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[36] MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION Annual Report 2001
North America
Total auto sales in the U.S. (represent-
ing the combined sum of passenger
cars and small commercial vehicles)
dropped slightly during the latter half
of the calendar year. However, the U.S.
market still recorded its best sales year,
with consumers buying 17,410,000 cars
and trucks, an increase of 2.7% over the
previous year.
Despite the intensity of competition,
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc.
(MMSA) sold 314,000 units, up 20% from
the previous year’s figure. In fact, this
was the second consecutive year of
record-setting sales, with key MMC
models such as the ECLIPSE, the
GALANT and the MONTERO SPORT rising
strongly. Contributing to the brand’s
growing sales were the new ECLIPSE
SPYDER and the redesigned MONTERO,
launched in the spring of 2000.
Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of
America, Inc. (MMMA), thanks to stron-
ger sales by MMSA, produced 222,000
units during 2000, a jump of 37.3% from
the prior year’s figure. MMC plans to
introduce a new SUV for the 2003
model year. Designed exclusively for the
U.S. market, it will be manufactured by
MMMA. Sales of MMC models continue
to grow in the U.S., as is amply evidenced
by a lower break-even point, more robust
operating base and greater profitability.
Europe
Total auto sales in Europe during 2000
were 16,541,000 units, down 2% from
the previous year. MMC’s share on the
continent dropped 9% to 258,000 units.
Viewing the situation by country,
Germany saw its car sales plunge 11%
to 3,565,000 units. MMC sold 52,000
units in Germany—a 23% drop relative
to the preceding year—as the strong
performance of the new PAJERO was
overshadowed by flagging sales of the
CARISMA and the MIRAGE models.
In Italy, total car sales grew 3% to
2,568,000 units, setting a new record. Of
the MMC models, the STRADA showed
particularly impressive performance,
with sales increasing 6% to 26,000 units.
In the U.K., total sales were down 1% to
2,439,000 units, yet with sales of the new
PAJERO down, MMC sold 18,000 units, a
decrease of 7%.
With regard to NedCar, MMC will
continue to operate the European
production facility with Volvo Car until
2004 under its agreement with the
Swedish manufacturer. Thereafter,
MMC plans to operate NedCar with DC,