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Mitsubishi Motors Posts Strongest March Sales In 5 Years

2 April 1999

Mitsubishi Motors Posts Strongest March Sales In 5 Years; Company's Core Products Lead 24 Percent Year-To-Date Sales Increase        

    CYPRESS, Calif., April 1 -- Marking its second best March
sales in the company's history, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA)
today announced monthly sales of 20,388 units, up 69 percent from last year,
showing a continued sales strength in its core products and a renewed
confidence in the direction of the company as a whole.  Passenger car sales
for the month were up 81 percent, with Galant up 115 percent and the flagship
Diamante up 69 percent.  For the first quarter of 1999, overall sales were up
24 percent.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990401/LATH077 )
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990331/LAW011 )
    According to Pierre Gagnon, executive vice president and chief operating
officer, Mitsubishi Motors is on the threshold of a new awakening in the
United States.  "We've instituted a whole new business philosophy and its
extending from our headquarters on down to the consumer.  And as the first few
months of this year have already shown, the style, distinction and value that
our products represent are meeting the needs of our customers," said Gagnon.
    Gagnon was in New York earlier this week to launch the world debut of
Mitsubishi Motors' 2000 Eclipse sports coupe.  The all-new model, which will
go on sale later this summer, is expected to appeal to a broader spectrum of
buyers than the current model due to its more sophisticated styling and more
refined drivetrains.  Gagnon noted that a V6 engine will be available for the
first time in the car's history, delivering 205-horsepower.  Additionally, the
new Eclipse will be offered with a new "Sportronic(TM)" 4-speed automatic
transmission, which can be used as a clutchless manual gearbox.
    The 2000 Montero Sport, also due in dealerships this summer, made its
debut in New York this week as well.  Known for its distinctive style,
comfortable interior and smooth ride, the updated Montero Sport will now have
a 3.0-liter V6 in its entry level ES version, along with freshened up front
and rear styling to emphasize its rugged heritage.  The current model reached
sales of nearly 4,000 units for the month of March, up 35 percent, and the
all-new model is expected to remain equally as popular through year-end.
    While Mitsubishi Motors continues to highlight its core models, Galant,
Eclipse and Montero Sport, the company's overall full line remains strong.
Collective sales of the Mirage 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan reached more than
6,100 units and the Montero luxury sport utility vehicle showed a 22 percent
increase in March.
    Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1982 by
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicles,
including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles.


                                     Mar. '99       Mar. '98        % Change
                                     Month/YTD      Month/YTD       Month/YTD

    Passenger Car Sales*           16,292/41,941   8,995/34,497    +81%/+22%
    Sport Utility Vehicles**        4,096/12,250    3,065/9,195    +34%/+33%
    Total Vehicle Sales            20,388/54,191  12,060/43,692    +69%/+24%

    Note: U.S.-Assembled
     Vehicle Sales                  9,120/24,182   6,933/22,764     +32%/+6%
    (Includes Eclipse/Eclipse Spyder/Galant)


    *  Above totals include sales of U.S.-assembled Mitsubishi Motors vehicles
    ** Includes Montero and Montero Sport

    PLEASE NOTE: 2000 ECLIPSE/2000 MONTERO SPORT PHOTOS AVAILABLE VIA
PR NEWSWIRE