Mitsubishi Motors' Outlander PHEV awarded for technology and innovation

MELBOURNE – Nov 26, 2013: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s (MMC) acclaimed Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid SUV has been acknowledged with two distinguished annual prizes in its home market just months before its arrival in Australia.

Japan’s COTY committee awarded Outlander PHEV its coveted 2013-2014 Innovation Award for PHEV’s combination of high fuel efficiency and driving performance, while the PHEV system was named 2014 Technology of the Year by Japan’s leading automotive journalists during the annual Automotive Researchers’ and Journalist’ Conference of Japan (RJC).

Due in Australia in 2014, the Outlander PHEV employs a high-capacity drive battery, front and rear motors, generator and petrol engine to maximise fuel efficiency and minimise emissions.

Combining Mitsubishi’s sophisticated i-MiEV EV system with the company’s most advanced internal combustion engine technology, including MIVEC variable valve timing, the new Outlander PHEV boasts combined fuel consumption of less than 1.6 litres/100km and a total cruising range of more than 800 kilometres according to Japan’s official JC08 test cycle. It also has the capability to recharge the batteries while driving or stationary by selecting Battery Charge Mode.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Executive Director of Marketing Tony Principe said the new Outlander PHEV will be an important addition to the company’s product portfolio, and demonstrates Mitsubishi’s ongoing commitment to providing customers with sustainable, eco-friendly automotive transport solutions.

“We’re looking forward to Outlander PHEV, the world’s first plug-in SUV, joining our Australian line-up in 2014,” he said.

“We have a proud history of launching ground-breaking SUVs that have connected with Australian consumers, and the Outlander PHEV represents a great opportunity to make Mitsubishi’s state-of-the-art electric vehicle technology accessible to more customers.

“The Outlander PHEV is a remarkable vehicle, not only does it offer the convenience and packaging flexibility of a traditional SUV, it also boasts outstanding fuel efficiency and low emissions.

“With a spacious five-seat interior, 4WD off-road performance and a combined cruising range of more than 880 kilometres*** to eliminate driving range anxiety, the Outlander PHEV will change people’s perception of electric vehicles.

“The acknowledgement of highly respected organisations like RJC and the Japanese Car of the Year panel demonstrates that Mitsubishi Motors has developed a ground breaking and intelligent solution for sustainable driving.”

The Outlander PHEV’s sophisticated plug-in hybrid system offers three efficient driving modes to take full advantage of the best attributes of the combined advanced internal combustion engine and electric vehicle systems. This is delivered in three distinct modes – Pure Electric Mode, which uses both front and rear electric motors purely driven from battery power with zero emissions and no engine noise; Series Mode, which uses the petrol engine to generate stored battery energy; and Parallel Mode, that employs the petrol engine to drive the front wheels whilst supplemented by the electric motors, as required.

When the new Outlander PHEV arrives in Australia in the second quarter of 2014, it will become the second electric-powered vehicle to be sold by Mitsubishi Motors in Australia after the 2011 launch of the ground-breaking pure electric i-MiEV, Australia’s first electric vehicle.

Mitsubishi will announce full pricing, features, specifications and distribution details closer to Outlander PHEV’s official Australian launch.