Rich Gilligan Retires From Mitsubishi Motors North America

CYPRESS, Calif., June 28 -- Richard Gilligan, Co-President and Co-CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) announced his retirement today, after an auto industry career that began in 1962. He was named president of MMNA in January 2005.

Previously, Gilligan was President and COO of MMNA Manufacturing Division in Normal, Illinois. During his seven years of leadership there, MMNA earned the rank of #1 manufacturer in assembly productivity in 2003. Additionally, MMNA was the most improved North American auto manufacturer in productivity, as measured by The Harbour Report, for two consecutive years. During Gilligan's tenure, J.D. Power & Associates recognized several vehicles produced at Normal with awards for their high quality and workmanship.

"I feel completely comfortable retiring to spend some long overdue time with my family. MMNA is in very good hands," said Gilligan, who plans to relocate from California to the southeast United States. "I firmly believe that Hiroshi Harunari has business headed in the right direction at MMNA and I expect great things for the company's hardworking employees and committed dealers. I have been extremely impressed with what a 'quick study' Mr. Harunari is. He has quickly come to an appreciation of the intricacies of this most competitive and dynamic North American market."

Harunari was named President of MMNA in January 2006. "During his tenure in Cypress, Rich Gilligan created a platform for us to succeed," he said. "We will miss his experience, wisdom, and strong relationships with people in all areas of our industry. We wish him all the best as he begins this new chapter of his life.

Gilligan began his career in 1962 as a line worker at Ford Motor Company's Mahwah Assembly Plant in New Jersey. He started on staff in 1966 as an Industrial Engineer with Plant and Division assignments, and subsequently held a steady progression of engineering and management positions. In 1987, he became Ford's Assistant Plant Manager in Chicago, then Assistant Plant Manager at the Kansas City Assembly Plant (1988) and Norfolk Assembly Plant Manager (1989), before returning to the Kansas City Assembly Plant from 1990 - 1992 as Plant Manager. Under his tenure, the Kansas City Assembly Plant received the U.S. Senate Quality and Productivity Award, and the Harbour Report rated the plant the most efficient U.S. passenger car plant in 1992.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 540 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.