Mitsubishi 2013 Annual Report Download - page 9

 Introducing New Minicars, the eK Wagon and the eK Custom, into the
Japanese Market
As the second wave of NMKV models, we are moving for-
ward with the development of a new-model minicar in the form
of a “super-hight” (tall) wagon, with a view to market introduc-
tion in early 2014. Going forward, Mitsubishi Motors plans to
step up its sales volume in the minicar market.
X By raising productivity and aggressively
developing new models, we intend to
improve sales and pro ts in mature markets.
At our factories in Japan, we are introducing structural reforms
to increase cost competitiveness. At the Mizushima Plant, we
have begun producing new minicars on the same line with
passenger cars, increasing productivity substantially. In January
2014, we will consolidate the plant’s current four lines into two.
Other efforts to raise productivity include increasing Outlander
PHEV production capacity at the Nagoya Plant and consolidat-
ing the processes for installing PHEV batteries and motors from
a sub-assembly line to the main assembly line.
In Europe, by launching the Mirage, Outlander and
Outlander PHEV, we expect our sales volume in this region to
be 212,000 vehicles in  scal 2013, up 20% year on year. We
expect pro ts to improve as a result of having sold NedCar at
the end of 2012, pushing our European operations into the
black in  scal 2013. We came to a basic agreement to conduct
the transfer of the European manufacturing subsidiary in a
manner that prioritized employees retaining their jobs.
In North America, we expect our sales volume to reach
100,000 vehicles in  scal 2013, up 20% from the  scal 2012
level, resulting from the introduction of the Outlander and
Mirage. We have begun manufacturing the Outlander Sport
For the eK Wagon and the eK Custom, which launched in
Japan in June 2013, we recast the vehicles’ platforms, bodies,
engines and transmissions, resulting in minicars featuring
sophisticated design, comfortable interior space, easy-to-drive
operability and excellent fuel ef ciency. The two models were
planned and developed by NMKV Co., Ltd., our joint venture
with Nissan Motor. Leveraging each company’s speci c
strengths in such areas as product planning, development
and purchasing, the joint venture succeeded in creating
highly competitive products.
These models are particularly noteworthy for their sophis-
ticated design—a dynamic shape unusual for a minicar. They
also offer a touch-panel-controlled air conditioner, which is a
 rst for a minicar; and use our  rst UV-reducing glass, which
cuts ultraviolet rays by 99%*1. Equipped for convenience and
comfort, the models employ a keyless operation system, wide
dashboards and roomy seats. They employ a new Auto Stop
& Go (ASG)*2 system, as well as a newly developed MIVEC*3
engine and a CVT with a sub-gear train in addition to uncom-
promising weight reduction throughout. As a result, the
models have one of the best fuel ef ciencies in their class*4,
at 29.2 km/liter (per the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastruc-
ture, Transport and Tourism’s JC08 fuel-economy test cycle)*5.
*1 ISO 9050 standard
*2 An “idling stop” system with a coasting stop feature that turns off the
engine when vehicle speed drops below about 13 km/h while decelerating
to further reduce fuel consumption (some versions excluded)
*3 Abbreviation for Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control
system
*4 The class of minicars that are 1,550 mm or taller
*5 Some versions excluded
eK Wagon
5
Some
versions
exclude
d
eK Custom
MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION
Annual Report 2013 7