Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) announced the arrival today of two full-production i-MiEV electric vehicles into the Port of Brisbane.

Queensland’s Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, the honourable Kate Jones, was on hand to witness the arrival of the vehicles into Brisbane, and, along with customs, shipping and port authorities, presided over their first official Australian inspection.

The new arrivals are the first full-production electric vehicles ever to set their treads on Australian roads and are in the country for MMAL’s extensive pre-sale evaluation program. Over the coming months the vehicles will be tested in ‘real world’ situations by government fleets, private fleets and the media across the nation.

MMAL’s president and CEO, Robert McEniry, was delighted to welcome the globally acclaimed vehicles to Australian shores.

“The Mitsubishi i-MiEV has the ability to introduce a new era of environmentally sound motoring to Australia. The arrival of these vehicles brings the possibility of having large numbers of zero drive-time emission vehicles on our roads one step closer to reality. ”

The i-MiEV, which stands for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle, is a zero drive-time emission city commuter. A perfect vehicle for commuting over common distances in a city landscape, the i-MiEV is able to reach a top speed of 130km/h and has a range of around 160 kilometres* from a single charge.

The vehicle is a rear-wheel drive with three driving modes: Drive, Eco and Brake and takes approximately seven hours for a full battery charge from a normal 15 amp domestic household power supply.

The i-MiEV has been recognised internationally for its pioneering technology and its contribution to environmental protection. The vehicle has been on sale in Japan since July 2009, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) in Japan has signed memorandums of understanding with multiple countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand and several European countries.

History has definitely been made today but is it also the beginning of something we would rather not see? Is it the beginning of the end for the Australian manufacturing industry?

* Range may vary depending on a number of factors including use of climate controls, driving style, road conditions, number of passengers and the condition of the vehicle. Japan 10.15 Drive Cycle.

The exterior of the Outlander RX features a redesigned front bumper and fog lights, 18 inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, along with unique side and rear air dams. Finishing touches include silver painted exterior door handles, a chrome exhaust tip and privacy glass.

On the inside the special features include unique leather and sports mesh seat trim, silver painted floor console panels and chrome interior door handles. And, to complete the package the RX Outlander adds safety and practicality with its advanced Bluetooth 2.0 functionality and smart key (keyless operation system).

MMAL vice president of brand and marketing, Paul Unerkov, said the special edition Outlander RX is in a class of its own.

“This attention grabbing vehicle offers great street presence, drivability and functionality.”

The Outlander RX is limited to 500 units only and is available in the choice of three colours – Black Mica and Cool Silver, and White Pearl which is exclusive to the RX.

Outlander RX features the 2.4L MIVEC engine, with CVT auto transmission as well as Mitsubishi’s All Wheel Control 4wd System, Dual SRS airbags, ABS Brakes with EBD, Active Stability Control, Active Traction Control and Hill Start Control.

The Outlander RX is available now for $38,475.00 from over 200 Mitsubishi dealerships Australia wide and is covered by Mitsubishi’s industry-leading 5 year / 130,000km, 10 year/160,000km non-transferrable drive-train warranty and 5 year/130,000 roadside assist as standard.

*Prices listed are vehicle the only price before adding dealer and statutory charges

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) will add a limited edition to the already popular Lancer range in March 2010. Based on the feature-packed ES model, the Lancer ACTiV sports an impressive list of interior and exterior additions all with a drive-away price starting from $21,990.

MMAL Vice president of brand marketing, Paul Unerkov, is delighted to welcome the Lancer ACTiV and believes it will be a hot seller at Mitsubishi dealerships across Australia.

“The Lancer ES is already an extremely well appointed and popular vehicle. The additional features available as standard increase the street presence and highlight the superior value of the ACTiV variant.”

Upgrades to the exterior of the Lancer ACTiV include 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, side airdams, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip and the ACTiV badge. Inside, the ACTiV boasts the convenience of hands free blue tooth and features a leather steering wheel with audio and blue tooth controls.

The Lancer ACTiV boasts the efficient 2.0-litre dual overhead cam MIVEC four-cylinder engine, delivering 113kW of power @ 6000rpm and 198 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm, and is available in both manual and CVT transmissions, and in either the Sportback or sedan body styles.

With the five-star ANCAP safety rating awarded to the entire Lancer range, the Lancer ACTiV provides the utmost in safety. Active Stability Control with Traction Control (ASTC), ABS braking system with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), (SRS) airbags, anti-intrusion pedal system, seatbelt pretensioners, and reinforced impact safety evolution (RISE) body all contributing to the ultimate protection rating.

Available in the full range of Lancer colours, the Lancer ACTiV is now available at Mitsubishi dealerships Australia-wide.

Like all Mitsubishi vehicles, the Lancer ACTiV is protected by the company’s leading and comprehensive five year/130,000 whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km powertrain warranty and a five year/unlimited km roadside assistance package.

*Updated to include the Bluetooth and stereo controls that we missed in the original press release.

Mitsubishi says that the new RVR provides outstanding fuel efficiency from its lightweight, compact body. With the panoramic field of view of an SUV, the RVR is easy to drive and provides turn-on-a-dime maneuverability. The vehicle is the ideal compact crossover, with ample luggage space for every application from daily driving to leisure outings.

The power train combines a 1.8-liter, 16-valve DOHC MIVEC* engine with an INVECS**–III sport mode 6-speed CVT. The vehicle features a regenerative braking system*** (high-efficiency electric power generation control), electric power steering, improved aerodynamics and other low-fuel consumption technologies.

The RVR also incorporates super-wide HID headlights which provide a wide, ultra-bright beam for safe night driving, a panoramic glass roof (with LED illumination) for a sense of spaciousness during the day and a romantic ambiance at night, and push-button ignition.

The RVR is equipped with an advanced in-car entertainment including a terrestrial digital TV tuner HDD navigation system and a “link system” with USB, Bluetooth and other connections for music players and other external devices.

* Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control
** Intelligent and Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System
*** Intensive battery charging of the electricity generated during deceleration (regenerative braking). The stored energy is used until it is consumed during idling and running, without electricity generation. This system contributes to higher fuel efficiency because the burden on the engine is decreased from not running the alternator while the stored energy is consumed.

The ASX is the European-spec version of the Japanese RVR, which is slated to go on sale in Japan from February 2010. MMC’s new compact crossover will seat 5 and will be sequentially introduced in European countries from late spring 2010, aimed at expanding MMC’s passenger car footprint in the region, following in the footsteps of the larger and recently redesigned Outlander mid-size crossover.

Amongst other available powertrains, the European-spec version will be fitted with an all-new Euro 5-compliant 1.8L turbocharged direct-injection diesel engine jointly developed by MMC and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and will feature “Automatic Stop & Go” technology. Together with a 6-speed manual transmission, this combination will provide high environmental efficiency.

This additional safety equipment means that the Lancer now offers more occupant protection features than any of its direct competitors – with seven airbags, including driver and passenger SRS airbags, side and curtain airbags, and driver knee airbag standard on every model.

In addition, all Lancer sedans and hatches come standard with Mitsubishi’s RISE (reinforced impact safety evolution) body, stability control, traction control, ABS braking with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution and seatbelt load limiters and pretensions.

Robert McEniry, president and chief executive officer of MMAL, said the news on Lancer “just keeps getting better and better.”

“2009 was a standout year for Lancer, and it recorded the best-ever result with more than 21,000 vehicles sold,” McEniry said.

“And, now, with side and curtain airbags fitted as standard to each and every vehicle in the range, Lancer is guaranteed a great start in 2010.”

Despite that low-key promotion here international interest in the vehicle has been considerable. Currently, the i MiEV is undergoing feasibility studies in a number of countries around the world, including the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Iceland and Canada.

Utilising a large-capacity lithium-ion battery system and a compact, high-output electric motor in place of a traditional gasoline power train (based on Japanese and European trial figures) the i MiEV has some impressive technical specifications for a zero drive-time emissions vehicle.

Producing 47 kW of power and 180 Nm of instant torque, the i MiEV’s permanent magnet synchronous engine is supported by what Mitsubuishi describes as “a revolutionary” lithium-ion battery from the newly formed joint venture company Lithium Energy Japan.

With total voltage measuring 330V, and total energy output at 16kWh, the compact battery and motor reside under the seating and in the back of the vehicle.

This allows seating capacity for four individuals and good size luggage compartment in the rear of the vehicle. In a small car, this maximisation of space is made possible by the i MiEV’s smart design and long wheelbase of 2550mm.

Requiring seven hours from a normal domestic household power supply for a full battery charge, the i MiEV should ideally be left to recharge overnight, making it perfect for daily commuting over common distances in a city landscape.

Able to reach a top speed of 130 km/h, with a range of around 160 kilometres* from a single charge, the i MiEV is a rear-wheel drive vehicle with three ‘speeds’: Drive, Eco and Brake.

Drive is the full power mode where the car drives under normal mode. Economic or ‘Eco’ mode allows the power to drop out automatically to extend the i MiEV’s cruising range and fuel efficiency.

Brake mode offers high regenerative braking that absorbs as much kinetic energy as possible – restoring power to the battery – and is perfect for downhill driving.

Compared to a similar sized petrol car, the running costs per kilometre are around 33% lower. If charged during off-peak or night time hours the operating costs will be even less.

Following testing around the country Mitsubishi plans to build on the initial exposure program with a range of longer-term trials of the i MiEV in government and private fleets across the nation.

Through this i MiEV program, MMAL will receive feedback from key stakeholders regarding the viability of the technology and, in doing so, lay the foundations for the possible sale of the vehicle in the Australian market.

The top of the range Lancer ated highly for occupant protection following a series of crash tests – a frontal offset, a side offset and a pole test. The model tested was the top-spec model, which includes head-protecting side air bags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – both prerequisites for a five-star rating under ANCAP’s rating methodology. The lower spec Lancer scored four stars.

The Hyundai i30, which also includes side curtains and ESC, achieved five stars after a recent modification improved the vehicle’s knee impact area, which ANCAP had raised as an issue. The New Zealand i30 will receive the same upgrade. Similar to the Lancer, the lower spec i30 scores four stars.

In a statement released a short time ago Mitsubishi stated that the ” … decision has been made because Australian consumers are moving towards smaller, more economic, and environmentally friendlier cars like those in the rest of the Mitsubishi range.”

Of course the closure of the plant means the end of production for the 380 – the car that very few people seemed to want.

Now if the reasons given for closing the plant are correct then I wonder what’s in store for Ford when they release the new Falcon. Have Australian consumers really moved on from the big 6 cylinder cars?

You can read the full report here

But times change, pain in your hip pocket can cause you to make decisions that reflect on your manhood and your patriotism and now we’re beginning to see change in the buying habits of Australian motorists … and the local manufacturers have been caught flat-footed.

Sales of Imported Cars Surge
In the period January to June this year – at a time when new car sales were increasing substantially – less than 20% of cars sold were actually built in Australia. Ford and Mitsubishi were the hardest hit as Australian car buyers looked overseas for their next new car.

Sales of light and small cars continued to climb as did sales of smaller 4WDs. Sales of small 4WD models are up by over 18% while sales of big 4WDs have dropped by over 13%.

And this trend will only continue to become stronger. The strong Aussie dollar means that imports from overseas are cheaper, the rising cost of fuel – tipped to be $100 a barrel by year’s end – will reinforce the appeal of smaller cars and another rise in interest rates tipped for August will further impact on the sales of big cars.

Manufacturers’ Response
And where are the manufacturers in all of this. Toyota is doing very well with it’s Aurion and Camry models but Holden has the VE Commodore with a fuel consumption that hasn’t improved in years. Ford has a new Falcon coming out next year that is just another big car and Mitsubishi is revamping its 380 – a car that hasn’t sold well in the past and probably never will.

It seems that there’s just more pain on the horizon for the local manufacturers. Admittedly Ford has announced that it will begin production of the Ford Focus here in Australia but that won’t begin to happen till 2011 – the first smalal car to be built in Australia since 1999 – and you might be forgiven for wondering if, in today’s ever-changing world, Ford Australia can last that long.

Meanwhile more and more small cars are coming in from overseas as savvy manufacturers take advantage of the Australian car makers inability to respond to market trends and things are only set to get worse for the big car makers when Kia launches it’s new cee’d range later this year. Trendy economical small cars like the Kia cee’d hatch and cabrio will become even more appealing to Australian car buyers.

It’s strange what thoughts can come to you in the dead of the night when all you want to do is sleep.

Yesterday I pointed out in The Japanese Manufacturers Turn Up Everywhere that two of the new vehicles Chrysler wants to introduce into Australia this year are built using a Mitsubishi platform.

Last night it dawned on me that our Hyundai Grandeur comes with a 3 litre V6 motor that’s built by Mitsubishi.

Now if so many other car makers around the world are using major components designed by you Mitsubishi why are you going broke?

The technical details can be found here

The head of Mitsubishi in Japan has assured the federal Industry Minister and the South Australian Deputy Premier that Mitsubishi has no plans to shut down its assembly plant in South Australia.

But stay tuned, I’m sure there will be more because sales of the 380 – the car that was supposed to save Mitsubishi in Australian – are still not happening in the numbers Mitsubishi needed.

Several months ago the ABC broke the news that Mitsubishi was looking at plans to shut down their production lines in Adelaide. Of course that brought a flood of denials from Mitsubishi and the government.

Then the ABC broke the story again when they had further information and once again they were howled down with denials from every man and his dog.

And now the federal Industry Minister and the South Australian Treasurer are in Japan today seeking assurances from Mitsubishi management that they are not going to close the plants.

Seems that a hint of smoke has developed into something much more serious.

Didn’t the federal government give Mitsubishi a multi-million dollar handout earlier this year to help with research?

It’s easy to see (by the fact that you don’t see many 380 models on the streets) that the 380 has not been the sales success that Mitsubishi had hoped for – in fact sales of the vehicle are well below what was forecast and nothing the company does will improve that situation.

If the plant does close around 1600 people will lose their jobs and a considerable amount of tax payers’ money will have been wasted in trying to encourage the company to remain in Australia.

You can read the full ABC story here

Aussie Motoring reported back on August 12 that the company was on the brink of collapse and if it did go the consequences for Ford, Holden, Mitsubishi and Toyota would be dire. (You can read that report here)

Somehow the company managed to trade through Monday and Tuesday but workers on the first shift this morning reported to work with the expectation of being stood down. However overnight the four Australian car makers managed to cobble together a plan that will see Ajax Fasteners last until at least Friday.

It’s obvious that the car is not popular with the motoring public. The only 380 sedans that seem to appear in Aussie Motoring’s home town appear to be rentals.

Ajax Engineering Fasteneters, a company that supplies fasteners and bolts for Holden, Ford, Toyota, Mitsubishi and PBR Australia, is in voluntary administration and now cannot afford to pay it’s workers. Union spokesperson, Bill Shorten, claims the company needs $450,000 by Monday to pay workers and a further $2 million by the end of next week.

Unless the money is forthcoming the Administrator will have no choice but to close the plant. If that happens 200 people will be out of work immediately but that’s just the start. It’s estimated that PBR will run out of stock in less than 24 hours, Holden will be out of stock on Monday and Ford may just last till later in the week.

Re-supply is not just a matter of ducking down to the nearest Bunnings store and picking up a few packets of screws either. While fastemers and bolts may not sound very high tech what we’re talking about here are specialty products designed and produced for particular applications. Finding a new supplier will take months.

Talks aimed at providing a rescue package have been taking place between the Administrator and the stake-holders but one stake-holder has been unable to agree to the terms of a funding package.

When a manufacturer knocks $6,500 of the price a vehicle you know that they are in dire trouble and that is just what Mitsubishi Australia have done for their 380 model. Mitsubishi Australia announced yesterday that they were revising the 380 model range amd were introducing a new entry model as well as a sports sedan.

Production numbers will also be cut at the Adelaide plant. Currently 90 380s roll off the production line each day and that will be reduced to 75.