Mitsubishi Motors Displays Design Direction to North American Audience

DETROIT, Jan. 7 -- Mitsubishi Motors unveiled three concept vehicles at the North American International Auto Show -- a testament to Mitsubishi's new forward-looking design philosophy for future production models. A tandem of Mitsubishi executives presented the stunning concept vehicles to the press; Rolf Eckrodt, Chief Operating Officer, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Pierre Gagnon, President and Chief Operating Officer of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. "You'll see the vision of a new global design team with a fresh perspective and a new identity," said Gagnon. Gagnon added, "Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America's brand promise of spirited cars for spirited people has been adopted as the global brand strategy for Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. Our last three years of record sales in North America and the efforts of Mitsubishi Motor Corporation's new leadership team are creating momentum globally." The three designs appearing in Cobo Hall embody this exciting spirit by combining sporty appeal, maximum utility, and environmental friendliness. The goal of Mitsubishi Motors' new chief of design, Olivier Boulay, is to visually instill a passion and enthusiasm for driving in every design as part of this new global identity. High impact aesthetic approaches meet with cutting edge mechanical technologies and manufacturing techniques to create vehicles that compel drivers to get behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi model.

Sports Utility Pack Cabriolet Making its world debut in Detroit, this derivative of the S.U.P. (Sports Utility Pack) concept raises the "fun ante" for those who seek the driving thrills that can only be found behind the wheel of a drop-top, go anywhere, adventure machine. Seating four, the S.U.P. Cabriolet's long roof retracts to reveal a stylish, dynamic, functional open-air cockpit poised to transport passengers to exciting destinations. Door panel totes and seat-back packs help redefine the use of interior storage space. The four-wheel-drive S.U.P. Cabriolet is powered by an advanced, eco-conscious GDI-ISA hybrid drive train that includes an electric motor for each rear wheel.

Sports Utility Pack Debuting to the North American market, the original Sport Utility Pack (S.U.P.) concept maximizes interior space and cargo carrying capabilities with a flat floor pan and clever door panel cases. This four-wheel driven hybrid powered concept delivers sportiness with an eye-catching silhouette and a supreme level of exploration-ready function that includes a quarter panel mounted shower. Style, safety, ruggedness, and function form the foundation of this concept that hopes to be the harbinger of sports utility vehicles to come. The Sports Utility Pack challenges drivers and passengers with its eagerness to carry gear and the imagination of active-lifestyles to places unknown.

Space Liner Also making its North American debut, the Space Liner concept reevaluates the use of a vehicle's interior space. The cabin is fashioned to provide ample room for four adults to unwind while the use of "soft" light with indirect and translucent shades helps create a relaxing atmosphere. Pillar-less center-opening doors and power assisted swivel front seats helped facilitate a hassle-free ingress and egress event. Mitsubishi technologies help further reduce stress with heightened safety features such as a Lane Trace Assist feature that helps keep the vehicle in its lane. Meanwhile, ultra-clean fuel cell technology powers all four wheels through separate, front and rear traction motors.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII Also on display in Detroit, the Lancer Evolution VII sedan, which is currently the highest performance vehicle offered by Mitsubishi in the Japanese and European markets. This turbocharged, 276 horsepower sedan uses a competition proven four-wheel drive system to achieve unrivalled levels of handling. Evolution VII drivers benefit from electronic traction aids like AYC (Anti Yaw Control) and ACD (Active Center Differential) that use computers to maximize the vehicle's high-speed control and stability. The Evo's body uses lightweight aluminum to reduce weight and blistered fenders to accommodate wider tires. Expect to see a version of this rally inspired sedan for sale in the U.S. in the spring of 2003.

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1981 by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicles, including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles. Its Web site can be accessed at http://www.mitsubishicars.com .