsubishi's Evolander Concept Headlines a Strong Display of SEMA-ized Vehicles"

Posted by Frank at 6:05 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto News | Mitsubishi

October 17, 2006

Mitsubishi Eclipse Is The "Attainable Exotic"

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) turned its iconic Eclipse sport coupe into a high-performance GT with the introduction of the fourth-generation model for 2006. The new-generation Eclipse combines "Driven to Thrill" design and performance with outstanding value to offer the sport coupe customer an "attainable exotic."

New for 2007, the 263-hp Eclipse GT offers an optional Sun and Sound Package, which bundles a power sunroof with the potent Rockford-Fosgate(R) Premium Audio system, steering wheel audio controls, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Previously, these features were included only in the more comprehensive Premium Sport Package, which remains available. The Sun and Sound Package is the sole factory option available for the well equipped four-cylinder Eclipse GS model. All Eclipse models for 2007 gain a new standard anti-theft system with hood switch.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Eclipse Is The "Attainable Exotic""

Posted by Frank at 5:01 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2007 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

October 13, 2006

Mitsubishi to bring zero-emissions electric car to U.S.

Mitsubishi said it plans to sell a lithium-ion battery car in the U.S., after it launches the model in Japan. The automaker didn't reveal specific data about the launch.

Link.

Posted by Frank at 3:12 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Alternative Fuels | Auto News | Environment | Mitsubishi

October 11, 2006

Mitsubishi Calls On Dealers To Upgrade Showrooms

Mitsubishi North America CEO Haroshi Harunari told dealers that there is "plenty of room for improvement in new- and used-car sales and in service and parts," and said the automaker is willing to help dealers upgrade their headquarters, according to Automotive News.

Harunari challenged U.S. dealers to sell 130,000 units in the FY2006 which ends March 31 -- a 30 percent increase from FY2005. The automaker is banking on its redesigned Outlander crossover to provide a sales boost. According to Automotive News, plans are also in the works for Mitsubishi to sell a small electric car in the U.S., though timing and sales volume targets were not disclosed. Mitsubishi unveiled a hybrid concept last January at the Detroit Auto Show.

Posted by Frank at 9:18 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

October 10, 2006

Mitsubishi Motors Debuts Interactive Microsite for New Outlander Compact SUV

outsite.jpg

The 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander ad campaign aims to 'outbroadcast' the features of the all-new compact sport utility, as viewers are introduced to the new model on the just-launched microsite, http://www.outeverything.com/.

With the 2007 Outlander campaign, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. debuts an updated advertising design theme to complement a new series of models to be introduced over the next 18 months. Outlander goes on sale in November.

The Outlander advertising campaign illustrates for consumers how the generously equipped SUV can "OutFast," "OutBlast," and "OutMusic" the competition, among other attributes. The full campaign, which will cover print, online and broadcast outlets, is set to launch Nov. 6 and was developed by Mitsubishi's national advertising agency, BBDO, with the online elements developed by Organic, Inc. Additionally, the Outlander ad campaign incorporates Mitsubishi's "Driven to Thrill" tagline as well as the "25 years in America" corporate logo, as part of the company's yearlong anniversary celebration.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Motors Debuts Interactive Microsite for New Outlander Compact SUV"

Posted by Frank at 7:37 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2007 Vehicles | Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

October 9, 2006

Mitsubishi Announces Pricing for All-New 2007 Outlander

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has announced pricing for its all-new, second-generation Outlander compact sport-utility vehicle. The larger, more powerful 2007 Outlander will start at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $21,370 for a well- equipped ES front-wheel drive model. Early buyers will receive a Mitsubishi 25th Anniversary discount of $1,380 for a starting MSRP of $19,990.

All 2007 Outlander models are powered exclusively by a new all-aluminum MIVEC V-6 engine teamed to a six-speed Sportronic(R) automatic transmission, achieving 220-hp (Federal emissions.) A segment-first Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (P-ZEV) V6 engine achieves 213-hp.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Announces Pricing for All-New 2007 Outlander"

Posted by Frank at 8:31 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2007 Vehicles | Auto News | Mitsubishi

October 6, 2006

Mitsubishi Motors Sales Soar in September

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported September sales of 10,287 units, an increase of 13.6% over last September's total of 9,054.

MMNA's sales have shown consistent growth over the past six months, the first six months of the business year. Sales for the April-September period are up 4.5% over the same period in 2005. July-September period sales were also up 4.5% over the same quarter in 2005.

September marked the seventh consecutive month that Mitsubishi U.S. sales topped the 10,000 mark and the third consecutive month of year-over-year increases.

MMNA President & CEO Hiroshi Harunari said, "Sales increases month-after-month are a true indicator that customers are confident in the quality of our products and their styling, performance, and value. We expect our sales to accelerate further with the introduction of our all-new fuel-efficient Outlander crossover SUV in November."

September sales highlights:

* Eclipse continues to be the volume leader at 2,485, up 42.0% calendar
year-to-date.
* Lancer closed at 2,169 units in September, up 50.1% from last
September's volume.
* Eclipse Spyder September sales were 607 units, up 209.7% from last
year's volume.

Posted by Frank at 7:17 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Mitsubishi

October 1, 2006

Mitsubishi Reveals Redesigned Website

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Mitsubishi has announced the unveiling of its newly redesigned www.mitsubishicars.com. This highly engaging, visually rich website marks a dramatic leap forward in terms of Mitsubishi's online consumer experience.

The new site is replete with strong styling and design elements and easy-to-navigate research and purchase paths. At Mitsubishicars.com, the car takes center stage.

The site offers improved speed, navigation and easier to access information, as well as an emphasis on vehicle appearance, features and performance. Consumers are offered several choices to customize their vehicles and price them out online, as well as the opportunity to obtain a trade-in appraisal via Intelliprice(TM), an independent and objective appraisal system of used vehicle values. The site will also direct consumers to local dealers when they are ready to buy.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Reveals Redesigned Website"

Posted by Frank at 8:29 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto Marketing | Auto News | Mitsubishi

September 18, 2006

Mitsubishi Announces 2007/2008 Vehicles Meeting Voluntary Safety Commitment

As part of its ongoing participation in industry-led voluntary efforts to improve vehicle safety, Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today announced that the majority of its 2007 model year vehicles and early model year 2008 vehicles will comply with the voluntary design and performance criteria set out in 2003 by member companies of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Announces 2007/2008 Vehicles Meeting Voluntary Safety Commitment"

Posted by Frank at 2:40 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Mitsubishi | Safety

September 10, 2006

Mitsubishi does it again with a slight sales increase in August

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., reports August sales of 10,954 units, an increase of 0.1% over last August's total of 10,945.

It marked the sixth consecutive month that Mitsubishi U.S. sales topped the 10,000 mark and the second consecutive month of year-over-year increases. August marked the fourth month in the last five that MMNA has surpassed the sales of the same month a year ago.

MMNA President & CEO Hiroshi Harunari said, "The consistency of the sales performance of our products in the U.S. is an excellent indicator of the growing strength and stability of our business in this market. We are particularly pleased to show sales increases month after month, at a time when our industry as a whole has shown declining sales."

Harunari added that Mitsubishi business should further strengthen when the all-new, fuel-efficient Outlander crossover SUV arrives at dealerships in October.

August sales highlights:
* Eclipse was the volume leader at 2,966 up 27.6% from last year's
volume.
* Lancer closed at 1,797 units, up 34.3% from last year's volume.
* Eclipse Spyder sales were 773 units, up 145.4% from last year's volume.

Posted by Frank at 1:24 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

August 1, 2006

Eclipsing past losses, Mitsubishi gains in July

Mitsubishi reported July sales of 10,502 units, an increase of 1.2% over last July's total of 10,376.

This is the fifth consecutive month Mitis has topped the 10,000 mark!

Eclipse sales were up 14.0% over last July, and are up 55.8% for the year to date. Eclipse Spyder convertible sales were up 102% from July 2005 and are up 44% for the calendar year.

And both the Lancer [up 53%] and Lancer Evolution [up 58%] did well.

Posted by Frank at 3:12 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi adds Special Edition to Evo lineup

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Mitsubishi is applying the "Special Edition"; treatment to its critically acclaimed ninth-generation Lancer Evolution. The 2006 Lancer Evolution SE offers special features at a competitive price of $33,249 MSRP to make this legendary performance vehicle even more thrilling. The new SE trim level represents the final enhancement to a Lancer Evolution body style that has been on sale in the U.S. market since 2003.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi adds Special Edition to Evo lineup"

Posted by Frank at 11:39 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Mitsubishi

July 31, 2006

Mitsubishi makes SIRIUS Radio Standard or Option on All 2007 Models

SIRIUS to be Offered on Four Models This Fall and Full Vehicle Lineup Next Year

Mitsubishi Motors North America and SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI - News) today announced that Mitsubishi will offer SIRIUS as a standard feature or factory option on four models this fall, and throughout the entire 2008 Mitsubishi model line, available in the United States next year.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi makes SIRIUS Radio Standard or Option on All 2007 Models"

Posted by Frank at 11:18 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Mitsubishi

July 27, 2006

Mitsubishi releases 2007 Galant pricing

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The new Galant Ralliart spearheads the restyled Galant midsize sedan line for 2007. Powered by a MIVEC-enhanced 258-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine and equipped with sport suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and exclusive exterior styling and interior features, Galant Ralliart competes in the growing performance sedan segment. One of the most powerful import brand sport sedans in its segment, the 2007 Galant Ralliart can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in about seven seconds.

All Galant models get an updated, sophisticated new look for 2007 with new front and rear bumper fascias, a new grille with chrome surround. The Galant Ralliart is distinguished by a unique front aero bumper, sport mesh grille projector-style ellipsoid headlamps, two-tone bumpers and color-keyed side air dams.

Prices for the four Galant trim levels are as follows:
Galant DE 4-Door -- $ 19,899.00
Galant ES 4-Door -- $ 20,999.00
Galant GTS-V6 4-Door -- $ 24,999.00
Galant Ralliart-V6 4-Door -- $ 26,999.00

Continue reading "Mitsubishi releases 2007 Galant pricing"

Posted by Frank at 3:29 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Finance | Mitsubishi

July 14, 2006

Mitsubishi to Offer Rockford Sound Systems in Six Future Models

Rockford Corporation today announced that Mitsubishi Motors will offer the high-output Punch(R) sound of Rockford Fosgate and the high-definition and clarity of Rockford Acoustic Design audio systems as optional upgrades on six upcoming Mitsubishi vehicles.

These six vehicles are in addition to four previously announced vehicles in which Mitsubishi currently offers Rockford sound systems: the Eclipse coupe, the Eclipse Spyder, and the all-new global Outlander offer Rockford Fosgate systems. The Galant will be the first vehicle in which the Rockford Acoustic Design system is factory installed.

"We are pleased to broaden and extend our partnership with Mitsubishi to give their customers what they want in a sound system," said W. Gary Suttle, president and CEO, Rockford Corporation. "They have acknowledged the positive impact, to date, of the high performance Rockford Fosgate sound systems on their customers' purchases and selection of upgrades. We expect this trend to continue with the six new models."

Suttle continued, "It is important to note that several of these programs will be for global vehicles, as well as vehicles sold in the U.S., Canada and Japan. This is a positive reflection of the value that Mitsubishi places on the worldwide appeal of the Rockford brands. As with the current programs, these new programs will run for multiple years."

Additional information on specific models will be available as Mitsubishi announces its programs for these cars.

www.rockfordcorp.com.

Posted by Frank at 11:02 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Mitsubishi

July 6, 2006

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer SE: Desirable Features, Outstanding Value

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Mitsubishi Motors is thrilling buyers in the entry-level sedan market with a value-driven "Special Edition" package for the already attractive 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer. The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer SE offers alluring features at a very competitive price of $16,099 MSRP for consumers looking for performance and distinctive styling.

The spacious and comfortable interior of the well-featured 2006 Lancer is augmented on the SE with standard black Alcantara(TM) seating surfaces with vinyl bolsters, chrome inner-door levers and silver mesh instrument panel accents. Other standard premium features include a power glass sun roof, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers, 6 audio speakers, and remote keyless entry.

All Lancers are well-equipped with standard air conditioning, power windows and door locks, AM/FM/CD audio, clock, center armrest with storage console and tilt steering wheel.

On the exterior, the Lancer SE enhances the sophisticated and upscale look of the 2006 Lancer with 15" aluminum alloy wheels, chrome outer-door handles and color-keyed mirrors. The "Special Edition" is available in four exterior colors: Cool Silver, Graphite Gray, Igloo White and Labrador Black.

The 2006 Lancer SE is powered by a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, SOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder engine that provides excellent fuel economy of 34 mpg highway/27 mpg city with manual transmission. With a peak of 120 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 130 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm, the 2.0-liter engine offers abundant low-end and midrange power.

Two newly available accessory packages allow buyers of the Lancer Special Edition, as well as the ES model, to customize their vehicle. For an additional $485 MSRP, consumers can select a CD changer package that includes a 6-disc in-dash CD changer. An appearance package is available for $258 MSRP for styling enhancements including a scuff plate, front and rear mudguards and a bright exhaust finisher.

Posted by Frank at 7:16 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Mitsubishi

July 5, 2006

Mitsubishi Motors Reports Fourth Straight Month of Over 10,000 Sales

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported June sales of 10,004 units, the fourth consecutive month that U.S. sales topped the 10,000 mark. MMNA last sold 10,000-plus vehicles for four months in a row during May-August 2005.

"We are pleased that we have established consistent sales of over 10,000 vehicles per month," said President & CEO Hiroshi Harunari. "This will serve as a platform for what we expect to be an exciting summer in our dealerships, followed by the launch of our all-new Outlander in the Fall."

* Eclipse coupe sales were 2,186, up 2.1% from last year's June volume.
CYTD, Eclipse coupe sales are up 60% over last year CYTD.

* Eclipse Spyder convertible sales were 826, more than triple the number
of sales in June 2005. Spyder sales are up 35% CYTD.

* Lancer Evolution closed at 417, with a volume increase of 40% over June
2005.

* The Raider pickup truck, which was launched last Fall, showed it's
fifth consecutive month-over-month increase.

Note: Total Mitsubishi sales in June 2005 were 10,621.

Posted by Frank at 2:59 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Mitsubishi

June 12, 2006

Mitsubishi Spyder Convertible Video

This video is straightforward -- we wanted to show you how smooth the Spyder's power convertible top operates and that's a theme that resonates throughout the car.

The ride of the Spyder was smooth, the interior is stylish without being gaudy and the exterior styling also is sharp without going over the top.

In a word, the Eclipse Syder is smooth.

To get a free price quote on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, click here.

Posted by Frank at 8:07 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2006 Vehicles | Auto News | Mitsubishi | Test Drives | Video

June 7, 2006

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift Mega Cool Xtreme Desktop

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Coming out on June 16, the new Fast and the Furious movie, Tokyo Drift, has got the coolest website, screensaver and wallpapers I've seen yet for any movie, never mind a car flick.

The Xtreme desktop has links to trailers and videos and a built in countdown timer to the premiere date, as well as wallpaper downloads like the one above. Lots, lots more -- check it out!

Link.

Posted by Frank at 3:04 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 5th Wheel | Auto News | Mitsubishi

Cadillac Escalade and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Top Theft List

ARLINGTON, VA — Versions of the 2003-05 Cadillac Escalade, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab pickup have the highest rates of insurance theft claims. The 3 vehicles have claim rates 4 to 5 times the average for all vehicles. These are the latest theft loss results for passenger vehicles 1 to 3 years old published by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), an affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Overall losses for pickups have increased sharply since 1999. This is mainly because of high theft claims for the Dodge Ram and Ford F-250/350. In contrast, losses for cars and SUVs increased slightly in 2003-04 but declined in 2005. The rate of theft of pickups in 2005 was nearly twice as high as for cars or SUVs.

This is the fourth year in a row that the Escalade has topped the list of vehicles most likely to have a theft claim. In fact, 4 versions of the Escalade (EXT, a specialty pickup, plus 2- and 4-wheel-drive versions of the short- and long-wheelbase Escalade SUVs) head the list of the worst overall insurance losses for theft among all passenger vehicles. The EXT has overall theft losses that are 16 times higher than the average.

Continue reading "Cadillac Escalade and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Top Theft List"

Posted by Frank at 12:47 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Cadillac | Mitsubishi

June 4, 2006

Nissan Silvia Vs Mitsubishi Evo Race Video

You have got to watch this just to listen to the Japanese race announcer!

Posted by Frank at 2:38 PM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under 2006 Vehicles | 5th Wheel | Auto News | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Video

Mitsubishi Motors Reports Best Month of U.S. Sales in More Than a Year

May U.S. Sales Up Four Percent

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported May sales of 11,821 units, an increase of 3.9% compared to May 2005 sales of 11,380. The increase follows a 17.5% year-over-year increase in April.

"We are very pleased to put together two consecutive months of very strong sales," said President & CEO Hiroshi Harunari. "This gives us tremendous momentum entering the summer selling season, with our exciting new Eclipse Spyder convertible just beginning to make an impact."

* May sales volume closed at 11,821, up 9.0% from last month's volume and
3.9% up from last May's volume. This was the best month since
March 2005.

* Galant was the volume leader at 3,071, up 8.9% up from last May's
volume.

* Eclipse Spyder closed with 895 sales, up 85.7% from last year's May
sales.

* Eclipse closed at 2,606, up 64.5% from May 2005 volume. CYTD volume of
11,002 is up 92.9% from last year CYTD.

* Endeavor closed at 1,681, up 35.5% from last month's (April 2006)
volume.

Posted by Frank at 5:50 AM | Email to a friend | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed under Auto News | Industry Statistics | Mitsubishi

April 4, 2006

Mitsubis