Mitsubishi 2003 Annual Report Download - page 19

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17 MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION
distribution in Europe (“BER,” block exemption regulations) to our advantage. In April 2002, we established a wholly-
owned sales subsidiary in Germany and implemented reforms of our sales structures in France. During the same year,
we also initiated reforms in the Netherlands and reorganized operations in Sweden and Denmark. In 2003, we plan to
restructure our sales operations in Belgium and continue our ambitious strategy in Eastern Europe, where MMC became
the top imported brand in 2002 in Russia. We expect revised sales policies and a consistent level of service quality across
Europe to contribute to improved sales growth going forward.
WHAT ARE MMC’S PLANS FOR LAUNCHING NEW MODELS IN EUROPE?
MME will launch 14 new cars between 2003 and 2007, all showcasing Mitsubishi Motors’ new distinctive brand iden-
tity. OUTLANDER started this process early in 2003, and is to be followed by the LANCER SEDAN and LANCER STATION
WAGON. In 2004, we will continue with the LANCER EVOLUTION VIII and our new full-size MPV, the GRANDIS. Still in
2004, we plan to launch our New Compact Car (NCC), using the same platform as the COLT, which was launched in
Japan in November 2002.
NCC is also characterized as the first model among the alliance with DC, which shares the same platform with DC’s
new five-door model, “smart-ForFour,” produced at NedCar. NedCar is facing one of the biggest challenges in its 35
years of existence as it prepares and upgrades its facilities for the production of these very important new cars. How-
ever, we are confident that it will be ready as all preparations are running smoothly and are exactly on schedule.
Gasoline engines for both cars will be sourced from the 50/50 MMC/DaimlerChrysler joint venture (MDC Power
GmbH), a brand-new plant in Thuringia, Germany. Diesel engines will come from DaimlerChrysler, another example of
the close relationship we have with our alliance partner DC in Europe.
MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION
17