Mitsubishi Motors Begins Production of ASX in the USA

Aug. 23, 2012 - PRLog -- - North America-model only plant turned into global export hub –

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced the start of production of the ASX*1 compact crossover at Mitsubishi Motors North America's*2 (MMNA) plant in Normal, Illinois.

A commemorative line-off ceremony was held at the plant.

   *1: Outlander Sport in USA and RVR in some markets.
   *2: MMC's subsidiary and exclusive producer and distributor for the United States.

Change to Strategic Global Production and Export Hub
Until recently, the Illinois plant had produced models designed specifically for the North American market, such as the Galant, Eclipse, Eclipse Spyder, and the Endeavor. Now, with the commencement of production of ASX, the plant has become a strategic global production and export hub – producing the model for distribution in the North American market and for export to Russia, Central and South America, and the Middle East.

Planned production capacity at the Illinois plant is approximately 50,000 units, and MMC is considering expanding it to 70,000 units in the future. As a global production and export hub, MMC plans to keep it running at appropriate production levels to meet requirements.

Present at the line-off ceremony, MMC Managing Director Tetsuro Aikawa put the Illinois plant change in perspective: "Mitsubishi Motors is now moving forward with 'global' vehicles that satisfy the needs of many consumers worldwide. Through the diligence of every single worker at the Illinois plant, we plan to make great strides not only in the North American market, but in other markets outside of North America by producing and exporting the Outlander Sport (ASX). The continually-growing United States market is one of our most important markets, and this change to the plant marks our commitment to this market."

Core Global Strategic Vehicle

ASX
The ASX is a global strategic vehicle that is a core product in MMC's line-up specifically for the increasing demand for smaller vehicles worldwide. First launched in Japan in February 2010 as the RVR, it was then introduced sequentially to countries all over the world. Over 250,000 units of ASX (including its Outlander Sport and RVR cousins) have been sold worldwide as of June 2012. Since its American debut in September 2010, the ASX is now MMC's top seller in the United States.

Outline of the MMNA Illinois Plant

1.Location      Normal, Illinois, USA

2.Start of Production   1988

3.Site Area      2,570,000m2

4.Building Area      190,000m2

5.Production Model   Outlander Sport

6.Production Volume   31,000 units (FY2011)

For further information contact
Caitlin Beale
Corporate Communications Manager
Phone: 08 8275 7250
Mobile: 0417 243 719
cbeale@mmal.com.au

Shona Connolly
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Phone: 08 8275 2676
sconnolly@mmal.com.au