Mitsubishi Motors' 'i' Takes Good Design Grand Prize 2006

Tokyo, Japan, Oct 30, 2006 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced that the "i" minicar has been awarded the "Good Design Grand Prize 2006" (the prize of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry) in the Good Design Award run by the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization. The "i" is the first minicar model to win the Good DesignGrand Prize, which is given to the most outstanding entry among all categories in the year.

Ushering in a new age for the minicar, "i" was developed as an innovative premium small car that successfully overcomes the tradeoffs traditionally associated with the category: design versus comfortable interior space; comfortable interior space versus impact safety. Mitsubishi Motors has conquered these challenges by developing a new and leading edge rear-midship layout that mounts the engine forward of the rear axle line, This permits three new "innovations" within the category's dimensional constraints: futuristic and uptown styling; agile handling and a comfortable ride; and excellent multidirectional impact safety. This highly original exterior and interior design, which is delivered by the ingenious platform, brought the grand prize in the award.

MMC president Osamu Masuko made the following remarks: "We are honored to receive this significant prize today with our "i" minicar that has found favor with customers for its outstanding and futuristic design. We will keep working on the development of customer-oriented models with this unique rear-midship layout platform that brings new levels of ride comfort and impact safety together with innovative design."

The Good Design Awards, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, screen entries from all fields of human activity based the view that design is an essential element in all fields of everyday life and industry. The "Good Design Award 2006" received 2,918 entries from April 26th to June 7th 2006.

About Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation was established in 1970 and is one of the few automobile companies in the world that produces a full line of automotive products ranging from 660-cc mini cars and passenger cars to commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks and buses. The company also operates consumer financing services and provides this to its customer base. For more information, please visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.