Mitsubishi Motors Starts Off 2002 With 20 Percent Boost in Sales

CYPRESS, Calif., Feb. 1 -- Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA) today reported January sales of 26,069 units, marking the second-best January on record and a 20 percent gain over January sales in 2001.

``Starting off the year with increased sales is an excellent sign that consumer demand for our products remains strong despite some questions about the economy,'' said MMSA President and COO Pierre Gagnon. ``Coming off the best year in our history for the third consecutive time, we're excited to see that momentum carry through into 2002.''

Gagnon also pointed to the company's aggressive new product strategy as evidence that Mitsubishi Motors' sales growth is expected to continue throughout the year.

``The addition of an all-new hip, urban sport utility vehicle this summer in the growing entry-level SUV category will drive our growth in 2002,'' Gagnon said. ``Retooled versions of our flagship Eclipse Coupe and Spyder convertible will support our commanding position in the sporty coupe segment as well.''

Mitsubishi Motors is expected to show the new 2003 model-year Eclipse Coupe and Spyder at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show.

    Some figures of note for MMSA's January 2002 sales:

     *  January 2002 sales of 26,069 vehicles, up 20.4 percent over last
        year's January sales of 21,649 vehicles

     *  Galant had its second-best January ever with 8,416 units sold, up
        28.1 percent over January 2001

     *  Eclipse Spyder had its second-best January ever with 1,506 units sold,
        up 13.1 percent over January 2001

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 website can be accessed at www.mitsubishicars.com .

     Sales Results, January 2002: Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc.


                     January '02   January '01    % Change     % DSR Change
                      Month/YTD     Month/YTD      Month/YTD      Month/YTD
    Passenger
      Car Sales*    20,515/20,515  15,751/15,751  30.2%/30.2%    30.2%/30.2%
    Sport Utility
      Vehicles**    5,554/5,554    5,898/5,898    -5.8%/-5.8%    -5.8%/-5.8%
    Total Vehicle
      Sales         26,069/26,069  21,649/21,649  20.4%/20.4%    20.4%/20.4%
    US Assembled
      Cars:         13,222/13,222  11,335/11,335  16.6%/16.6%    16.6%/16.6%
    Imported
      Cars:         7,293/7,293    4,416/4,416    65.1%/65.1%    65.1%/65.1%
    Imported
      Truck/SUVs:   5,554/5,554    5,898/5,898    -5.8%/-5.8%    -5.8%/-5.8%
    US Assembled
      Vehicles
       (1):         13,222/13,222  11,335/11,335  16.6%/16.6%    16.6%/16.6%
    Imported
      Vehicles
       (2):         2,847/12,847   10,314/10,314  24.6%/24.6%    24.6%/24.6%

       DSR - Daily Selling Rate
       Selling Days      MTD  YTD
       January 2002      25   25
       January 2001      25   25

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