30,000 units recall for Mitsubishi Lancer / Lancer EVO

NHTSA (National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration), “Big Brother” of the car traffic in the United States decided to withdraw 29,353 units, more precisely 2008-2009 models of Mitsubishi Lancer / Lancer EVO because of problems arising from front airbags. According to U.S. officials, prolonged exposure of their sensors to a mixture of snow and salt can went to corrosion, which would delay the onset of the airbag in the event of an accident.

For now, withdrawing target vehicles are they sold in states where salt is used to clean the road in winter season (eg Connecticut, New York, Wisconsin and so on). Dealers in these areas have been asked to replace defective components, operation, of course, free.

Mitsubishi dealers have been instructed to replace the airbag sensors with a redesigned model with improved corrosion resistance. From press release: “THIS COATING OVER TIME MAY CAUSE CORROSION OR THE SENSOR. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLES CRASH OF THE TYPE THAT WOULD DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS THIS TYPE OF SHORT-CIRCUIT MAY CAUSE A DELAY IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS WHICH COULD RESULT IN DRIVER OR PASSENGER INJURY.”

Read more »

MONTERO SPORT 2.5 GLS 4×4

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines introduces the Montero Sport 2.5 GLS 4×4 with 5 M/T for serious off road fun.

What good is a 4×4 SUV if you can’t have fun with it? That’s why Mitsubishi Motors Philippines recently added in its Montero Sport line up, the GLS 4×4 with 5-speed manual transmission.

This Montero Sport GLS 4×4 with quick shift 5-speed manual transmission is powered by 2.5 liter DOHC 16-Valve Direct Injection Diesel with common rail and with quick-spool turbocharger and front-mounted intercooler which delivers a maximum output of 136PS @ 3,500 rpm and 314 N-m of torque @ 2,000 rpm and can easily cruise more than 170 kph.

The 4×4 system found in this Montero Sport is the same Super Select II 4WD system which is the same type found on the Pajero models. Mitsubishi’s proprietary four wheel drive system, which led to many Paris Dakar victories for Mitsubishi Motors, has synchronized free-wheel front differential which lets the driver switch from 2WD to high-range 4WD even at speeds up to 100 km/h – and back at any speed with just a movement of the lever. The high-range 2WD mode is ideal for economical and quiet driving while the high range 4WD is more suited for drivers who need the extra confidence in driving through rain and other slippery surfaces. When maximum traction is needed such as climbing steep slopes with loose surfaces, it is ideal to use the low-range 4WD.

Like, the currently introduced Montero Sport 3.2 GLS SE 4×4 Automatic and the 2.5 GLS 4×2, the Montero Sport 2.5 GLS 4×4 Manual Transmission measures 4,695 mm in length, 1,815 mm in width, 1,840 mm tall, and the wheelbase at 2,800 mm. The vast interior space provides a sense of comfort, purpose and safety. It also has a 3-row, 7-passenger, seating configuration which is flexible to accommodate even the most complex cargo scenario.

In detail, the Montero Sport’s exterior is perfect for people looking for an SUV with a muscular stance through a manual drive and at the same time having a contemporary styling befitting an urbanized off-roader. Fender flares on the wheels arches plus bulging curves on the rear quarter panel widens its stance. Its halogen projector headlamps provide superior visibility and additional illumination is contributed by the front foglamps mounted on the bumper. The large doors, in combination with the tubular design step boards, are designed in a way to make getting in and out of the Montero Sport effortless. It also has standard load bearing roof rails which adds to that SUV appeal. At the rear, a tailgate with large glass area and Euro-inspired tail lamps adds to the unique Mitsubishi look.

For the interior, the Montero Sport 2.5 GLS 4×4 M/T gets a black and light grey dashboard. The inner door trims with bottle holders also get the same accents while the seats are covered with grey water-repellant fabric. Behind the thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel is the instrument cluster with easy to read gauges that illuminates to an amber hue during night time driving. Instrument panel is in two-tone with Titanium accent. While at the center of the dashboard, a multi-information LCD meter provides detailed information that the shows fuel economy, range, compass, barometer, outside temperature, altitude, date and time. A manually controlled dual air conditioning system provides driving convenience. Audio entertainment is provided by the Mitsubishi Motors Audio Design single in-dash CD/MP3/WMA player by JVC with 4-speakers. This audio system can accommodate hands free mobile phone operation thanks to its Bluetooth pairing function. MP3 devices can also be connected via the audio systems USB, auxiliary input ports or also by Bluetooth pairing.

The Montero Sport 2.5 GLS 4×4 M/T gives superior riding comfort which is made possible by its front double wishbones with coil springs, and a rear 3-link coil suspension with a long trailing arm design. Both ends of the Montero Sport are fitted with stabilizer bars to reduce body roll during cornering. A power assisted rack and pinion steering system provides good road feel, better response, and a class leading turning radius of only 5.6 meters. Braking power is complemented by front 16” ventilated disc brakes and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that works in tandem with the Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). 265/65 R17 tires mounted on stylish multi-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels ensures excellent grip on and off the road.

The Montero Sport 2.5 GLS 4×4 M/T is available in six colors: Gemstone Grey Mica, Cool Silver, Sedona Red, Savanna White, Pyrenese Black, and Garnet Green, and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines will back it up with a 3-year or 100,000 kilometer warranty.

Montero Sport 2.5 GLS 4×4 M/T is now available at all Mitsubishi dealers nationwide with the suggested retail price of Php 1,470,000.

Read more »

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation- Japanese Automobile Company

THE HISTORY OF MITSUBISHI

MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (in Japanese: 三菱自動車工業株式会社, in romaji: Mitsubishi Jidōsha Kōgyō Kabushiki Kaisha, in pinyin: Sanling Zidongche Gongye Zhushi Huishe) TYO: 7211 is a Japanese automobile company, manufacturing an extensive range of cars and trucks (see Fuso). Mitsubishis are manufactured globally and exported into most major markets, including the Far East, Europe, and the U.S.. HISTORY Mitsubishi had been engaged in a long-term venture with Chrysler (now DaimlerChrysler), assembling a series of cars and trucks for Chrysler brands since the 1970s. Some Chrysler cars use Mitsubishi componentry, but have been gravitating toward more use of Mercedes-Benz componentry, which is considered superior. DaimlerChrysler recently announced that it was withdrawing all financial support and sold its shares in MMC. However, Mitsubishi will still be able to build the Dakota-based Raider and Chrysler will still use a Mitsubishi-based chassis for its Stratus/Sebring replacements. For many years, Mitsubishi did not sell in North America under its own brand. That began changing in the United States in 1982. Many of Mitsubishi's early exports bore Chrysler brands such as the Chrysler Valiant (in Australia), Dodge and Plymouth. In some countries, Colt was used as the marque. Beginning in 1989, the Eagle brand was used for some Mitsubishi products in the US. Mitsubishi has also exported car platform designs and manufacturing knowledge to Hyundai in South Korea and Proton in Malaysia. Mitsubishi has a long association with movie star Jackie Chan. Chan always uses Mitsubishi vehicles in his movies, and at one time owned 56 Mitsubishis. Recovery from financial troubles Mitsubishi has recently fallen on hard economic times. With the exception of the Lancer Evolution rally homologation car and Endeavor SUV, sales have dropped dramatically, especially in the critical U.S. 18–35 youth market the company once dominated. A key problem was an over-extension of easy credit to those young buyers, particularly with its "0-0-0" car loans. These enabled buyers to purchase a car with no deposit, zero payments and zero interest for a year - making it easy for them to hand back the keys after 12 months. These loans were liberally extended to consumers in the early 2000s. DaimlerChrysler has refused to buy more Mitsubishi stock than it already has, and the company is scrambling to develop more cars to both re-establish its position in the youth market and compete in the mainstream market against companies such as Toyota and Honda. In June 2004, Mitsubishi Motors admitted it had systematically covered up auto defects for 25 years. Among the 30 defects, four were first publicized in 2000. By 2004, the company was $9 billion debt, following a $1.9 billion loss in for the fiscal year to the end of March. The announcement was followed by a massive recall of more than half a million vehicles. For the first six months of fiscal 2005, between April and Sept 2004, the company suffered a net loss of more than 146 billion yen. In January 2005, there were rumors that Mitsubishi might withdraw altogether from the US car market. These rumors were unfounded, as demonstrated by the debut of a fourth-generation Eclipse. The car was well-received in the press and by the public, but the company's long-term future in the US remains to be seen. Mitsubishi's sales in the important US market dropped by more than 45 per cent between 2003 and 2004. However, the decline was arrested by June 2005. The president of Mitsubishi Motors, Osamu Masuko, is aiming for a return to profit during fiscal 2006 - to the end of March 2006. He is counting on increased sales of the Outlander and "i" minicars, the company's first new designs in 29 months, to help achieve that goal. Mitsubishi Motors expects to increase sales in the United States to 240,000 vehicles by 2009, due to a new range of products it is now starting to roll out. Osamu Masuko said he expects sales to rise to an expected 180,000 vehicles this year, up from just under 125,000 last year. Mitsubishi also returned to profit in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 after 11 consecutive quarters of losses. Later this year, Mitsubishi plans to introduce several new vehicles to the United States. This includes the Eclipse Spyder, Lancer, the Lancer Evolution X and Outlander sports utility vehicle (SUV). In July, 2004, Mitsubishi announced that it would immediately cancel the slow-selling Diamante, Lancer Sportback station wagon, Montero Sport, and the Montero in the US market, and would scale back purchase projections for the Mitsubishi/Hyundai/Chrysler Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance engines. In August 2004, Mitsubishi announced that it will not get a minivan developed in cooperation with DaimlerChrysler. Instead, Mitsubishi recieved a version of the Dodge Dakota pickup truck known as the Mitsubishi Raider, and will continue work with DCX on future small cars. Mitsubishi has also been active in OEM production of cars for Nissan, and announced in July 2005 a partnership with PSA Peugeot Citroën to manufacture an SUV. Mitsubishi has enjoyed remarkable growth in Russia. While Russia is still a developing market, Mitsubishi's sales are growing fast, with sales in 2005 sales expected to increase by more than 70%, driven in part by the introduction of the new Lancer. The compact Colt has also sold well in Germany and the UK, outselling similar products from competitors Honda and Toyota. Mitsubishi Motors stock prices, which had fallen to penny-stock levels in October 2004, rallied to a high of 260 yen by September 2005 and has stabilized between 225 and 250. While the Nikkei as a whole had increased during this period, MMC stock outperformed the market several times over. MMC reported YoY growth in all markets in September 2005. The Mitsubishi group of companies - or the Mitsubishi Group - is a large group (keiretsu) of independently operated Japanese companies which share the Mitsubishi brand name. SHAREHOLDERS Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. 13.65% Mitsubishi Corporation 13.42% DaimlerChrysler AG 12.89% Phoenix Capital Partners I Co., Ltd. 7.05% Phoenix Capital Partners IV Co., Ltd. 5.64% The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd. 4.79% Phoenix Capital Partners II Co., Ltd. 3.52% Japan Securities Finance Co., Ltd 2.85% Morgan Whitefriars Equity Derivative 2.22% J.P. Morgan Securities, Ltd. 1.40% Phoenix Capital Partners III Co., Ltd. 1.17% The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (Holder in Trust) 1.03% Source: http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/ir/stockinfo/e/index.html (As of 31 Mar 2005) LOCATIONS In Japan Shinagawa (品川) and Tamachi (田町), Tokyo (Headquarters) Tama (多摩), Tokyo (Design) Worldwide Trebur, Hessen, Germany (Research) Normal, Illinois, United States (Research) Cypress, California, United States (Design) PLANTS In Japan Okazaki (岡崎), Aichi (scheduled to close) Mizushima (水島), Okayama Kyoto (京都) Konan, Shiga (滋賀) Sakahogi, Gifu In the United States Normal, Illinois (Mitsubishi Motors North America Manufacturing Division; formerly a joint venture with the Chrysler Group known as Diamond Star Motors) In Australia Tonsley Park, Adelaide (Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited) In Europe Born, the Netherlands (Netherlands Car B.V.) In Asia Laem Chabang, Thailand (two plants) Joint venture and licensed plants Beijing, China (Beijing Jeep Corp.) Tiruvallur (near Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India (in collaboration with Hindustan Motors) Taiwan (China Motor Corporation) CAR MODELS Mitsubishi 3000GT (1991 - 1999) Mitsubishi 380 (2005 - Current) Mitsubishi Airtrek (2001 - Current) Mitsubishi Carisma (1995 - 2004) Mitsubishi Cordia (1982 - 1990) Mitsubishi Colt (1965 - Current) Mitsubishi Debonair (1964 - 1999) Mitsubishi Diamante (1990 - 2004) Mitsubishi Dion (2000 - Current) Mitsubishi Eclipse (1989 - Current) Mitsubishi eK (a Keicar) Mitsubishi Endeavor (2004 - Current) Mitsubishi Forte (1978 - 1986) Mitsubishi FTO (1994 - 2000) Mitsubishi Galant (1969 - Current) Mitsubishi Grandis (2003 - Current) Mitsubishi GTO (1990 - 1998) Mitsubishi i (2006 - Current) Mitsubishi Lancer (1973 - Current) Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (1992 - Current) Mitsubishi L200 (1987 - Current) Mitsubishi Magna (1985 - 2005) Mitsubishi Mighty Max (1983 - 1996) Mitsubishi Minica (1962 - Current) Mitsubishi Minicab (1966 - Current) Mitsubishi Mirage (1978 - 2001) Mitsubishi Nimbus (1983 - Current) Mitsubishi Outlander (2003 - Current) Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero (1982 - Current) Mitsubishi Pajero Sport/Montero Sport/Challenger/Shogun Sport/Nativa (1996 - present) Mitsubishi Pajero Mini (1994 - Current) Mitsubishi Precis (1987 - 1992) Mitsubishi Proudia (1997 - 2004) Mitsubishi Raider (2006 - Current, rebadged Dodge Dakota) Mitsubishi RVR (1991 - Current) Mitsubishi Sapporo (1976 - 1983) Mitsubishi Space Star (1999 - Current) Mitsubishi Starion (1982 - 1990) Mitsubishi Strada (1991 - Current) Mitsubishi Tredia (1982 - 1990) Mitsubishi Verada (1992 - 2005) Mitsubishi Zinger (2006 - Current)

Read more »