Mitsubishi 1999 Annual Report Download - page 26

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these were: the Pajero iO, Aspire; five new-regulation mini-
cars–Toppo BJ, Minica, Pajero Mini, Minicab and Townbox;
the Mirage Dingo–the first in the company's new SUW se-
ries; and, the Lancer Evolution VI and Toppo BJ Wide.
These models have been well received by market and con-
sumer alike and strong sales bode well for fiscal 1999.
Production of MMC's family of GDI ultra-high efficien-
cy eco-engines topped 500,000 units in April 1999, with
monthly volume up to 22,000. Joined by the 1.5-liter engine
that powers the new Mirage Dingo, the five-member GDI
family now powers 11 MMC models, sales of which have
topped 400,000 in Japan.
The company launched a low-emission Galant model that
integrates further evolutions in GDI combustion technology
with advanced catalytic converter technology to clear
Japanese 2000 NOx and HC emission regulations. This tech-
nology will also enable Mitsubishi cars to meet the European
Step III levels and the ULEV levels in California slated for
introduction in the near future. (See page 18)
Underlining its position as industry leader in environ-
mental technology, the company recently announced the de-
velopment of the GDI SIGMA Series high-efficiency power-
train. This system utilizes synergies between the GDI engine
and such component systems as a continuously variable
transmission, hybrid electric propulsion, idle-stop, and tur-
bocharger to achieve further improvements in fuel consump-
tion and reductions in emissions. (See page 19), Models us-
ing this advanced eco-friendly powertrain will first go on the
market in Japan at the end of the year. The company has in-
stalled CVT production facilities at the Yagi Plant in Kyoto.
The HEV system employs compact and high-power Lithium-
ion batteries.
RM2001 is bringing major changes to the company's pas-
senger car operations in Japan. The product lineup is being
streamlined, enabling the company to concentrate on the
model series it does best and which provide the maximum
revenue: the Pajero, minicar and new SUW series. Towards
this end, the number of platforms used is currently being
trimmed from 13 to 6. Skillful tailoring of bodies and com-
ponents will maximize the choice of model variations avail-
able to meet diverse customer needs.
Current production capacity is being cut by 15 % to bring
it more in line with the shrunken domestic market and with
the drop in exports resulting from growing production at pro-
duction facilities overseas. The functions of the Oye compo-
nent, and the Kyoto engine and transmission, plants are be-
ing transferred to other facilities.
The company's sales organization in Japan will retain the
current Galant and Car Plaza two-channel structure, but is
being streamlined and regrouped around the better-perform-
ing dealerships. The fast-selling Mirage Dingo, the first in
the new SUW series, has been made exclusive to the Car
Plaza channel in a move designed to revitalize this channel's
performance. At the end of March, factory and dealer car in-
ventories had been reduced by 6,000 to 53,000 units com-
pared with the same date in 1998.
Operational review
24