Mitsubishi 2001 Annual Report Download - page 37

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MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION Annual Report 2001 [35]
The GDI-CVT powertrain, as found in
the LANCER CEDIA and the LANCER
CEDIA WAGON, delivers integrated
control through the use of key features
inherent in the powertrain itself, namely
highly accurate torque control, a wide
power band and low fuel consumption.
The results are significantly less energy
loss, 10% greater fuel economy as
compared with the previous GDI engine
(automatic transmission models), out-
standing acceleration, and smooth
response with nearly imperceptible
gear changes.
The HEARTY RUN SERIES vehicles for
the physically challenged was expanded,
as well. The series now includes the
TOPPO BJ, which is equipped with a
movable front passenger seat, and the
new DELICA VAN fitted with a wheel-
chair package.
In February 2001, MMC launched the
LANCER EVOLUTION VII, a high-perfor-
mance, 4WD sports sedan. Based on the
LANCER CEDIA, which underwent a
full model change in May 2000, the
LANCER EVOLUTION VII features a
proven high-performance 2-liter inter-
cooler-turbocharged engine, MMC’s pro-
prietary advanced 4WD system and a
brake cooling system. The end result is
a true sports-car driving experience. The
LANCER EVOLUTION VII also employs
MMC’s newly developed ACD (active
center differential), which yields en-
hanced steering response and traction
control. The LANCER EVOLUTION series
has already proven its pedigree at the
pinnacle of motorsports by winning the
World Rally Championship with Tommi
Makinen and MMC team drivers at the
wheel. In June 2001, MMC introduced a
new model called the AIRTREK. This ex-
citing new-generation crossover RV was
created around the concept of a “smart
all-rounder.”
Despite the favorable market response
to the new models, shipments of MMC-
brand passenger cars in the Japanese
market, particularly after July 2000, were
weakened by recall related problems.
Consequently, total domestic shipments
dropped to 426,000 units during fiscal
2000, down approximately 19% from the
previous year’s figure. Domestic pro-
duction was down 5%, at 857,000 units.
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
MMC exported 440,000 passenger cars
during fiscal 2000, an increase of 10%
over the preceding year.