Mitsubishi 2002 Annual Report Download - page 26

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TECHNOLOGY
New PAJERO (Paris-Dakar Rally specifications)
The new-specification PAJERO , introduced by MMC in
2000, performed superbly in the past three Paris-Dakar
rallies, becoming Champion of the Year in 2001 and
2002 after securing third place in 2000. In 2002,
Mitsubishi vehicles secured nine out of the top ten places
in the rally. A major contributor to this achievement was
MMC’s development of a tire pressure control system
that allows the driver to adjust tire pressure while driv-
ing. The Paris-Dakar Rally typically features a huge va-
riety of cross-country terrain on each daily stage, which
can vary in length from 300-800 km. As the route
changes between hard paved surfaces and soft sand
dunes, optimal tire pressures also differ greatly (harder
terrain demands higher tire pressures). Prior to the de-
velopment of this system, teams had to physically stop
their vehicles to make manual adjustments. Following
a further modification to adapt to new 2002 regulations,
MMC continues to strive to leverage its technical ex-
pertise and experience to extend its run of victories in
this famous rally.
Mitsubishi ASV
Since 1991, MMC has been an active participant in two
successive ASV (Advanced Safety Vehicle) projects
sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastruc-
ture and Transport. The second project (ASV-2) began
in 2000. The technical expertise gleaned from this par-
ticipation has spawned three passenger cars with ad-
vanced safety features and one ASV-2 truck model. To-
gether, these new models showcase a range of practi-
cal safety technologies, which fall principally into three
categories: preventive safety technologies designed to
prevent accidents; collision-safety technologies intended
to minimize damage caused in accidents; and ITS (In-
telligent Transport System) technologies designed to
benefit a wide range of drivers, including senior citizens.
MMC boasts a proud history of technological innovation. Although automobiles have become an established
part of modern life, challenges still remain to boost their safety and eco-compatibility without sacrificing any of
the benefits or convenience they offer. MMC is developing a variety of technologies designed to improve the
safety and environmental features of its products.
In 2001, ASV development projects entered a third
stage, building on achievements to date.
ITS-ASV
The ITS-ASV uses various vehicle-mounted sensors,
together with information and communication systems,
to ascertain road conditions and provide the driver with
suitable feedback through audio or visual signals. The
vehicle is also fitted with a number of systems that pro-
vide supplementary assistance to the driver to avoid
accidents if trouble arises, some of which are voice-
activated or make use of other driver-friendly devices
like hands-free car phones.
High-Mobility ASV
Incorporating the latest universal design cockpit in-
tended to give drivers maximum freedom of movement
while permitting simple driving operations, the MMC
High-Mobility ASV is fitted with novel functional arrange-
ments and advanced driving control systems to pro-
mote driver mobility. This allows drivers to operate the
vehicle regardless of physical capabilities or level of
driving skill.
Intelligent Cruise Control 21 ASV
This is a specialist prototype test vehicle for an intelli-
gent cruise control trial sponsored by the Ministry of
Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The vehicle system
communicates via sensors with road-fitted devices to
provide information and driver assistance, with the aim
of preventing accidents—for example, by alerting driv-
ers if they stray from lanes.
Mitsubishi ASV-2 truck
The sheer size and weight of a large commercial ve-
hicle can cause great damage to all parties involved in
an accident. To reduce such risk, this truck is fitted with