Mitsubishi cX Concept at Frankfurt

Press Release

Building upon 70 years of 4-wheel drive expertise, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is in a privileged position to appreciate the customer benefits of this technology, both in terms of on-road active safety and off-road ability, from Lancer Evolution to Pajero.

In parallel, MMC is acutely aware of the pressing issues brought by climate change and is implementing a holistic environmental global strategy, through its “Environment Initiative Program 2010” (EiP 2010) umbrella programme.

Combining these two “peace-of-mind” approaches, Mitsubishi Motors will introduce Concept-cX at the 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show: a vibrant demonstration that driving pleasure and corporate responsibility are not mutually exclusive and the showcase for the CO2 friendly all-new Euro 5 Clean Diesel family of engines, co-developed by MMC and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and to be launched in 2009.

Ingrained guiding principles

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s corporate citizenship and its concern over environmental issues is neither a recent phenomenon nor a quick marketing trick.

Indeed, they are deep-rooted in Mitsubishi’s corporate culture, as formalised in several guiding principles edicted in the 1930s by Koyata Iwazaki (of the founding Iwazaki family) the fourth and last President of the old Mitsubishi organisation:

• Enrich society – both materially and spiritually – and safeguard the global environment.
• Conduct business in the spirit of integrity and fairness and on a foundation of transparency and openness.
• Adopt a global perspective in developing and expanding business.

A few decades later, these principles are very much alive and respected throughout the Mitsubishi group of companies. The first of these principles was the trigger for MMC’s continued efforts in the area of environmentally-friendly technology, from the MCA (Mitsubishi Clean Air) engine technology of the 1970s to today’s wide spectrum of solutions. Since the 1993 Mitsubishi Motors Environmental Council, MMC has formalised its commitment to use its engineering expertise to contribute to a cleaner environment.

As a reminder, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has adopted an all-embracing approach in addressing global environmental issues. Under its “EIP 2010” (“Environment Initiative Program 2010”) umbrella project, the Company is actively engaged in the development of a wide range of such technologies, covering:

• Powertrains (see below)
• Materials (plant-based “Green Plastic”,…),
• Processes (“Design for Environment” guiding principles,…),
• Manufacturing (pollution-prevention and recycling measures).
• Conservation ("Pajero Forest & Local Mountain Restoration Initiative" aiming to conserve and cultivate Japan's forests and woodlands,…).

Europe = Next Generation Clean Diesel

Whilst pursuing long-term fundamental research & development, Mitsubishi Motors has taken a very down-to-earth view on marketable “green” technologies to make a bigger impact short term.

In particular, MMC has decided to go regional with powertrain solutions matching the everyday reality of very different regional needs, driving patterns & infrastructures:

1. Clean Diesel Euro 5 family of engines for Europe,
2. Next-generation electric vehicle for Japan,
3. Flexible fuel vehicle for Brazil,

Considering the overwhelming importance of diesel in Europe (50+% of sales on average), the most effective short-term was to elect diesel as the low CO2 solution for this region, as opposed to fancier technologies, ultimately limited in impact by cost, sheer volume or recyclability.

There lies the strategic importance of MMC’s next generation of Euro 5 Clean Diesel engines. Developed jointly with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, this new family of powerplants is a key element in Mitsubishi Motors' efforts to lower CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions.

Features contributing to the new engine's class-topping power output and Euro 5 emissions performance include a new high-efficiency turbocharger and high-efficiency combustion characteristics that stem from the application of own analytic technology of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Motors.

Consistent with its no-frills approach, MMC has taken the decision to bring forward to early 2009 the start of production of this family of engines to Europe, one full year earlier than scheduled (following the European introduction these powerplants will also be phased into other markets). This advancement will allow MMC to meet the needs of the growing number of environment-conscious customers quicker and make de facto a more substantial and short(er)-term impact.