Mitsubishi News

Japanese car manufacturer Mitsubishi has announced it plans on investing £100m into a wind turbine plant based in the North East of England.

Mitsubishi has a keen interest in renewable energy as its iMiEV vehicle has shown, the development will also bring hundreds of jobs to the area.

Chief Executive Akio Fukui said that the company was looking at a number of sites in the region was reckoning on a timescale of around three years for the prototype. before mass production a year later.

The scheme which will be the first in the world to produce wind turbines of this size on a commercial scale was described by Tom Delay, CEO of the government backed Carbon Trust as:

a massive vote of confidence in the UK’s renewable sector. We are clearly now open for business and, importantly, we are now winning business. The green manufacturing revolution is now becoming a reality."

Environmentalists have said that the Mitsubishi announcement is especially notable as they are currently one of the biggest atomic engineering companies in the world, a spokesperson for Greenpeace said:

"If the market wanted a clear signal on which way the UK energy sector is moving, the manufacturer of the world’s biggest nuclear reactors has just sent it – and the answer is wind."

London receives 4 I-MiEVs as part of the city’s fleet vehicles. 

The transport for London (Tfl) added four new electric vehicles to its fleet in as part of an effort to make London the Electric vehicle capital of Europe. The Mitsubishis were part funded by the Government’s Low Carbon Procurement Programme and go towards achieving the Mayors aims to bring 1,000 electric vehicles to the city’s fleet. 

The cars will be used to check that roadwork’s comply with their permits and will be decked in their own distinctive livery. 

The I-MiEV:  With an electrifying view of London’s iconic Tower bridge. 

In addition to increasing the number of electric fleet vehicles, the city is installing 1,600 charge points across the capital with the number rising significantly in the coming years.  The Major of London, Boris Johnson is committed to supporting electric cars.  In commenting he said:

“Very soon electric vehicles and the apparatus need to support them will be a common sight in London’s streets.  We are doing all we can to make it as easy as possible for Londoners to choose electric and by opting for these vehicles in our own fleet we are helping to stimulate demand and show off their benefits including considerably cheaper running costs”

Figures and estimates show that if 100,000 vehicles were used in London, over the next decade they would cut the city’s carbon emissions by almost 500,000 tonnes.   The addition of the I-MiEV will help Boris achieve London’s target of reducing its Carbon Dioxide emissions by 60% by 2025

Mitsubishi are “delighted” that London is taking on the I-MiEV, Mitsubishis Managing director, Lance Bradley commented:

“We are delighted the I-MiEV is continuing its long history of ‘first’ – this time as the first electric vehicles on the Transport for London’s planned 1,000 vehicle fleet. 

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It has been alleged that a factory producing the Mitsubishi 380 was paying over 20 Chinese workers as little as £1 an hour.

The factory based in Adelaide was ran by the China-Sanan engineering company who appeared in court last week charged with underpaying workers by up to £175,000.

Mitsubishi closed the plant after sales of the 380, a large sedan declined to due what is thought the rising price of oil.

Fair Work Ombudsman Executive-Director Michael Campbell has released details that the workers were brought in under the pretence of dismantling a press that was no longer needed by Mitsubishi. It has also been revealed the visas the workers were brought in on were originally three months maximum with work not allowed.

The Ombudsman reinforced the seriousness of the issue saying:

“Strong and persistent messages need to be sent to employers that both deter this type of behaviour and reinforce the fact that exploitative practices will not be tolerated.”

The issues not the first of its kind within the car industry but third parties have been outrages that foreign companies have not had to obey to the countries workplace and employment laws.

Mitsubishi vehicles are available for hire through Leasebam, get a quote quickly and the best price.

Japanese based manufacturers Mitsubishi have announced a  price for their forthcoming electric car the i-MiEV

Previously in this blog we looked at the specs of the car which included:

• A range of 80 miles on one charge (seven hour recharge time)
• Exempt from Road Tax
• 12,000 miles of driving will cost around £100 in Fuel
• Free parking in London

When asked about the impact he thought the vehicle would have on the motor industry, Lance Bradley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi UK said:

“These are exciting times for the motor industry in the UK. This is the biggest change in the automotive industry since it began some one hundred years ago, so to be able to offer our zero emissions car for this price is a truly great achievement.”

The price Mitsubishi are asking for the i-MiEV?

Well for a first batch order, of which you will take delivery of in January 2011. Minus the £5,000 credit you will receive from the UK Government for buying an electric car.

You’re looking at a total of £33,699 including VAT.

The car which has a top speed of 81mph was trialled in the West Midlands late last year and has been met with overwhelming acclaim, car expert Quentin Wilson said:

“The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a forerunner of a transport revolution that eventually will change the world. At last here’s an electric car that doesn’t look like a church pew, seats four, does 80 mph and costs less than a quid to charge. What is there not to love?"

Mitsubishis Ralliart inc has scaled down its activities after financial problems.  

The High performance and motorsport division of Mitsubishi has announced that it will be ceasing the majority of its business activities.  The move comes as the company struggles to make it through the recession. 

The Japanese based company, which had revenues of just under £3.8 million in 2005, has stopped its support to motorsport costumers, ceased new planning development and merchandizing, and stopped giving information on products and other services. 

President of Ralliart inc, Masao Taguchi said; “Because of the sudden change of economic situation since the year before last, the business circumstances surrounding our company have become radically worse off.  As a result we have reached a conclusion that we Ralliart inc, would scale down our business activities as of the end of March 2010.”

The company which was established in 1984 and supported high profile motorsport teams.  It has a presence in the Dakar Rally, the World Rally Championship and the Australian Rally Championship.   It provided services to motor competitors all over the world. 

Mr Taguchi in speaking to motorsport fans urged them to keep supporting Mitsubishi teams and thanked people for their “patronage to our company”

The Mitsubishi colt is a small, reliable, inconspicuous city run around.  Ideal for anyone who wants an economic solution to getting around town.  

Although you’re not going to turn heads in this car, it is by no means ugly.   Its has a fresh and funky interior, which sets it apart from the completion.  Some of the opaque control knobs are backlight green when it is dark.  This further adds to its funky appeal.  

There is the usual safety equipment including front bags and ABS amongst other.   Some models even include side airbags too. 

Even though this is small car, you can still transport a lot around in it.   The rear seats easily fold down or they can be removed all together.

The engine sizes come in 1.1, 1.3 and 1.5.  The 1.5 also has the option of a turbo and there is a ‘RALLI-ART’ version for those who are a little more adventurous.    The larger engine sizes are recommended for those doing longer motorway miles.   However the smaller sizes are still pretty quick around town.

This car isn’t going to blow your socks off.  It will get you, your family and any belonging to your destination without fail and in good modesty.

Man worried about access in and out of his Mitsubishi Colt asks for help.

A disabled man who owns a 1.5 diesel Colt writes to the times to ask for a recommendation on choosing a new car.

Mr. RA, Marlow said “I currently run a Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 diesel. Due to a muscular problem that affects my quad muscles, I have to rely on my wife pulling me out of the car. That’s just not fair.

“I am hoping that you could recommend cars from which I could be able to step out. The problem with my present car is that the seats are too low. I have to be pulled out as a result.”

Telegraph lifestyle correspondent ‘Honest John’, said.”If the seat height is a problem then try a Suzuki Splash or Vauxhall Agila”. But he also added” The Three door colt is one of the most accessible cars of its size.”

Honest John Link – The Telegraph

Try leasebam for Mitsubishi car lease

Mitsubishi are one of the most renowned manufactures of 4×4’s. They have a good reputation for producing quality, affordable cars. The difference between most Mitsubishi 4×4’s and other top 4×4 brands, is that the Mitsubishi’s are one of the few car makes designed to actually go off-road. A lot of the popular 4×4’s today are designed mainly for tarmac, which just shows how the market has changed. The Mitsubishi engines also have a great reputation for being reliable. Models like the ‘Shogun’ have an MPG of about 30-35 and this doesn’t really drop even when using the towbar for caravans and such.

In August, again the three top most requested models for Mitsubishi were

1. the Mitsubishi Shogun 5 Door ,
2. Mitsubishi Carisma 5Dr HatchBack and
3. The Mitsubishi Colt 3Dr HatchBack.

The steadily rising demand for Mitsubishi vehicle parts at leading UK Vehicle Parts Locator has prompted Car Spare Finder to renew its strategy to actively seeking more quality used Mitsubishi UK Vehicle dismantlers.

In August 2009 Car Spare Finder had, as usual,  a highly varied range of Mitisubishi vehicle  part requests, including  for example:

Vehicle: MITSUBISHI SHOGUN 3Dr Estate GLX TD DID 3200cc Diesel Manual (2000-2000)

Part Required: GEARBOX (5SP AUTO) (Automatic Gearbox SWB)

Vehicle: MITSUBISHI CARISMA 5Dr HatchBack CLASSIC DI-D 1870cc Diesel Manual (2003-)

Part Required: AIRCON PUMP

Vehicle: MITSUBISHI PAJERO 5Dr Estate (SHOGUN) EXCEED TD 2477cc Diesel Auto (1990-1995)

Part Required: ENGINE COMPLETE (Diesel)

Vehicle: MITSUBISHI GALANT 4Dr Saloon GLS I AUTO 1997cc Petrol Auto (1993-1997)

Part Required: GEARBOX (4SP AUTO)

Demand is spread evenly across the board in terms of Mitsubishi models, vehicle ages, model ranges and parts.  It is noticeable that there is strong demand for older Mitsubishi parts, which are increasingly harder to come by. It is common to get get daily remand for ECUs (engine management systems),  engines, gearboxes, cylinder heads, Injector pump, Aircon Pump, and many substantial Mitsubishi vehcile parts.

Another thing worthy of mention,  in the month of August – usually quite quiet in terms of demand for Mitsubishi car and van parts,  is a contined demand for the Mitsubishi Canter pick up. As you probably know, the Mitsubishi Canters are available in three basic chassis sizes ranging up to the 7.5-tonne.  In August Car Spare Finder has seen steady demand for the Mitisubishi Canter 35 Diesel Engines available via its website specifically designed for Mitsubishi vehicle parts consumers looking for Mitsubishi Canter-35 van parts.

When you want the absolute latest in Mitsubishi news you don’t need to look any further than the brand new Mitsubishi i MiEV. This environmentally friendly electric car is the first to make it to the market; yet it is not going to be the last one. There are so many car makers that have decided that they are going to make hybrid vehicles in order to start cutting down on the problem of too much CO2 being put out into the atmosphere. The things that drivers are raving about in this car are the maximum speed of 81 mph/130 kph, the quiet power with which this car operates and the ease of recharging.

What many people find so intriguing about the Mitsubishi i MiEV is that this vehicle is one of those that are at the starting point of going up to the next generation of fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles that are environmentally friendly; as well as easy to own, drive, operate and “refuel” when you need to recharge that battery. The Permanent Magnet Synchronous engine that is standard in this cute, but powerful, little vehicle will not let you down anywhere you choose to go with it. When you need to recharge your Mitsubishi i MiEV all you would need to do is simply find an electrical outlet that has a three-pin plug outlet and plug it in. All you will need to do is simply let it sit and recharge for about 6 hours and you’re motoring again.