Sales And Production Grow With The New Mitsubishi Lancer And Outlander

Mitsubishi Motors has announced its production, sales and export figures for February 2008, with record-breaking growth fuelled by sales of the new Outlander and new Lancer.

Production: Total Global And In Japan

Total global production came in at 128,606 units, an increase of 12.1 per cent over the same month last year and marking the 12th consecutive monthly increase since March last year.

Production volume in Japan at 86,909 units was up 17.7 per cent, the 17th consecutive month of year-on-year growth and marking a new record since Mitsubishi Motors spun off its truck and bus operations in 2003.

New Lancer And New Outlander Continue To Drive Growth

This growth was driven by a 37.6 per cent increase in output (29,444 units) of the new Lancer for the Russian, North American, Middle East and African markets and by a 36.1 per cent increase in output (17,243 units) for export shipment of the new Outlander, which continues to sell briskly in European and Chinese markets.

The new Lancer is expected to provide further growth opportunities following the positive reception in the UK and Continental European markets.

Sales In Japan Buoyed By Strong Colt Performance

Vehicle sales in Japan in February totalled 20,528 units, an 8.0 per cent decrease year-on-year.

Passenger car sales of 16,041 units and commercial vehicle sales of 4,487 units were 7.3 per cent and 10.4 per cent down respectively on the same month last year. Total registered vehicle sales were 8.0 per cent down year-on-year despite strong showings by the Lancer Evolution X and the new Lancer¹ , new additions to the line up since August last year, and an encouraging 16.0 per cent increase in sales of models in the Colt series. Total mini-car sales were 8.0 per cent down.

Production Overseas

Overseas production volume totalled 43,183 units, 2.7% down over January last year and the first decline since August 2007.

Export Shipments From Japan

Total exports from Japan of 53,012 units were 29.2 per cent up on February 2007, marking the 16th consecutive month of year-on-year increases and setting a new record for February since Mitsubishi Motors spun off its truck and bus operations in 2003.

Exports to Asia showed a strong 52.8 per cent rise over the same period last year thanks mainly to firm sales of the new Outlander in China. Exports to North America registered a healthy increase over February 2007, boosted by the launch of the new 2009 model year Lancer and by firm sales in Canada and Mexico. Exports to Europe of 18,131 units were 34.9 per cent up on February 2007 and a record for the month. This surge was driven mainly by firm sales in Russia, the Ukraine and Central European markets.

Known as Galant Fortis in Japan.