Mitsubishi's i-MiEV Electric Vehicle - on Track in Australia

CLOVELLY PARK, AUSTRALIA – April 7, 2010: Mitsubishi’s innovative electric vehicle, the i-MiEV, has been the centre of attention for the company over the last twelve months, both here in Australia and on the global automotive stage.

The i-MiEV, the world’s first volume production fully plug-in electric vehicle with zero drive-time emissions, has generated unprecedented interest in alternative fuel vehicle technology, appearing at environmental symposiums and launch events right around the world.

Throughout Europe and Asia, the i-MiEV has been the major attraction at Mitsubishi motor show stands. In Geneva in March, a sporty new variant dubbed the I-MiEV SPORT AIR was unveiled. Based on the original i-MiEV, the SPORT AIR gave an indication of the direction EVs may take in the future, with a clear cutaway roof panel, and improved power delivery and dynamics. Importantly, the first pre-production version of the standard i-MiEV was also shown at Geneva, confirming that Mitsubishi was on track to release the first vehicles to Japanese customers during the year.

And appropriately, on 9th June, 2009 – World Environment Day - Mitsubishi unveiled the very first production i-MiEV, labelling it “the pioneer that will open the door to the next 100 years of automotive society.” The vehicle officially went on sale in Japan on 30th July, 2009.

In October, Tokyo motor show crowds were wowed by two new i-MiEV derivatives: PX-MiEV and the i-MiEV CARGO. The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV is powered by a new Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid system, which primarily operates in EV mode, but extends the range through the use of a petrol engine if required. While the new technology is an important step forward for the evolution of alternative fuel vehicles, it was the sleek cross-over styling of the PX-MiEV that caught everyone’s attention. Tokyo was also the scene for the debut of another EV – the i-MiEV CARGO, which sports quirky styling and a cavernous rear cargo area and gives us a glimpse of how the first commercially focussed EV vans may look.

Throughout the year, and in the face of ever-increasing demand for the i-MiEV, Mitsubishi expanded the availability of the vehicle, and has now signed memorandums of understanding with countries such as Monaco and the Netherlands, and original signatories such as North America, Canada, Iceland and New Zealand. Additional manufacturing capacity for the vehicles and for the all-important batteries has been announced, with production ramping up to satisfy the demand for additional capacity.

During 2009, the i-MiEV won two very important awards in Japan. Claiming the “2009 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Car Technology of the Year” award, the i-MiEV garnered praise as “the realisation of the ultimate in environmental efficiency.” In addition, i-MiEV secured the “Most Advanced Technology” category at the coveted “2009 – 2010 Car of the Year Japan” awards.

Closer to home, progress to ensure Mitsubishi is the first company to launch a fully electric vehicle in the Australian market has been steady. Following the road show which took the i-MiEV cavalcade through Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra in February and March in 2009, the feedback received has been very positive. Everyone who drove the vehicle, including even the most critical evaluator, agreed that the driving characteristics of the vehicle - and in particular its incredible acceleration – made it more pleasurable to drive than many conventional vehicles. Mitsubishi has received many requests for a return road show from hundreds of potential i-MiEV owners, who include businesses, fleets, local and state government purchasers, as well as private citizens.

While Australia has yet to sign a memorandum of understanding to confirm the availability of the vehicle on our local shores, Mitsubishi is working with local, state and federal authorities to increase awareness of the infrastructures and policy required to support this new technology. The company will continue talking with the appropriate regulatory bodies to stimulate better understanding of electric vehicle and hybrid technology to facilitate the i-MiEV’s speedy arrival in Australia.

Moving forward, small numbers of i-MiEVs are expected to begin arriving during 2010, and two of these vehicles are currently on a round-Australia road show as a continued awareness initiative. As further vehicles arrive, they will be placed with key business and government fleets and private owners for longer periods of time with the aim of allowing the users to specifically “live” with the vehicles, day and night, in real world situations. The feedback Mitsubishi receives from these customers will provide us with even more information to ensure that we have an even better product to offer when it comes to launch time.

For more news on the Australian Launch Program for the Mitsubishi i-MiEV visit the Mitsubishi website at www.Mitsubishi-Motors.com.au.