Mitsubishi 2007 Annual Report Download - page 17

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i MiEV layout
eK Wagon
Launch of “ i ” Minicar
Launched in January 2006 in Japan, the new i minicar has received
wide acclaim from all quarters of the market. The minicar’s success
has greatly accelerated our pace of recovery.
By employing a rear midship layout, where the engine is mounted
toward the rear of the vehicle, MMC was able to achieve three major
breakthroughs in this minicar: combining innovative design and com-
fortable interior space; all-directional impact safety; and combining agile
handling and a quality ride. These features have won the
i multiple
awards since its launch. The
i also ranked highest in appeal to mini-
car owners in Japan and tied for first place in mini-car initial quality in
Japan in studies conducted by J.D. Power Asia Pacific, Inc., an inter-
national organization specializing in customer satisfaction studies.*
*Source: J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2006 Japan Mini-Car Initial Quality StudySM and J.D.
Power Asia Pacific 2006 Japan Mini-Car Automotive Performance, Execution and Lay-
out StudySM. Studies based on a total of 3,164 responses from owners of new passen-
ger mini-cars whose ownership is from the first two to seven months. Initial quality is
measured based on problems experienced by owners, and owner satisfaction is mea-
sured about their vehicle’s performance and design. www.jdpower.co.jp
Progress With New-generation Electric Vehicle
Development
MMC is pressing forward with the development of the Mitsubishi in-
novative Electric Vehicle (
MiEV ), with the aim of bringing this new-
generation electric vehicle to market by 2010. As part of the
development process, the company has produced the
i MiEV research
vehicle. Based on the
i minicar, this research vehicle is fitted with
high-performance lithium-ion batteries and a compact and lightweight
motor. Since November 2006, the company has been conducting joint
research with electric power companies. Tokyo Electric Power Co.,
Ltd. and Kyushu Electric Power Co., Ltd. each received one research
vehicle in March 2007; Chugoku Electric Power Co., Ltd. also received
one in June 2007. MMC is now testing performance under actual driv-
ing conditions and conducting fleet monitoring to verify the market-
ability of the vehicle.
Promoting Our OEM Strategy
MMC is actively pursuing an OEM strategy to diversify its earnings
streams and to make more effective use of its production facilities. In
2003, MMC began producing the
Minicab , a commercial minicar, for
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and added the
eK Wagon , another minicar, in
2005. The company also signed an agreement with Nissan Motors in
April 2007 to expand the range of models that MMC would supply on
an OEM basis.
Starting in fiscal year 2007, MMC has been producing new SUV
models for PSA Peugeot Citroën. Total shipments of approximately
30,000 units are planned for this fiscal year. Based on our strong
collaborative framework with PSA Peugeot Citroën, we already have
an agreement to source PSA Peugeot Citroën diesel engines for use in
our SUV models.
Progress in the First Two Years of the Mitsubishi Motors Revitalization Plan
2006 Best Mini-Car
in Initial Quality
in a Tie *
Good Design Grand Prize 2006
2006 Most
Appealing
Mini-Car *
CAR OF THE YEAR 2007
CAR OF THE YEAR JAPAN 2006-2007
“Most Advanced Technology” Special Achievement Award