The Curious Lack of Demand for Electric Vehicles

United States automakers are gearing up efforts to produce more fuel-efficient and alternative vehicles, including hybrids and electric vehicles. Fuel prices have risen on average 21.8% in the last year due to instability in the Middle East and Japan and other factors; crude prices now hover around $100 a barrel and prices are predicted to remain unstable. The federal government is pushing for more fuel efficiency through new emissions standards and subsidies to automakers as well as consumers. In August of 2009, $2.4 billion of stimulus money was allocated for the development of electric vehicles, and the Obama administration has a stated goal of 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2015. In addition, new fuel emissions standards will require new vehicle averages of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, an increase of 10 mpg over current standards.

Automakers Scrambling to Make More Electric Vehicles

Automakers are scrambling to comply. Two new electric vehicles are on the market � Nissan�s Leaf and GM�s Chevy Volt. Chrysler is working on a hydraulic hybrid minivan developed in partnership with the EPA. Ford is pushing their new �Eco-Boost� engine technology, and other car companies are continuing to expand their hybrid and fuel-efficiency vehicle lines.

Where is consumer demand?
Hybrid vehicles only account for 2.0% -2.5% of vehicle sales. And sales of the Leaf and Volt have been disappointing. A study in late 2010 by J.D. Power and Associates found that electric cars are still too costly for consumers� tastes and that demand is unlikely to change much for another decade. On average, a fuel-efficient hybrid will cost an additional $5,000 over traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The study predicted that by 2020 only 7.3% would be hybrid or battery-operated vehicles. The study reported that consumers are also worried about the range of electric vehicles which need to be recharged at least every 50 miles. Gas prices are not yet high enough to force consumers to consider alternatives and drivers also have concerns about the reliability of the new technology. Some simply dislike the look or design of the vehicles and don't want to give up their massive SUVs.

Other Market Influences

There are other issues as well. Debate abounds about whether electric cars will reduce carbon emissions sufficiently if coal-fired plants are providing the electricity used to power the vehicles. Also, at least one of these �electric� cars, the Volt, still utilizes a gasoline engine to help maintain the charge and the fine print reveals that 25-50 miles is the expected range in moderate conditions. Additionally, there is the question of how to dispose of depleted battery packs and the impact of those on the environment.

Despite tax credit incentives of as much as $7500 and possibly more in the future, consumers are still wary of this technology. It remains to be seen whether concerns over cost and practicality can be overcome enough to spur demand the way automakers, the government and environmentalists would like. While the current low demand makes the EV market a little shaky, rising gas prices and increasing environmental concerns do seem to be picking up the pace. Many consumers prefer electric to gasoline when given a choice. A recovering economy should help consumers afford the cars they prefer, and probably sooner than J.D. Power and Associates thinks.

Jessica Bosari writes for CarInsuranceQuotesComparison.com. The site works to educate consumers so that they can make informed decisions when they compare car insurance quotes.

2011 Concept Cars: Mitsubishi Triton

Mitsubishi Triton is a concept vehicle which closely represents the reality of production.has a big design as a pickup truck cars,triton look very strong vehicle,while using for andventure or just touring.

The concept car model will be using 3.2 litre common rail turbo diesel engine that provides an impressive 132kW @ 3,800rpm and torque to a phenomenal 450Nm @ 2,000rmp. This is an increase from the current model. Fitted with Koni 8240 series shock absorbers at the front and back to provide the comfort needed for your weekend out of the town.

Mitsubishi Triton also known as a Mitsubishi Storm in Malaysia.compare with mitsubishi outlander sports.

Mitsubishi Triton Picture

Mitsubishi teases Concept Global Small ahead of Geneva debut

It all started with a teaser sketch in early December '10, but today, Mitsubishi released the first real life photo of its Concept Global Small vehicle. The design study previews an upcoming subcompact model that is planned for production in March of 2012 at the Japanese firm's new third factory in Thailand, which will have an initial capacity for around 150,000 units per year.

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Press Release

Mitsubishi Motors Lineup at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show

Tokyo, January 18, 2011 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will give the global premiere of the MITSUBISHI Concept Global Small (show model), a concept car based on the features of "compact", "affordability", and "high fuel efficiency" at the 81st Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 1 through March 13 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 3). MMC will display a total of 12 vehicles (6 during public days), including vehicles already on sale in Europe, in addition to the 100% electric i-MiEV, of which about 2,500 units have already been shipped to Europe within three months since its start of production and shipment in October 2010.

The MITSUBISHI Concept Global Small is the concept model of the compact passenger vehicle that is planned for production in March of 2012 at the MMC's new third factory in Thailand.

The features of the MITSUBISHI Concept Global Small include good maneuverability and easy operation, an inherent of a compact car, accomplished in to a highly efficient package that can comfortably seat five adults. In addition, the MITSUBISHI Concept Global Small achieves top-of-class fuel efficiency, with CO2 emissions in the mid-90g/km range due to:

• Usage of an idling stop mechanism
• A 1.0 - 1.2L class compact engine equipped with a regenerative braking system
• Weight trimming to the most complex parts
• Reduced running resistance in the engine, new-generation CVT, brakes, and tires
• A body shape that greatly reduces aerodynamic resistance.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sports

Mitsubishi Outlander Simple Preview

Mitsubishi does have some history with offering derivative "Sport" models, with the last being the Montero Sport that ran from 1997-2004. In this case, the all-new 2011 Outlander Sport is based on the Mitsubishi Outlander, a crossover SUV we've praised in the past for its agile handling. The Outlander Sport is 14 inches shorter, 2 inches shorter in height and up to 700 pounds lighter -- a promising foundation for added agility and performance.

Mitsubishi Outlander Interior Pictures

Mitsubishi�s global small car to be launched in India

The new small car has a typical Mitsubishi design language except for the fighter jet grille. Guess, Mitsubishi might have skipped this fascia design owing to the car�s small size. Mitsubishi will launch the �close to production� car at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show during March 3 � 13, 2011.

The car will be produced by Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (MMTh) at the site where the new factory is to be built in at the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in Chonburi province. Initially, the production capacity of this new factory will be around the 150,000-unit per year level, and in the future it can be boosted to the 200,000-unit per year level. The new factory is planned to hire around 3,000 new staffs.

Several pattern sketches give the strong denote of a direction Mitsubishi will take with the automobile, as well as Mitsubishi has pronounced the automobile will get an engine in between 1.0-liters as well as 1.2-liters. Production of the automobile is set to start next year at the brand new bureau in Thailand, that will trade cars to rising markets.

The sale price will be 400,000 baht in Thailand, Masuko said, adding that cars from the new plant would be sold in Japan.

Source: Mitsubishi




Press Release

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Conducts Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for New Factory at Mitsubishi Motors Thailand

Bangkok, December 9, 2010-Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today conducted a Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for a new third factory of its Thailand producer and distributor, Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (MMTh) at the site where the new factory is to be built in at the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in Chonburi province. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Thailand's Minister of Industry Chaiwut Bannawat and MMC President Osamu Masuko.

The third factory will be built adjacent to the first and second factories, and is planned to start mass production in March 2012. It will produce the "global small" 1.0-1.2L class compact vehicle that MMC plans to launch in fiscal year 2011. Initially, the production capacity of this new factory will be around the 150,000-unit per year level, and in the future it can be boosted to the 200,000-unit per year level. The new factory is planned to hire around 3,000 new staffs.

The "global small" to be produced at the new factory will be a new vehicle based on a completely new platform currently being developed by MMC with "compact," "affordability," and "fuel efficiency" as the basic concepts for the vehicle. The "global small" will conform to Thailand's Eco-car Project, implemented by the Thai government with the objective of promoting investment in Thailand's automobile industry and reduction of dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. The "global small" will be positioned as an entry model in MMC's model lineup, and plans are to export the vehicle from Thailand to markets worldwide as a global strategic vehicle that corresponds to both market needs of emerging countries, for which demand for automobiles is expected to increase, and advanced nations, where vehicle downsizing is increasing in order to correspond to energy issues in addition to environmental awareness.

Minister Chaiwut Bannawat expressed his pleasure at the ceremony: "It's my great pleasure that Mitsubishi Motors Thailand's factory becomes a part of our Eco car Project. This Mitsubishi factory will bring to Thailand many technologies for automobile production and lead to improve labor skills for auto industry as well as related industries."

In addition, MMC President Masuko added "It's a great honor to have this memorable day for the construction of the third factory. From the beginning, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has strongly believed in Thailand's potential as the production hub for global markets; now Mitsubishi Motors Thailand became the production base of our 1- ton pickup. We share the Thai government's environmental concerns and we have made Thailand the global production hub for the "global small."

New (third) Factory Outline
Location Laem Chabang Industrial Estate, Chonburi, Thailand
Position About 100km southeast of Bangkok
Factory Summary Built-up vehicle factory (pressing, welding, painting, assembly)
Initial Producton Capacity Around 150,000 units/year
Vehicle Produced �Global small�
Start of Mass Production March 2012
Employees Approximately 3,000

2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE Pricing and Details

Mitsubishi has releases pricing and features for the 2011 Endeavor SE

The new Navigation and Sunroof package comes with a touch-screen based DVD navigation system, a power sunroof, rear view back-up camera and a cargo cover for the rear storage area. Other features which adorn the mid-size crossover include automatic climate control, heated leather seats and a 360-W Rockford-Fosgate sound system with 9 speakers with an 8-inch subwoofer and digital sound processing. The model also incorporates steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a 3-month subscription to SIRIUS satellite radio.

The price is still well within the range of its competition. For example, a Honda Pilot EX-L with navigation starts at $35,995, and a Toyota Highlander SE V6 costs $33,150 (navigation is an additional $2,650). Other notable features in the five-passenger Endeavor SE include: automatic climate control, heated leather seats, voice activated Bluetooth, and a 360 watt Rockford-Fosgate sound system. The 2011 Mitsubishi endeavor is available now�at dealerships nationwide.




Press Release

Last year, the already very affordably priced 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor crossover utility vehicle (CUV) saw numerous premium features such as a hands-free Bluetooth� system with voice recognition added across the entire model lineup. But for the 2011 model year Endeavor, this capable crossover receives its most upscale, value-packed equipment package added to two of its most popular models completely free of charge: Both the 2WD and AWD versions of the Endeavor SE now include the Navigation & Sunroof package that consists of a touch-screen DVD-based navigation system, rear view back-up camera, power sunroof and a cargo cover at no cost to the consumer.

In addition to the front- and all-wheel drive iterations of the Endeavor SE, the 2WD Endeavor LS model that features a lower sticker price than its big brother but still packs a long list of standard equipment along with the same potent V-6 engine under its hood is also available for the 2011 model year.

New for 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor

Free Navigation & Sunroof Package (Endeavor SE 2WD & AWD)
The very convenient and richly-appointed Navigation & Sunroof package is now included as standard equipment on both 2WD and AWD variants of Mitsubishi's top-of-the-line Endeavor SE model crossover. Lavish accessories included in this package are an informative and easy to use DVD-based touch-screen navigation system, a rear view back-up camera, a power sunroof and a cargo cover for the rear storage area.

Spacious and Stately
The 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor mid-size crossover is an excellent combination of roomy versatility and capability with an impressive amount of welcome niceties.

Capable of carrying up to five people, all occupants will find the Endeavor's comfortable and spacious seats, crisp handling and quiet cabin to be welcome relief from the cramped and/or noisy confines of some of the similarly-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV) competitors of this well-engineered Mitsubishi crossover that don't possess its solid unibody construction and confident handling capabilities.

Whether carrying groceries, a full complement of camping gear for a weekend in the woods or picking up several sheets of four-foot-wide plywood, the 2011 Endeavor can easily accommodate it all, thanks to hand its 60/40 split/fold-flat rear seat backs and a full 76.4 cu. ft. of cargo capacity (a plentiful 40.7 cu. ft. is available in the rear cargo section with the rear seat backs in the up position).

Endeavor owners and their passengers are further put at ease by the car's impressive list of included features, among them air-conditioning (automatic climate control in the Endeavor SE); premium fabric seating surfaces (rich-texture leather seating surfaces in the Endeavor SE); and exquisite sounding 6 speaker AM/FM/CD sound system with MP3 playback capability (the Endeavor SE's sound system is an even more amazing 360-watt Rockford-Fosgate� 6 CD/MP3 sound system with digital sound processing and 9 speakers including an 8-in. subwoofer; steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a 3-month pre-paid subscription to SIRIUS� satellite radio) and other convenient touches including a hands-free Bluetooth� system with voice recognition; steering column-mounted cruise control; and numerous cupholders, front and rear map lights, a pair of 12V power outlets, carpeted front floor mats and, in the upscale Endeavor SE, heated front seats.

Other welcome no-cost features included on all Endeavors are eye-catching ice-blue LED illumination of instruments and controls; 17 x 7-in. 7-spoke alloy wheels (larger 18 x 8-in. 5-spoke alloy wheels on the Endeavor SE); large, easy to read gauges with chrome trim; auto-off headlamps; parabolic fog lights; alarm system; variable intermittent windshield wipers; tubular roof rails; chrome front grill; and an anti-theft engine immobilizer.

Refined and Able V-6 Engine
With its polished performance and proficient power, it's no wonder that Mitsubishi's engineers elected to use a single engine across the Endeavor line.

The 3.8-liter SOHC 24-valve V-6 that powers the 2011 Endeavor provides plenty of power to this stylish crossover vehicle with virtually no vibration, harshness or noise detected within the nicely-appointed cabin. Consisting of an extremely strong cast-iron engine block with light weight aluminum cylinder heads and featuring a compression ratio of 10.0:1, this 3,828 cc normally-aspirated powerplant produces a welcome 225 hp at 5,000 rpm and an even more generous 255 lb.-ft. of torque at a lower 3,750 rpm from its sublimely smooth operating six cylinders. Running on unleaded fuel, this engine has been granted the very clean Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) status for all 50 states. This engine's bore and stroke measure 3.74 x 3.54 in. (95.0 x 90.0 mm).

All the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor engines have been paired with an equally quiet and silky 4-speed Sportronic� automatic transmission with INVECS-II technology that allows the driver to manually make gear changes with the gearshift lever when so desired. The FWD Endeavor LS and SE, along with the all-wheel drive version of the SE, engage identical gear ratios within their transmissions, save for the final drive ratios (the front wheel drive Endeavor has a final drive of 4.011 to the all-wheel drive model's 4.316).

Ready and Willing Chassis - On- or Off-Road
The Endeavor is equally at home on smooth ribbons of pristine asphalt on the way to the office as it is tackling a rough-and-tumble dirt road when venturing off the beaten path. A great deal of this on- or off-road driving aplomb is no doubt due to this crossover's excellent, well-damped suspension design that features independent MacPherson struts with coil springs up front (including gas charge strut inserts) along with a coil spring independent multi-link with trailing arms suspension design and gas charged shocks at the rear of the vehicle. Further aiding the vehicle's fine handling at speed on freeways or city streets are front and rear stabilizer bars that help diminish body roll that measure 24.0 mm thick at the front and 20.0 mm at the rear (an even thicker 22 mm anti-roll bar for the all-wheel drive Endeavor SE).

For even better handling and tractability in off-road driving, consumers would be wise to opt for the top-of-the-line Endeavor SE model with all-wheel drive. Its AWD system can provide an even 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels, thanks to a transfer case with a center differential that has a viscous coupling. In good weather or bad, on road or off, this all-wheel drive system vastly improves overall grip when compared to the levels of traction offered by a front-wheel drive vehicle.

5-Star Crash Test Safety Rating
The Mitsubishi Endeavor has achieved the highest test score of a 5-Star rating for both frontal (driver) and side impact (front and rear seat) crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the Endeavor its highest-ranking - "Good" overall - in the organization's frontal offset crash test.

These well-earned scores from respected automotive safety agencies are the result of the company's commitment to engineering excellence as witnessed by Mitsubishi's patented Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) safety automotive body construction system that helps to minimize injury to its vehicle's occupants as well as its inclusion of advanced safety features and technologies as standard equipment on the Endeavor. These include an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors; front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and rollover-sensing side curtain air bags; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Active Stability Control (ASC) and Traction Control Logic (TCL); and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation to Premiere all-new ASX compact crossover at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will premiere its ASX all-new compact crossover from Tuesday March 2, 2010 to Sunday March 14, 2010 at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show held at the Geneva Palexpo in Switzerland.


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.
More Photos

Official Photos: Mitsubishi RVR Compact Crossover

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has decided to name its all-new compact crossover the RVR. This all-new compact crossover is planned for sequential release globally, and will be first released in Japan next spring.

The all-new RVR is a compact crossover that provides high environmental efficiency and has a compact body while providing ample utility space and high performance.


The RVR will be fitted with an all-new 1.8L MIVEC petrol engine, and will be approximately 4.3 meters in length, featuring high fuel efficiency via its lightweight compact body. With the RVR, MMC expands its crossover lineup, which already includes the full-size Pajero, and the mid-size Outlander.

This new compact crossover will be released globally, including North America, Europe, and Asian regions including China.

2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Testing Set to Begin in the UK

Excitement is building as the first 25 full production all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV�s arrive at Bristol�s Royal Portbury Docks. Final preparation has already begun before the cars hit the road on December 12th 2009 as part of a West Midlands based government trial.

The i-MiEV�s left Japan by boat six weeks ago and their arrival has been eagerly awaited, especially by the end users and everyone following their progress via Mitsubishi Motors UK�s i-MiEV Facebook fan page.


i-MiEV � Leading The Market
The multi award winning Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a fully electric city car and the first real-life EV with zero tailpipe emissions made available by a mainstream manufacturer. It's a genuine car, ensuring no compromise in cabin space, seating 4 adults and room for luggage. It has a top speed of 81 mph, a range of 100 miles and can be trickle charged from flat to full in 6 hours at any UK three-pin socket � and it only costs 96p for a full charge.


An Early Sales Triumph
The i-MiEV, on sale in Japan since July this year, has been a sell-out success. The 1,400 units allocated by Mitsubishi for the 2009 Japanese market have flown out the door and an impressive 900 orders have already been placed in Japan from the 2010 build allocation.

European production will begin in October 2010 with left hand drive i-MiEV�s available in markets across Continental Europe towards the end of the year.


Real-World Trials
The cars are taking part in one of the Government�s Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator projects, run by the Technology Strategy Board. Through an extensive selection process, members of the public have been selected by consortium partner, Coventry University, to trial the cars for 12 months allowing analysis of driving and charging behaviour.


The West Midlands CABLED (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators) consortium combines the expertise of Arup � design and engineering consultant and project leader, power provider E.ON, the city councils of Birmingham and Coventry, three academic institutions, and five other car manufacturers, and is supported by Advantage West Midlands.
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Design: Mitsubishi Compact Crossover

New small crossover looked in the teaser sketch that was released back in October? Well, if these official designs are of any indication, then the reality is that the as-yet unnamed crossover won't be as near as exciting as Mitsubishi wanted us to believe. On the other hand, the production model does retain most of the styling cues featured on the 2007 Mitsubishi cX concept, on which it is based, with most changes concerning the rear end of the car that appears to have grown in length.



Essentially a production cX concept, the crossover features an Evo-like grille, Lancer-style headlights, and pronounced fender flares. Other design details include a character line that runs from the A- to D-pillar, a miniscule rear quarter window, and a nearly vertical tailgate.



Riding on Mitsubishi's mid-size global platform (which also underpins the Lancer and Outlander), the compact crossover will be powered by a variety of four-cylinder engines including a new 1.8-liter turbo-diesel with 136 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque.



Leaving the styling aside, Mitsubishi's baby crossover uses the Japanese firm's mid-size global platform, which also forms the basis the Lancer and Outlander. However, the new model will be smaller than the Outlander and will compete, at least in Europe, against Nissan's forthcoming Quazana crossover.







Source:carscoop via:worldcarfans

Tokyo 2009: Classic Japanese Cars

Together with their new production cars and concept studies, some domestic automakers also brought along with them a handful of Japanese classics to display at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show floors. First up is the 1980 Mazda Familia hatchback which was essentially the Mazda3's forefather. Toyota had a 1981 Toyota Soarer Coupe and the GT HYBD, a gas-turbine hybrid concept version of its first production sports car, the Sports 800 that went on sale in 1965.
more detail. ...