Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV Electric Vehicle Sparks Public Interest

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Mitsubishi's all-electric i-MiEV city car is now on sale to the Australian public. The model year 2012 i-MiEV combines performance and comfort with the latest electric vehicle technology to provide a sustainable transport solution now and in the future.

October 27, 2011 - (PressReleasePoint) - Mitsubishi's all-electric i-MiEV city car is now on sale to the Australian public. The model year 2012 i-MiEV combines performance and comfort with the latest electric vehicle technology to provide a sustainable transport solution now and in the future.

The i-MiEV, which stands for Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle, first arrived in Australia in July last year, when 110 were leased to local, state and federal governments and selected innovative organisations.

The i-MiEV went on sale to individuals in September this year, making it the first volume-produced, fully electric vehicle for sale in Australia. MMAL’s president and CEO, Genichiro Nishina, said the recommended retail price of $48,800 gives Australian consumers the opportunity to own the latest EV technology while reducing their carbon footprint at an affordable price.

The MY12 i-MiEV includes additional features over the previous model, boosting the vehicle’s occupant safety and comfort levels.

With a four-star ANCAP safety rating, the i-MiEV offers comprehensive safety features including driver, front passenger, side and curtain SRS airbags. The addition of Electronic Stability Control to the previous model’s Active Stability and Traction Control and braking system helps the i-MiEV maintain traction on slippery or rugged surfaces and ensures stability and prevents loss of control when cornering.

The In-Cable Charging Circuit Interrupt Device provides an extra safety precaution when recharging and the vehicle is secured by the MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System), an advanced integrated vehicle management system that will instantly shut down all high voltage electric system should an impact occur.

The European-styled MY12 i-MiEV’s exterior features a large rear bumper which adds a stylish finish and complements the vehicle’s smooth lines. Rear passenger privacy glass provides enhanced occupant comfort and the heated driver’s seat is the ultimate luxury in cooler climates. Auto lighting control, multimode keyless entry and front and rear power windows complete the overall i-MiEV experience.

The i-MiEV’s spacious interior comfortably seats four and offers a host of features including leather wrapped steering wheel, air-conditioning, AM/FM radio and CD tuner, MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth hands-free phone operation.

Customers looking for extra convenience can choose to add the optional AVN package which includes DVD-Video, a seven inch wide-screen monitor, navigation, GPS traffic updates and built-in Bluetooth wireless technology. The optional AVN package has a recommended retail price of $2000.

Mr Nishina said there had been strong interest from the public since the i-MiEV officially went on sale.

“Considering that about 95 per cent of commuters in urban Australia travel less than 100 kilometres per day, the i-MiEV is perfect for environmentally-aware city commuters, who want a stylish, zippy vehicle. We are pleased with the level of enquires we have received from customers wanting to test drive or find out more about the i-MiEV,” Nishina said.

The i-MiEV is available in six colours; White, Black, Cool Silver, Ocean Blue, Raspberry Red and Titanium Grey. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is available from selected Mitsubishi dealers in all capital cities.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited recommends that the i-MiEV electric vehicle always be charged using renewable or green energy.

For further information contact
Lenore Fletcher
Head of Corporate Communications
Phone: 08 8275 2348
Mobile: 0408 320 797
lfletcher@mmal.com.au

Caitlin Beale
Corporate Communications Manager
Phone: 08 8275 7250
Mobile: 0417 243 719
cbeale@mmal.com.au