CYPRESS, Calif. – On August 21, North America will experience a total solar eclipse across the entire contiguous United States for the first time since 1918. Unfortunately, only four percent of Americans live in the "Path of Totality." In celebration of its all-new Eclipse Cross CUV, Mitsubishi Motors has secured a prime location to share the celestial phenomenon through a live stream with all Americans, as it first enters the continental United States. Mitsubishi is also hosting social influencers from 10 different countries to be onsite just south of Salem, Oregon so they can share the experience with their followers. 

"As part of our marketing launch effort around the all-new Eclipse Cross, we felt it was important to position our cars and our cameras in one of the first places Americans could view the total solar eclipse," said Francine Harsini, senior director, marketing, MMNA. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph Mitsubishi's Eclipse Cross during the total solar eclipse."

Additionally, Mitsubishi will be capturing images of the Eclipse Cross underneath the total solar eclipse for its ongoing global marketing efforts. Viewers will also get a look behind-the-scenes and watch Mitsubishi's epic photoshoot unfold as it attempts to capture both Eclipses in the same shot before the celestial event ends. Based on NASA's calculations, that gives the production crew one minute and 57 seconds to capture the perfect shot or wait seven years for another opportunity.

"Everyone in the continental U.S. will, at the very least, see a partial eclipse on August 21. With that said, only totality reveals the true celestial spectacle of the solar eclipse," said Raquel Nuno, planetary scientist. "For 96 percent of Americans, the partial eclipse will be visible, but they won't notice their surroundings getting dark. It's the 'total' eclipse that will be something special to see, and those in Oregon are going to experience it first."

The "path of totality" will cross the U.S. from west to east starting on the coast of Oregon at 10:16 a.m. PDT and ending in South Carolina at 2:48 p.m. EDT. Mitsubishi will be setting up a viewing site and production shoot just outside Salem, Oregon, one of the first major cities in the U.S. to see the total solar eclipse. Mitsubishi will have three cameras streaming live, all giving different perspectives.

Mitsubishi has signed on as the exclusive sponsor of ABC News' 'The Great American Eclipse' live coverage event of the total solar eclipse. The automaker will capture footage during the start of the eclipse just south of Salem, Oregon, to celebrate the launch of their all-new vehicle, the 2018 Eclipse Cross CUV. The Eclipse Cross will make its television debut in New York City's Time Square, during "Good Morning America" on August 21, with footage airing at the point of totality, exclusively on the ABC Television Network, and live streamed on ABCNews.com and the "Good Morning America" Facebook page. Additionally, Mitsubishi will air five co-branded promos during the broadcast.

"This is a monumental period for Mitsubishi: we're celebrating our 100th anniversary, sales are up and gaining momentum and we're in the midst of launching the all-new Eclipse Cross CUV," said Don Swearingen, executive vice president and COO, MMNA. "August 21 will be a historic and exciting day as we get to witness two remarkable events at the same time, a total eclipse of the sun and the dawn of the Eclipse Cross." 

The live stream will begin at 9 a.m. PDT on August 21 and can be viewed here: https://www.mitsubishicars.com/eclipse-cross/upcoming. Also, follow the official hashtag #totaleclipsecross on your social channels.

About Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.   
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all research and development, marketing, and sales for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells sedans and crossovers/SUVs through a network of approximately 360 dealers. MMNA is leading the way in the development of highly efficient, affordably priced new gasoline-powered automobiles while using its industry-leading knowledge in battery electric vehicles to develop future EV and PHEV models. 2017 marks the 100th year of Mitsubishi producing cars. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

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