Mitsubishi 2000 Annual Report Download - page 35

33
Operational review
33
to recovery: growing by 40% in Malaysia, and by 270% in
Indonesia. MMC shipments to Europe totaled 115,000 units,
31% down over the previous year. This was due to increased
costs related to the weakness of the Euro, and to increased
production volume at local facilities.
Production at MMC facilities in countries outside Japan
totaled 734,000 units, a strong 20% recovery over the previ-
ous year.
Highlights include a production volume of 162,000 units
in North America, 3% up on the previous year with produc-
tion of the new fast-selling Eclipse model up by 55%. In
Asia, production grew strongly over 1998 levels, thanks to
the market recovery in parts of the region.
■North America
MMC enjoyed an excellent year in terms of production and
sales in North America in fiscal 1999. Mitsubishi Motors
was the fastest growing Japanese automotive brand in
America, and recorded its best sales year. This momentum
has continued with a 42% rise in sales volume for the first
half of 2000 and the most profitable first half in its history.
Driving this performance were three primary factors.
First, the increased competitiveness of the Mitsubishi lineup;
this stemming from the continuing popularity of the Galant
sedan introduced in 1998, and reinforced by the new Eclipse
Coupe and Montero Sport models introduced in 1999. The
second factor was the increased recognition accorded to
Mitsubishi brand quality, as evidenced by the Company's
jump to ninth place in NADA rankings, up from 22nd out of
33 in 1997. The third contributing factor was a strengthening
Montero Sports (US market model)
Galant sedan
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
9998979695
218 198 194 198 189 189
157
191
162
261
(1,000 units)
Sales Production
Production & sales in North America