Mitsubishi 2013 Annual Report Download - page 15

X We are moving proactively toward local pro-
duction and increased sales in China, Russia
and Brazil.
In 2012, we began producing the ASX (the RVR in Japan) in
China, adding to this the Pajero Sport, which we began produc-
ing in the country in September 2013. With sales of Japanese
vehicles in China recovering from their slump in the latter half
of 2012, we have established GAC Mitsubishi Motors Co., Ltd.,
as a joint venture to manufacture and sell vehicles in China.
With this company operational, we expect sales in China to
reach 89,000 in  scal 2013—more than double the previous
year’s level. China is an important ongoing growth market over
the medium to long term. We plan to concentrate speci cally
on the steady rollout of attractive SUV models, which are enjoy-
ing particularly marked growth.
Overall Russian demand for vehicles has recovered from the
slump it experienced following the Lehman Brothers collapse,
and in 2012, new car sales reached the historic high of 2.9
million units. Such growth is expected to increase further over
the medium to long term. Mitsubishi Motors views Russia as
one of the most important markets for its vehicles, where sales
of its SUV models in particular are favorable. Given this situa-
tion, Mitsubishi Motors established a factory in Russia in May
2008 together with PSA Peugeot Citroën. We began full-scale
manufacturing of the brand-new Outlander in November 2012.
In July 2013, we also commenced local production of the Pajero
Sport. Shipping locally manufactured Outlander models should
provide us the opportunity to expand our sales further and take
advantage of our local production system to step up business in
Russia. As a result, we forecast a 10% increase in sales volume
in  scal 2013, to 90,000 units.
In Brazil, we commenced local assembly of the ASX in July
2013. Consequently, we are targeting a 10% year-on-year
increase in sales, to 66,000 units.
Going forward, we will continue working to expand sales in
emerging markets where demand is expected to grow.
 Production and Sales of the Attrage, Our Next-Generation Global Compact
Sedan, Starts in Thailand
We began producing the Attrage, our next-generation global
compact sedan, in Thailand at MMTh’s third factory and from
July 2013 started selling the model within the country.
The Attrage’s styling be ts a next-generation global com-
pact sedan, with a short nose that delivers an outstanding
forward  eld of view and graceful and  owing side propor-
tions that balance aerodynamics and interior space among
the most generous in its class. The Attrage achieves fuel
ef ciency of 22 km/liter, which is one of the best in its class,
achieved through a combination of a lightweight Reinforced
Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body—the lightest in its class,
a lightweight and compact 1.2-liter MIVEC engine, and thor-
ough attention to weight reduction on every part and low-
ered running resistance. Large door openings facilitate entry
and exit, and passenger comfort is enhanced by the model’s
generous rear seat leg space.
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MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION
Annual Report 2013 13