FOR the fifth straight year since 2006, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. has continued to experience steady positive growth.

Despite last year’s challenges – the earthquake and tsunami that had hit Japan in the early part of 2011 and the massive flooding in Thailand that affected the auto industry’s supply chain a few months after – MMPC still registered a 1 percent growth as compared to 2010.

This translates to total sales of 32,603 units.

In hindsight, the Philippine automotive industry closed 2011 with a decline of 3 percent, registering sales of 165,056 units based on combined reports from Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (Campi), Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) and Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (Avid) members.

Growth drivers

Among MMPC’s drivers of growth are its light commercial vehicles. Last year, MMPC was able to top several segments, including the SUV segment wherein the combined sales of Montero Sport and Pajero reached 12,210 units.

MMPC also topped the double cab pickup segment as 4,216 units Strada units were sold, thus capturing as 27.7 percent share.

Overall, MMPC’s LCV share increased by 2.5 percent largely behind the excellent performance of the Strada, Montero Sport, ASX, Pajero, Adventure and L300 models while its Fuso trucks and buses increased by 12.7 percent.

20 percent share

With these figures, MMPC was able to capture 20-percent market share, making the company the second best performing automotive brand in the country.

For 2012, MMPC is optimistic that it will further improve its sales volume and market share as it is projecting a growth of 12 percent, as compared to its 2011 sales performance (36,500 units).

The positive outlook is attributed to MMPC’s scheduled model enhancements as well as new variant introduction of its existing line up.

“This year MMPC is geared not only on working at its best to achieve its projected sales volume but is also dedicated in improving its after sales and customer service,” said Hikosaburo Shibata, MMPC president and CEO.

More models, variants

For 2012, Shibata expects that MMPC will continue to bring in more vehicles that will respond to the need for a quality vehicle for every lifestyle and at the same time environment-friendly.

MMPC also expects to improve its passenger car sales with the introduction of its “Global Small Car” or the Mitsubishi Mirage, which made its debut in last year’s Tokyo Motorshow.

The Mirage is expected to easily gain market acceptance, considering its outstanding fuel economy and top of its class features.

“This integrates our commitment of providing utmost driving pleasure and safety to our valued custome4rs and our community. Likewise, MMPC will further work on the expansion of its dealership network to make quality vehicles and services available to every valued customer anywhere in the Philippines,” promised Shibata, who informed that the company is set to open an additional three outlets this year to bring its total number of 49 dealerships nationwide.

Similar development

MMPC expects to provide a similar market excitement that happened last year when it introduced an upgraded Montero Sport and Strada.

With the new variants now powered by Variable Geometry Turbocharged engine, MMPC instantly captured its target market and constributed on the company’s sales feat during the first quarter of 2011.

Both models continue to attract more and more customers not only because of its combined appeal and superb performance but also by the high value for money proposition it offers to customers (especially with added technology enhancements such as the multi-information and multi-media system equipped on some of its variants).

To date, MMPC has already sold a total of 33,515 units of Montero Sport since its introduction in 2008.

Aside from the upgrade3s of these bestsellers, MMPC also expanded its LCV line up by introducing L200 Single Cab pickup and cab chassis, which is targeted for fleet and business use.

A taxi version of the Adventure was also introduced and in no time, got approved approved and accredited by the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board as an alternative model for the existing vehicle fleet of taxi operators.

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Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp. (MMPC) is optimistic that it will further improve its sales volume and market share as it is projecting a growth of 12 percent compared to its 2011 sales performance or 36,500 units. The increase will eventually come from year model enhancements and new variant introduction of its existing vehicle line up which will further excite the market.

MMPC also expects to improve its passenger car sales with the introduction of its global small car or the Mitsubishi Mirage which made its debut in last year’s Tokyo Motorshow.

The Mirage is expected to easily gain market acceptance considering its outstanding fuel economy and top of its class features.

In addition, MMPC is also looking at further expanding its sales network with additional outlets to growth areas which will contribute to its total projected sales volume for this year. MMPC will open up additional 3 more outlets this year to bring its total number of outlets to 49.

“This year MMPC is geared not only on working at its best to achieve its projected sales volume but is also dedicated in improving its after sales and customer service”, said Hikosaburo Shibata, president and chief executive officer of MMPC.

“For 2012 MMPC will continue to bring in more vehicles that will respond to the need for a quality vehicle for every lifestyle and at the same time environment friendly, this integrates our commitment of providing utmost driving pleasure and safety to our valued customers and our community. “MMPC will further work on the expansion of its dealership network to make quality vehicles and services available to every valued customer anywhere in the Philippines,” Shibata said.

Despite the 3-percent decline in sales in 2011 of the industry, MMPC managed to improve its sales with modest growth of 1 percent as compared to 2010.

MMPC was able to achieve total sales of 32,603 units for 2011. With these figures, MMPC was able to capture 20 percent market share, keeping it as the second best selling automotive brand in the country.

The year 2011 also marks the fifth consecutive year that MMPC registered growth in sales volume and market share since 2006.

Increases in several segments were also reflected in MMPC’s 2011 performance.

The light commercial vehicle (LCV) increased by 2.5 percent while its Fuso trucks and buses increased by 12.7 percent. The growth in MMPC LCV sales was contributed primarily by increase in the Strada, Montero Sport, ASX, Pajero, Adventure and L300 models.

Throughout 2011 MMPC was also able to keep its industry position and recorded several notable achievements.

Last year, MMPC was able to top several segments such as the SUV segment with the combined sales of Montero Sport and Pajero of 12,210 units, and also the Strada as No.1 double cab pick up with sales of 4,216 units or 27.7 percent share of the double cab pick up segment.

MMPC’s remarkable sales performance can be credited to its continuous effort to provide the market with a refreshed and extensive vehicle line-up coupled by aggressive and attractive sales promotions.

Likewise the introduction of the upgraded Montero Sport and Strada powered by Variable Geometry Turbocharged (VGT) engine during the first quarter of 2011 has instantly captured its target market and contributed on MMPC’s sales feat. Both models continue to attract more and more customers not only because of its combined appeal and superb performance brought about by its powerful VGT engine but also by the high value for money proposition it offers to customers especially with added technology enhancements such as the multi-information and multi-media system equipped on some of its variants.

To date, MMPC has already sold a total of 33,515 units of Montero Sport since its introduction.

Aside from the upgrades of these bestsellers, MMPC also expanded its LCV line up by introducing L200 Single Cab pick up and cab chassis which is targeted for fleet and business use and also a taxi version of the Adventure which has been approved and accredited by the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as an alternative replacement model for the existing vehicle fleet of taxi operators.

The automotive industry closed 2011 with a decline of 3 percent, registering sales of 165,056 units based on combined reports from Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) and Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) members. The decline in sales was triggered by supply challenges that the auto industry faced last year which was brought about by the natural calamities hitting more than a few significant countries in the automotive world. The earthquake and tsunami that had hit Japan during the first quarter of 2011, and the massive flooding in Thailand had affected the auto industry supply chain to fall apart from the expected demand.

Malaya Business Insight

Tsikot.com Philippines

Filed under: Budget, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

We often see Japanese domestic market introductions and get all hot and bothered because those cars won’t be sold here in the United States. This is not one of those times.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Mirage goes on sale in Thailand in March with three stated objectives: Compactness, affordability, and efficiency. At about the size of a Mini Cooper hatchback (146 inches in length), the five-seater Mirage looks in every way like the transportation appliance it aims to be. Powered by a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine with stop/start technology and a continuously variable transmission, Mitsubishi says it should be good for about 30 kilometers per liter – that’s 70 miles per gallon. That’s impressive – its 14-inch wheels and disposable wheel covers, less so.

It’s been a decade since Mitsubishi sold a Mirage in the U.S., and over 20 years since anyone cared. We don’t expect this one to even make it here, let alone move that needle.

Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading Your eyes do not deceive, that’s the 2012 Mitsubishi Mirage

Your eyes do not deceive, that’s the 2012 Mitsubishi Mirage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi, Electric

If Mitsubishi is serious about its electrification efforts, it has to offer more than the pint-sized all-electric i in the States. That’s where the Concept PX-MiEV II comes in.

What you’re looking at is the plug-in hybrid version of the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, something Mitsubishi confirms is set to go on sale sometime in 2012.

A traditional 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is mounted up front, but each rear axle has an electric motor that’s fed power by a lithium-ion battery pack spanning the floor. Mitsubishi claims the MX-MiEV II can run up to 31 miles on electric power alone, and if you mash the gas the system switches to parallel hybrid mode by engaging the engine. All told, you should be able to make it up to 500 miles on a single tank, but if you’re commute is less than 15 miles, you could go gas-free for months.

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II is the 2013 Outlander in mild disguise originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed underneath: Hatchback, Mitsubishi, 1st Drives, Electric

Gentle Bodyweight, Rear-Wheel Drive And Quick Torque Bubble Up

There are two simple truths about the Mitsubishi i that must help this funky minor electrical automobile sell nicely in the U.S. when it goes on sale later this yr. Initial, it seems to be like completely practically nothing else on the road today. 2nd, the auto is much a lot more fun than its jellybean shape implies.

The North American-spec i does share its look with variations on sale in Japan and Europe, but this EV is a various beast compared to individuals models. It is also totally various from the gas-driven kei-auto bought only in Mitsubishi’s residence industry, which was named the Japan Car of the Yr by the Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference in 2007. It’s also totally distinct from the Japan or Euro-spec electrical i-MiEVs (which are also somewhat various from each other) that Mitsubishi has been exhibiting off in the U.S. for the past number of several years. We’ve had a chance to generate these other types, and you can study our thoughts on the foreign i-MiEV here and the following. At this level, although, it is best not to hassle – this i is a thing new.

That is component of the idea, given that the i is meant to be unique. Adore it or detest it, Mitsubishi thinks that this is what electrical auto buyers want: an electric automobile that appears like an electrical car, even if it comes from gas roots.

Proceed looking at 2012 Mitsubishi i

2012 Mitsubishi i at first appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:57:00 Est. Make sure you see our conditions for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Scion

Sure, every age demographic is important to marketing and sales teams in the automotive industry. But automakers would love nothing more than to grab hold of a young person and instill brand loyalty at an early age.

Which manufacturers are actually doing that? According to a study conducted by TrueCar.com, car shoppers aged between 18 and 27 years old are flocking to Scion, Mitsubishi and Mazda.

Referred to as Generation Y, this group represents a vital segment of the car-shopping public. If a brand can grab you here, it has a strong chance of grabbing you again down the road. In 2009 and 2010, Scion was able to capture 21.2 percent of the Gen Y car buyers. Mitsubishi was close behind with 20.3 percent of that market, and Mazda was third with 10.7 percent. Surprisingly, Bugatti failed to make the list.

TrueCar.com also took a look at the specific models that appeal to this young segment of shoppers. The Scion tC, Mitsubishi Lancer and Honda Civic Si nabbed the top three spots for sales in the previous two years. Generation Y clearly has a thing for imports, and you can dig deeper into TrueCar’s findings by reading the full press release posted after the jump.

Continue reading Scion, Mitsubishi and Mazda top brands among Gen Y buyers

Scion, Mitsubishi and Mazda top brands among Gen Y buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Crossover, Mitsubishi

According to a new report from Ward’s Auto, a top Mitsubishi executive says a plug-in hybrid version of its Outlander Sport is bound for the U.S. in 2013.

Unveiled in concept form at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi touts the hybridized crossover’s “environmental and on-road performance,” as well as its electrified powertrain, which combines a 1.6-liter gasoline-powered four-cylinder and the necessary hybrid hardware to a lithium-ion battery pack.

The Outlander Sport plug-in hybrid will mark Mitsubishi’s second electrified offering in the States. First up is the battery-powered 2012 i hatchback, which is slated to launch in early 2012.

Beyond those two models, Mitsubishi says that six additional electrified vehicles will launch globally before the end of 2015.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport plug-in hybrid coming to U.S. in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Mitsubishi

Yoichi Yokozawa, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, recently confirmed to Automotive News that a new Lancer SE will be arriving this fall as a 2012 model. The SE will feature the all-wheel drive of the Ralliart and Evolution models, but will be paired with the naturally aspirated engine found in the current DE, ES (pictured) and GTS trims.

Official details and pricing information has not been released as of this writing, but Automotive News reports that the SE will sticker for approximately $20,000. Mitsubishi says that the SE should account for 15 to 20 percent of all Lancer sales.

Adding the SE trim to the Lancer lineup is part of Mitsubishi’s plan to someday sell 100,000 units in the United States again. The last time Mitsubishi sold over 100,000 vehicles in this market was 2007, when sales totaled 128,993.

Mitsubishi adding AWD Lancer SE to lineup this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Three car companies—Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. and Ford Group Philippines—posted modest sales in the first six months of the year.

MMPC continued turning in robust sales, selling 16,865 units for a 24 percent market share in the first semester and registering a 7.7 percent growth in the same period.

As a result, MMPC became the current market leader in total commercial vehicles with sales of 15,997 for the first semester (based on a year to date figures).

The company’s commercial vehicle sales grew by 10.5 percent from the same period last year. It sold 15,759 light commercial vehicles as well as 238 trucks and buses.

MMPC VP for marketing services Froilan Dytianquin said the company remains positive that MMPC will further increase its sales volume in the second half with coming upgrades and additional variants to its core models.

“However, as Mitsubishi Motors Corp. Japan and Thailand manufacturing plants are working on full capacity due to increasing global demand especially for Montero and Strada models, we shall exert full efforts to be able to serve the market requirements which we anticipate to further pick up in the remaining months,” said Dytianquin.

MMPC’s strong performace in the light commercial category can be attributed to the strong demand and wide market acceptance of the Montero Sports as well as Strada making them bestsellers in the total mid-size SUV and total double cab pick up categories, respectively.

Sales of the Montero Sport reached 6,408 units while 1,996 units of the Strada pick ups were sold in the first half for an increase of 3.7 percent and 3 percent respectively compared to the same period last year.

Moreover, locally manufactured models such as the Adventure Asian utility vehicle and L300 van also topped their particular segments as MMPC sold a total of 3,553 units of the Adventure while L300 sales reached 3,163 in the first half for a 14.5 percent and 8.5 percent increase respectively.

Both Adventure and L300 remain a favorite of companies for their fleet requirements, as well as small scale entrepreneurs due its low cost maintenance and highly reliable performance. In fact, these models remain to be significant part of MMPC’s vehicle line-up as they contribute to providing more assembly opportunities for the company’s current manpower.

The Philippine automotive industry closed the first half of the year with a slight decrease of 1.6 percent, registering sales of 70,000 units.

Hyundai Asia Resources Inc., the country’s distributor of the top-Korean brand in the country, capped the first semester sales with a modest 5 percent growth over the same period in 2010 driven by sales of its passenger car category.

Hari cited expanding market acceptance of the new Accent, Elantra, and Sonata models (apart from the including the H-100 and Santa Fe models).

Hari president Fe Perez-Agudo reported that for the January to June period total sales hit 10,355 units from 9,834 units in the same period last year.

“This was largely driven by the 18 percent rise in PC sales to 4,726 units from 4,004 units sold in the same period last year,” Agudo said.

For passenger cars, Hari’s sales for the month of June shoot up 62 percent to 1,415 units from 871 units in June the previous year.

Meanwhile, Hari’s LCV sales hit 5,629 units during this six months period, a slight 3 percent difference from the 5,830 units sold in the same period last year.

Because of strong global demand for the Tucson and Starex model, Hari was only able to deliver 878 units this June, a 24 percent difference from the 1,160 units sold in the same period last year.

Sales of vehicles under the Ford brand in the Philippines surged 63 percent – 3,968 units in the first five months, despite a temporary work stoppage implemented in April and a reduction in production because of the recent crisis in Japan.

According to Ford Group Philippines, sales in May alone jumped 85 percent to 817 units, driven by the strong performance of their Fiesta sub-compact model.

“Sales of the all-new Fiesta are contributing to our strong performance and underscore its strategic role in transforming our business. The Fiesta is attracting a wide range of Filipino customers who appreciate its class-leading style, smart technology, superior fuel efficiency and unmatched safety in a small car,” FGP president Randy Krieger said in a statement.

The FGP sold 324 units of the Fiesta last month, bringing total Fiesta sales to 1,406 units from January to May thus making the brand, FGP’s strongest-selling nameplate.

Sales of FGP’s other strong models, the Everest, increased by 47 percent in May to 226 units. FGP also sold 102 units of the Ranger, an improvement of 38 percent from the same month last year, and 62 units of the Focus.

“We’re continuing to experience strong demand across our full product lineup, and that is contributing to our sales performance. It’s a strong indication that our One Ford strategy is working, and we’re offering the right vehicles in this market that suit a diverse range of Filipino lifestyles and requirements,” Krieger said.

The March 11 earthquake in Japan damaged plants producing crucial auto parts and components as well as critical logistics hubs, effectively causing a disruption in the auto supply chain.

This forced FGP to advanced 18 scheduled down days in April while waiting for the necessary parts and components to be delivered to the country.

According to FGP, the temporary shutdown of its manufacturing facility in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, was merely precautionary, to ensure that the parts on inventory would be enough to last the company until fresh supplies come in.

Journal Online

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Filed below: Auto Acquiring, Budget, Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Canada, Electric

$ 32,998. That is the cost that Mitsubishi Motors has announced for the i-MiEV in Canada when the minor space egg goes on sale there later on this year. (That is $ 33,891 U.S. at today’s trade price).

Certainly, Canada will get the i-MiEV, and not the fatter, more time U.S.-only i that will cost $ 27,990 (witnessed in the gallery beneath). The Canadian i-MiEV will be available in two trim ranges: common and top quality. There is absolutely nothing all that thrilling about the standard model (A/C, heated driver’s seat and remote keyless entry) but the premium bundle adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 15-inch alloy wheels and an improved stereo, along with navigation (complete facts accessible after the leap) for $ 35,998 ($ 36,972). Equally versions are targeted to have a range of 135 kilometers (84 miles) and have a 130 km/h top pace (81 mph).

The i-MiEV is no stranger to Canada, getting spent time in a 50-vehicle examination fleet in 2010. Oh, and the coast-to-coast reference in the picture above? We believe that this is a pretty obvious reference to the Thoroughly clean Across Canada Tour that Mitsubishi took the electrical jellybean on final year. Examine far more about that plug-in adventure here.

One particular final point – ABG reader Keith R arrived up with this interesting table of price tag distinctions between the U.S. and Canada for a few of the finest-known plug-in vehicles (not factoring in the trade fee), and it makes for interesting reading through:

Mitsubishi i-MiEV
Common $ 27,990 (U.S.) vs. $ 32,998 (CAN) = +17.nine %
Premium $ 29,990 (U.S.) vs. $ 35,998 (CAN) = +20 percent

Nissan Leaf
SV $ 32,780 (U.S.) vs. $ 38,395 (CAN) = +17.one %
SL $ 33,720 (U.S.) vs. $ 39,995 (CAN) = +18.six percent

Chevrolet Volt
$ 41,000 (U.S.) vs. $ 41,545 (CAN) = +one.three %

Proceed looking at Mitsubishi sets Canadian i-MiEV price at $ 32,998

Mitsubishi sets Canadian i-MiEV price at $ 32,998 initially appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our phrases for use of feeds.

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