Mitsubishi Motors Launches Outlander SUV Model In China

TOKYO January 10, 2004; Yoshio Takahashi writing for Dow Jones reported that Mitsubishi Motors Corp. has launched its Outlander sports utility vehicle in China to expand its product lineup in the rapidly growing auto market there, the automaker said Saturday.

It is the second China-built vehicle under the Mitsubishi Motors brand.

The Outlander will be produced by Chinese partner Beijing Jeep Corp., which also currently produces Mitsubishi's Pajero Sport model.

The Japanese automaker is targeting annual sales of 25,000 Outlander vehicles.

Mitsubishi Motors sold 91,000 vehicles in China in the fiscal year through March 2003 and projects a jump of 65% to 150,000 vehicles this fiscal year.

The automaker aims to boost its sales in China to 300,000 by the fiscal year ending March 2008.

Mitsubishi Motors Press Release

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today introduced its Outlander crossover sports utility vehicle to the Chinese market. The Outlander is the second locally built vehicle to wear the Mitsubishi badge in China, following on from the Pajero Sport which hit showrooms in March last year.
At a launching ceremony held in Beijing today, Kenichi Miki, executive general manager for Chinese operations at MMC, said: "We are well aware that our Chinese customers expect first-class products. The Outlander is further proof of our commitment to provide locally manufactured, high-quality products to Chinese consumers."

Combining the off-road capabilities of an SUV with the urban style and comfort of a modern sedan, the Outlander is manufactured by Beijing Jeep Corporation, an affiliate of MMC's alliance partner DaimlerChrysler.

The Chinese model-based on the 2004 model year Outlander now on sale in North America-boasts a number of modifications geared specifically for Chinese driving conditions. Japanese and Chinese engineers worked together on the modifications and carried out durability tests to ensure the vehicles stand up to the demands of on- and off-road driving. A 2.4-liter gasoline engine produced by MMC's local joint venture Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing powers both the 2WD and 4WD models.

MMC is targeting 25,000 units in annual sales through the nationwide alliance dealer network run by MMC, DaimlerChrysler, and BJC. By fully leveraging its alliance with DaimlerChrysler in China in the areas of production and distribution, MMC is looking to boost sales of Mitsubishi vehicles in China while stepping up its brand presence in this fast growing market.

MMC sold 91,000 vehicles in China in fiscal 2002 and forecasts a 65 percent jump in sales for fiscal 2003 to 150,000 units. The company is eyeing annual sales of 300,000 by fiscal 2007.