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Prime Minister of Australia Meets with U.S. Arm of Mitsubishi Motors

1 July 1997

Prime Minister of Australia Meets with U.S. Arm of Mitsubishi Motors; Discusses Impact of Australian Auto Industry and U.S. Car Sales

  Mitsubishi Diamante is Only Australian-Built Car Imported for Sale in U.S.

    NEW YORK, July 1 -- As part of his U.S. travels, Prime
Minister of Australia, John Howard, has included meetings with representatives
of Mitsubishi Motors to discuss the mutual success both his country and the
auto manufacturer have shared with the production of the Australian-built,
Mitsubishi Diamante luxury performance sedan.
    While meeting with Kyo Fujioka, president of Mitsubishi Motors America
(MMA) and Richard D. Recchia, executive vice president and chief operating
officer for Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA), the Prime Minister
was thanked for his country's commitment to world-class technology in the
production of Mitsubishi Motors' flagship sedan in Adelaide, Australia.
Mitsubishi Motors of Australia, Ltd. (MMAL) is the exclusive manufacturer of
the Diamante luxury performance sedan, currently the only Australian-built car
sold in the United States.
    Because of record sales, MMAL recently announced it would increase
production of the Diamante, and the related Magna and Verada sedans sold
worldwide, from 280 units per day to 310 units per day later in the year.  The
plant expects to export over 18,000 vehicles to more than 20 countries
worldwide in 1997.
    According to Recchia, MMSA is meeting its Diamante sales objectives for
the year and its all-new design has been well received by both consumers and
the automotive press.  "We feel that the positive impression created by
Diamante in the United States is due to its styling, engineering and most
important, value, in a very competitive segment," said Recchia.  "However,
it's the pride and dedication of the men and women of Australia who build the
Diamante that have made it a further success."
    U.S. competition for the Diamante in the near-luxury segment includes
Lexus ES300, Infiniti I30 and Acura TL.
    Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1982 by
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of subcompact
coupes and sedans, mid-size sedans, sports coupes and convertibles, grand
touring sports cars, luxury performance sedans and sport utility vehicles.

SOURCE  Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc.

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