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7
MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION
Annual Report 2005
pressure. I have the full support of an outstanding management team and workforce. I also feel
that I can draw on my trading company background to initiate management reforms from a
different perspective. My priorities are to streamline management while keeping an eye on cash
flows and the balance sheet, and at the same time developing a new risk management framework.
Question 3: One key priority of the revitalization plan is to adjust administration to a proper scale. In
essence, this means channeling management resources into operations that embody MMC’s
core strengths. What are Mitsubishi Motors’ core strengths and how do you plan to develop
them further?
Mitsubishi Motors is known for its technology. We made history by becoming the first team on
record to win five consecutive Dakar Rallies and to claim ten overall victories. We have
outstanding technologies in the areas of driving performance, both on and off-road, as well as
in terms of durability and safety, all of which have been refined by constantly taking on the
challenge of motor sports. By incorporating these technologies into our products, we will
provide automobiles that are uniquely Mitsubishi Motors.
It is just as important to use our technologies to develop environmentally friendly products.
We are channeling our technological expertise into the environmental aspects of automobiles.
These include responding to emission control regulations and other external environmental
issues, as well as improving a vehicle’s cabin environment, such as in terms of driver safety and
comfort. We will raise our profile by developing automobiles that offer superior features from
these standpoints. In this respect, the Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle (MIEV),
unveiled in May 2005, is a precursor of things to come (see page 17).
We sincerely apologize to our customers for the inconvenience caused by past recall-related
problems. Those problems also hurt our brand value. Our foremost priority is to reaffirm our
outstanding technologies and redouble our commitment to quality, safety and the environment.
Mitsubishi Motors also has regional strengths. Sales in Asia and the ASEAN region
remained favorable despite the turmoil triggered by the recall problem in fiscal 2004. This
demonstrates the very strong brand image Mitsubishi Motors has enjoyed over the years in this
region, underscoring the fact that we are a company overflowing with a pioneering spirit. In
fiscal 2004, sales growth was also strong in Eastern Europe and other emerging markets.
Winning recognition for the Mitsubishi brand in these emerging markets will go a long way
toward brightening our future. In fiscal 2004, Mitsubishi Motors’ vehicles were highly rated,
winning more than 20 awards worldwide (see page 15).
Interview with the President: Business Revitalization – Issues and Initiatives