Mitsubishi Motors Reports Record First Quarter and Best-Ever March

          First Quarter Increase of 4.2 Percent Led by Record Sales
                    Of Eclipse Spyder, Galant and Montero

    CYPRESS, Calif., April 3 Mitsubishi Motor Sales of
America, Inc. (MMSA) today reported its best first quarter in history with
73,411 vehicles, up 4.2 percent over last year's record setting first quarter.
The quarter closed with the company's best March on record with
27,431 vehicles, up 7.3 percent over March 2000, and was led by the Eclipse
Spyder, Galant and Montero which each set sales records of their own.  In
fact, the Eclipse Spyder enjoyed its best selling month in history.

    The record-setting first quarter also marked an important milestone for
MMSA as the company sold its 3 millionth vehicle in North America.

    "In this challenging market, closing the best first quarter in our
company's history is strong evidence that our business strategy is working and
that our momentum continues," said Pierre Gagnon, executive vice president and
chief operating officer, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America.  "The upcoming
launch of the Mitsubishi Lancer in North America will help continue driving
our growth."

    The Lancer, Mitsubishi's stylish and affordable new compact sedan, will
make its North American debut at the New York Auto Show on April 11, 2001.

    Some figures of note for MMSA's first quarter:

    --  Best-ever first quarter with 2001 year-to-date sales of
        73,411 vehicles; represents a 4.2 percent increase from first quarter
        2000's previous record of 70,430
    --  Best-ever first quarter for Eclipse Spyder with 4,474 units sold
    --  Best-ever first quarter for Galant with 24,219 units sold
    --  Total company sales passed the 3 millionth vehicle mark in February
        and now total 3,040,508.

    Some figures of note for MMSA's best-ever March:

    --  March 2001 total sales equal 27,431 units, the best March ever, up
        7.3 percent over March 2000 record sales of 25,574
    --  Best-ever month for Eclipse Spyder with 1,743 units sold; sales were
        up 19.5 percent over March 2000 sales of 1,459
    --  Best-ever March for Galant with 10,250 units sold, up 27 percent over
        March 2000 sales of 8,074
    --  Best-ever March for Montero with 1,689 units sold, up 68.4 percent
        over March 2000 sales of 1,003

    
     Sales Results, March 2001:  Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc.


                       March '01       March '00       % Change  % DSR Change
                       Month/YTD      Month/YTD       Month/YTD     Month/YTD

     Passenger
      Car Sales*     20,400/53,285   19,011/52,664     7.3%/1.2%    7.3%/1.2%
     Sport Utility
      Vehicles**      7,031/20,126    6,563/17,766    7.1%/13.3%   7.1%/13.3%
     Total Vehicle
      Sales          27,431/73,411   25,574/70,430     7.3%/4.2%    7.3%/4.2%
     US Assembled
      Cars:          16,131/39,913   14,288/37,798    12.9%/5.6%   12.9%/5.6%
     Imported Cars:   4,269/13,372    4,723/14,866  -9.6%/-10.0% -9.6%/-10.0%
     Imported
      Truck/SUVs:     7,031/20,126    6,563/17,766    7.1%/13.3%   7.1%/13.3%
     US Assembled
      Vehicles (1):  16,131/39,913   14,288/37,798    12.9%/5.6%   12.9%/5.6%
     Imported
      Vehicles (2):  11,300/33,498   11,286/32,632     0.1%/2.7%    0.1%/2.7%


        DSR - Daily Selling Rate
        Selling Days                                     MTD            YTD
        March 2001                                        27             77
        March 2000                                        27             77


     *  Above totals include sales of US assembled Mitsubishi Motors vehicles
     ** Includes Montero Sport and Montero
    (1) Galant, Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder
    (2) Mirage, Diamante, 3000GT, Montero Sport and Montero