Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. - Sales division
OVERVIEW
Based at Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) in Cypress, Calif., the Sales Division is responsible for product planning, sales and marketing of all Mitsubishi-brand cars and sport utility vehicles in North America.
For the 2005 model year, Mitsubishi Motors Sales Division debuts the Lancer Evolution MR, the latest edition in the Lancer Evolution series of vehicles. Boasting enhanced performance, power and handling, this highly popular vehicle kicks it up a notch for driving enthusiasts. The versatile Outlander SUV receives a number of desirable appearance and convenience updates and a new trim level. These vehicles round out the full line of cars and SUVs offered by Mitsubishi: the Eclipse, Eclipse Spyder, Lancer, Galant, Endeavor and Montero. And, given the increasing popularity of Mitsubishi vehicles to the tuner market, in model year 2005 MMNA also will debut two new concept vehicles - based on the company's Ralliart motorsports and performance heritage - at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) annual show in Las Vegas.
Model year 2005 will see the continuation of Mitsubishi Motors' "Best-backed Car" program, which includes an industry-leading five-year/60,000 mile "bumper-to-bumper" new vehicle limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, as well as a five-year/unlimited roadside assistance program.
Starting in October 2004, Mitsubishi Motors debuted its new pre-owned certification program, which involves all pre-owned, certified model year 2001 and newer vehicles with less than 60,000 miles. The program, which offers a similar warranty backing now available on new Mitsubishi vehicles, provides an additional peace of mind for customers in the market for a pre-owned Mitsubishi Motors vehicle.
MARKETING AND ADVERTISING
To further build the Mitsubishi Motors brand in the North American market, the company engaged in several new marketing and advertising efforts in 2004, which focused on the highly competitive driving dynamics of the company's core models, the all-new 2004 Galant and 2004.5 enhanced Endeavor. Advertisements took on the competition directly, pointing out the often superior handling and performance of these vehicles against respective competitors. Advertisements were backed up by an eight-city ride and drive, in which consumers experienced firsthand how Mitsubishi vehicles compare against other key brands in dynamic driving situations.
For model year 2005, Mitsubishi Motors launches an entirely new advertising and marketing effort, which showcases the increasingly popular "best-backed cars in the world" program in a broader context. The advertising takes the concept to the next step, moving beyond the idea of "best-backed" as simply a warranty, but more as an overall approach to building quality cars backed by superior customer care and strong quality reassurances. The campaign, designed to give consumers the confidence that Mitsubishi stands behind every car it sells, includes television ads, radio ads, point of purchase materials, interactive components and fully integrated collateral components.
HISTORY
Mitsubishi Motors incorporated its first U.S. sales and marketing operation as Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA) in 1981. The following year, its first headquarters opened in Fountain Valley, Calif., with 10 employees. Today, the Sales Division is based in Cypress, Calif., and has approximately 600 employees throughout the United States.
RETAILER NETWORK
Mitsubishi Motors' retailer network in the U.S. includes approximately 600 dealers in 50 states, serviced by five regional offices and four parts distribution centers.
PRODUCT LAUNCH HISTORY BY MODEL YEAR
1983: Tredia, Cordia, Starion, Montero 2-door, Mighty Max
1985: Mirage, Galant
1987: Precis, Wagon, Mighty Max (redesigned)
1988: Sigma
1989: Montero 4-door, Mirage (redesigned), Galant (redesigned)
1990: Eclipse, Precis (redesigned)
1991: 3000GT
1992: Diamante, Expo/Expo LRV, Montero (redesigned)
1993: Mirage (redesigned), Diamante Wagon
1994: Galant (redesigned)
1995: 3000GT Spyder, Eclipse (redesigned)
1996: Eclipse Spyder
1997: Diamante (redesigned), Mirage Coupe (redesigned), Mirage Sedan (redesigned), Montero Sport
1998: Montero (revised exterior)
1999: Galant (redesigned)
2000: Eclipse (redesigned), Montero Sport (redesigned)
2001: Eclipse Spyder (redesigned), Montero (redesigned), Galant
2002: Lancer, Galant (revised exterior), Diamante (revised exterior)
2003: Outlander, Lancer Evolution, Endeavor, Diamante (revised exterior)
2004: Lancer Sportback, Galant
2005: Lancer Evolution MR, Outlander (refreshed)
2006: Yet to come: Raider (all-new), Eclipse (redesigned)- more -
REGIONAL OFFICES
West: 6450 Katella Ave., Cypress, Calif. 90630
Phone: 714-372-5500
Northeast: 516 Heron Drive, Swedesboro, NJ 08085
Phone: 609-467-7100
North Central: 145 E. Commerce Drive, Schaumburg, Ill. 60173
Phone: 847-839-5300
Southwest: 8100 Mesquite Bend Drive, Irving, Texas 75063
Phone: 972-401-5990
Southeast: 6488 Currin Drive, Orlando, Fla. 32835
Phone: 407-578-0300
PARTS DISTRIBUTION CENTERS
West: 6450 Katella Ave., Cypress, Calif. 90630
Phone: 714-372-5555
Northeast: 516 Heron Drive, Swedesboro, NJ 08085
Phone: 856-467-7700
Southwest: 5400 Alliance Gateway Freeway, Fort Worth, Texas 76178
Phone: 817-837-3200
Southeast: 801 Interstate West Pkwy, Lithia Springs, Ga. 30122
Phone: 770-732-3000
* Contact the Mitsubishi News Bureau for current statistics and specific sales history information.
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