Mitsubishi 2000 Annual Report Download - page 36

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34
Operational review
34
in the cooperative relationship between the Company and its
dealers, with the introduction of a new computerized sales
support system and greater use of IT bringing significant in-
creases in the efficiency of sales activities.
Production at MMMA increased 3% to 162,500 units in
fiscal 1999. This was due to strong sales of the Galant and
Eclipse, and to the Sebring and Avenger models it assembles
for DaimlerChrysler.
■Europe
Industry sales in Europe totaled 15 million units in 1999.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Europe increased its sales by two
percent to 283,000 units. Highlights include record sales in
Italy, up 55% at 25,000 units, and in Spain, up 26% at
19,000 units. The Company also posted increased sales in
Germany, up 4% at 67,000 units, and in the Netherlands, up
10% at 21,000 units.
MMC will continue to operate its European manufactur-
ing facility, NedCar, with Volvo Car until 2004 under its
agreement with the Swedish manufacturer. Thereafter, the
Company plans to operate NedCar with DaimlerChrysler;
this to include the production, starting in 2004, of the Z-car
global strategy model the two companies are to develop to-
gether.
■Asia and Oceania
The economies in Asia and the ASEAN block are making a
rapid recovery from the damage inflicted by the currency
crises in 1997 and 1998, and on the whole demand is grow-
ing again.
In Australia, industry sales totaled 787,000 units in 1999,
a slight 2% decrease on the record of 807,000 units in 1998
but still the second-best year ever. MMAL sold 70,000 cars,
a 17% decrease over 1998, and due mainly to the stronger
Japanese yen.
Total market sales in Thailand grew by 47% to 211,000
units in fiscal 1999. Sales of MMC brand vehicles on the
Thai domestic market increased by 18% over the previous
year to 17,000 units. Export shipments of Strada pickup and
SUV models from Thailand, the Company's global produc-
tion hub for this type of vehicle, were 67,000 units, 5% up on
the previous year.
Total sales in the Philippine market decreased 28% to
71,000 units in fiscal 1999. Driven by the Pajero, Mirage
and Adventure models, MMC brand car sales totaled 15,000
units, for a 21% share of the market. The decline in con-
sumer interest due to concern about the depressed state of the
0
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9998979695
24
194
45
214
90
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286
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283
(1,000 units)
Sales
Production
Montero (US market model)
Production & sales in Europe