A CENTURY OF AUTO PRODUCTION
One hundred years. A century of innovation. These are claims reserved only for the world’s great automobile manufacturers. And Mitsubishi Motors ranks among them — among the few companies that can boast 100 years of producing automobiles.
We achieved that milestone rather inauspiciously when the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. produced the Model A in 1917 — Japan’s first mass-produced vehicle and the first car ever to be adorned with the three-diamond emblem, marking the beginning of a global automotive company that has now spanned a century of technological innovation.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada began selling vehicles in Canada under the Mitsubishi Motors brand in 2002. As an original member of the launch team, I have seen our company grow steadily over the past 15 years. Today, as part of one of the largest automotive groups in the world — the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi global alliance — we have the confidence and momentum to continue to prosper and grow in the Canadian marketplace. Just last month, we accomplished a milestone of sorts; August was our fifth consecutive month of 2,000-plus sales. Given where we’ve been, and where we’re going, it’s a meaningful trend.
What’s also meaningful for Mitsubishi Motors is the arrival of two new models, our first new models to come to North America since the Mitsubishi RVR arrived on our shores in 2010. It all begins later this year with the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, a technological tour-de-force that will change the compact SUV market. Canadians are set to receive the best, most modern iteration of an international sales sensation when it reaches our shores. Our greenest offering, Outlander PHEV will offer it all: the latest electric-vehicle technology; superior fourwheel-drive handling; proven sport utility design; and rangeextending capability — all this with our world-leading, 10-year, 160,000-kilometre powertrain and five-year, 100,000-km comprehensive warranties.
Outlander PHEV is Europe’s top-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with over 100,000 sales since its introduction.
But it doesn’t stop with green innovation. As the Mitsubishi Motors brand is synonymous with our All-Wheel Control system, a superb driving solution for Canada’s varied weather, and SuperAll-Wheel Control that takes this remarkable technology to the next level, the all-new 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is coming — with SAWC as standard!
The 2018 Eclipse Cross will chart a new course for Mitsubishi Motors in Canada. Why? Because it’s the culmination of all our successes and strengths in the small crossover utility vehicle space. And it’s gorgeous! In the Eclipse Cross, stylish coupe lines blend seamlessly with the athletic movement of a crossover. It is sleek and muscular, and will feature a highsaturation red painted body that echoes the brilliant prominence of its solar namesake. Inside, the new low-set horizontal dashboard, silver metal frames and black/silver monotone colour scheme create a refined interior that is both dynamic and sporty. With its thin display audio, Head-Up Display and Touchpad Controller for audio and smartphone functions, the futuristic cockpit will inspire a sense of excitement.
So we have a remarkable, 100year global history of producing great vehicles, two new models coming shortly, and the industry’s best warranty — so what’s next for Mitsubishi Motors in Canada?
Well, for starters, we are in the midst of the largest dealership renewal in our history. Our new Dealer Image Program is in full flight, with nearly 10 per cent of our national dealerships already remodelled or purpose-built to conform to a new, open-concept and bright design with seamless customer access from the showroom to the parts and service departments. New-look Mitsubishi Motors dealerships will include an electric powered vehicle (EPV) showroom display with charging stations, LED lighting, increased thermal performance including sunlight control and recycling initiatives. Our dealership rebranding is an investment in our future — a future filled with electric-powered vehicles, tablet-based sales and service, and environmental initiatives.
Among our Montreal-area dealerships, the first to embrace our Dealer Image Program is also our newest dealership in Canada: H Grégoire Mitsubishi in Laval, which opened its doors earlier this month.
As well, our commitment to Canada, and Canadians, is best exemplified as the only automobile manufacturer to support the Boucherville-based Breakfast Club of Canada with a goal of making a difference in over 1,400 communities, large and small. The unique, multi-year partnership involves financial support of Breakfast Club of Canada’s programs, but also expanded fundraising and the potential for community participation among Mitsubishi Motors’ Canadian dealerships.
Mitsubishi Motors drives change by reducing the environmental impact of driving with highly fuel-efficient, gasoline, electric and hybrid-electric vehicles.
For its part, Breakfast Club of Canada nurtures young Canadians to further their potential for healthier futures. These actions are linked because our society needs bright, stimulated young minds to nurture the innovation that leads to a greener, more sustainable future. That’s at the core of our corporate social responsibility, and we couldn’t be prouder of our association with Breakfast Club of Canada.
Mitsubishi Motors is growing its business in Canada and its impact on Canadian communities; we will continue to satisfy consumers with great products and a great Built Better, Backed Better reputation.