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16 MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2006
Guided by its business philosophy, Mitsubishi Motors
engages in various research and development activities with
the aim of creating technologies that realize three goals:
the “Utmost Driving Pleasure,” “Reassuring Safety,” and
“Environmental Contribution.”
The company’s R&D units employ approximately 4,000
people worldwide, or about 11% of the group-wide work-
force. MMC also undertakes research projects in conjunc-
tion with major academic and other external research
institutions, as well as entrusting some research projects
to these institutions on a contract basis. Using a network
of close collaborative and cooperative relationships, MMC
aims to undertake R&D in cutting-edge technologies as ef-
ficiently as possible.
The Mitsubishi Motors Development System (MMDS) uses
a system of “quality gates,” consisting of strict product quality
checks at each stage of development. Quality is the fore-
most priority within the product development process.
“Utmost Driving Pleasure”: Development of
High-performance Driving Control Technologies
Based on All-wheel Control Systems
MMC is working to further enhance advanced all-wheel con-
trol technologies. In addition, MMC has developed a high-
performance powertrain lineup that also boasts low fuel
consumption. This combination is based on newly devel-
oped aluminum engine blocks featuring the MIVEC continu-
ously variable valve-timing system, which delivers a swift
response at all times. The high performance, low consump-
tion matching is also based on continuously variable trans-
missions (CVTs), which enable the driver to make sporty gear
shifts when in shift mode. MMC is also increasingly employ-
ing aluminum roofs and engine hoods, which help to reduce
vehicle weight while also lowering the center of gravity.
“Reassuring Safety”: Development of Passenger-
protective Body Structures and Other Safety
Features Along with Technologies for
Increasing Cabin Comfort
MMC’s latest minicar
i
adopts an innovative rear midship
layout in which the engine is mounted toward the rear of the
vehicle. This creates a more extensive crushable zone at the
front of the vehicle. With this as an example, MMC contin-
ues to develop technologies to protect both passengers and
pedestrians. In the field of preventive safety, besides en-
hancing technologies in the traditional fundamental areas
of vehicle stopping and turning, MMC is also expanding the
use of advanced electronics, such as active stability control
(ASC) systems to prevent skidding when cornering. Other
safety-related systems under development include driver-
support technologies to provide assistance with parking.
With the aim of increasing cabin comfort, MMC is work-
ing on a variety of developments to make the driving expe-
rience more pleasant. These include technologies to reduce
cigarette and other odors as well as volatile organic com-
pounds (VOCs), and to cut out harmful ultraviolet and in-
frared rays.
“Environmental Contribution”: Development
of Vehicles With Lower Emissions and Fuel
Consumption, Next-generation Electric ZEVs,
and Easily Recyclable Vehicles Free of
Substances that Burden the Environment
MMC is actively working to meet new fuel economy stan-
dards before they come into force in Japan in 2010, as
well as meet a new certification system for low-emission
vehicles. In parallel, MMC is steadily working to meet over-
seas regulatory developments such as the tightening of
CAFE standards in the United States, the implementation
of ZEV (zero-emission vehicle) standards in California, and
voluntary reduction targets for automotive CO2 emissions
in Europe. MMC is also promoting the development of
clean diesel engines and new-generation electric vehicles,
with the goal of bringing these products to market by 2010.
The overriding aim is to create vehicles befitting the
Century of the Environment.
Basic R&D Policies
Consolidated R&D Expenditures
(¥ billion)
Fiscal years ending March 31
Actual Plan
0
40
20
60
80
100
04 05 06
(FY)