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29
MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 2006
Regional Topics—Europe
Triton (L200) Pajero (Montero) (November 2006 Launch)
Aggressively Launch New Models
In fiscal year 2006, MMC plans to further grow sales by
aggressively rolling out new models. The company has
already begun the staggered launch of the Thai made
Triton (L200)
one-ton pickup truck in various European
countries, starting in March 2006. Sales continue to
surpass targets, as the model has garnered a strong re-
sponse from dealers and customers throughout Europe
for its innovative styling, which defies the look of con-
ventional pickup trucks.
In May 2006, MMC also unveiled
Colt CZC
, a
cabriolet model designed by Pininfarina SpA of Italy.
This model, based on
Colt
, is aimed at the highly popu-
lar cabriolet segment in Europe. By boosting sales of
Colt CZC
, the company will also be able to enhance the
image of the other
Colt
models, helping to raise sales
volumes across the entire
Colt
range.
In November 2006, MMC will bring to market a new
version of the
Pajero (Montero)
SUV, one of its flagship
models. Together with the launch of the new
Outlander
SUV in January 2007, MMC will reinforce its product
lineup in the SUV and pickup truck market where the
company already has strong brand recognition. The com-
pany hopes that synergies captured among these models
will further strengthen brand value and attract more
customers to dealerships.
In Russia and the Ukraine,
Lancer
remains in strong
demand. In 2006, MMC will enter the D segment for
the first time in these markets with the launch of the
American made
Galant
in September. The new
Pajero
(Montero)
SUV model will also be launched. Through
these new models, the company aims to expand sales
to a broader range of customers.
Termination of
smart forfour
Production for
DaimlerChrysler
Netherlands Car B.V. (NedCar), MMC’s vehicle assem-
bly plant in Europe, was contracted by DaimlerChrysler
AG (DC) to produce the
smart forfour
model from 2004
to 2010. However, this year, DC approached MMC with
a request to end production of this model. Following
negotiations, MMC and DC concluded various agree-
ments to terminate
smart forfour
production at the end
of June 2006. Based on these agreements, MMC has
received financial compensation from DC for costs as-
sociated with the termination of production. The termi-
nation of production is therefore not expected to impact
earnings for fiscal year 2006.
MMC will continue to produce the
Colt
model at NedCar
after the termination of
smart forfour
production.