Mitsubishi have achieved this positive result in spite of a very convoluted economic environment in the region, it was also the end of scrappage incentives in  markets like France, the effect of austerity measures in Greece, Spain and Portugal or Ireland as well as as a very fluctuating customer confidence overall.

As well as severe economic circumstances for European customers, Mitsubishi also had to endure the consequences of both very unfavourable exhange rates and also the natural disasters which hit Asia, like all other Japanese manufacturers. The effect of flooding in Thailand over the supply chain for the L200 resulted in a one month production loss due to parts supply, and the earthquake in Japan also affected the J-manufactured product supply chain, even though there was no direct damage to MMC’s production installations, they still had power shortages and interruptions in the supply chain of certain variant-specific parts which led to adjustments in the production schedule and tempory change in mix- away from those variants subject to shortage of certain parts.

Volumes were recovered and Mitsubishi’s production returned back to normal in October.

The Mitsubishi package offers the customers a 30-day vehicle exchange, 12-month vehicle warranty, a multi-point vehicle check, a vehicle histor check and drive away insurance.

The package will add value, provide confidence, meet customer expectations and promote Mitsubishi’s Excellent Service philosophy. The vehicle will be prepared to high retail standards which should guarantee peace of mind and assurance that the customer should expect and experience from a Mitsubishi dealer.

Lance Bradley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK commented “In a tough economic climate, good quality, reliable used cars are important to both dealers and customers alike. The launch of the all-new Mitsubishi Approved Used Car Programme means that our customers can have the peace of mind they deserve from a reliable global brand, whilst knowing they are also going to get Excellent Service from our Mitsubishi dealer network. This is an exciting step forward for us, which comes at just the right time with a market-leading package that I am sure will be welcomed by the market.”

The passenger space is generous, and has flexible seating which gives the ASX real versatility for customers who are looking for a practical, enjoyable family car. The 12MY comes in a choice of petrol and diesel power plants. The 1.8 litre diesel engine has benefited from a significant reduction to its CO2 emissions and an improvement on its fuel economy. This has resulted in a new VED band (from Band F to E), giving it an annual road tax of £115.

The 116PS 1.8-litre DiD can now achieve 54.3mpg (from 51mpg) and 136g/km (from 150g/km) on the official combined cycle, with the 1.6 litre petrol engine managing 47.1mpg (from 47.9mpg) with CO2 emissions remaining at 139g/km.

The ASX has achieved its impressive economy emission figures by using low resistance tyres, intelligent power management and regenerative brakes. Every aspect of the ASX has been engineered with its environmental performance in mind helping to create an enjoyable and responsible family car.

Safety has also been a priority for the ASX, it incorporates Mitsubishi’s RISE safety technology, Active Stability Control, ABS, Traction Control, Brake Assist an Emergency Stop Signal System, Electronic Brake Distribution and 7 airbags all as standard. The ASX holds a 5 star Euro NCAP rating.

“The crossover marketplace has grown rapidly over the last 18 months. The Mitsubishi ASX has helped this growth by offering a stylish, well priced, practical and enjoyable to drive contender in this marketplace. With the ASX delivering excellent economy and emissions, versatility, as well as comprehensive standard equipment, and not to mention the reassuring safety features, the ASX has everything the crossover buyer is after.” commented Lance Bradley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK.

The ASX comes with three years unlimited mileage warranty, 12 year anti-corrosion perforation warranty and 3 year pan-European roadside, home and accident assistance.

The first allocation of ASX 1.8 DiD 4WD diesel variants are available to the Mitsubishi dealer network from mid-January, followed by the 2WD derivatives at the end of March and the petrol units in Quarter 2 2012.

Prices for the ASX range from £16,499 to £25,895.

With its enhanced exterior styling the Black boasts a new dynamic appearance with an introduction of a satin black styling kit. The kit includes side steps, door handles, fog lamp surrounds, headlamp bezels, grille, wing mirrors, spoiler, roof and 20″ alloy wheels.

The model is based on the current Mitsubishi 3.2 Di-D LWB Shogun SG4, the new euro V, compliant them on this model being the safest, smartest and quietest Shogun ever built. It has a massive 441 Nm of torque and a 197bhp, it also has an increased towing capacity of 3,500 kg, best-in-class co2 emissions which not only means its kinder to the environment, it also has lower road tax too.

The Black is available in the following metallic colours:

• Frost White (Solid)
• Cool Silver (Metallic)
• Diamond Black (Pearlescent)
• Orient Red (Metallic)
• Granite Brown (Metallic)

The model also comes complete with new satellite navigation and Bluetooth systems to help with any on or off road adventure. As always, the Shogun comes packed with an array of standard safety and luxury equipment:

• Mitsubishi Motors Communication System (MMCS) with: Satellite Navigation, Reversing Camera, iPod connection
• New high-quality material leather upholstery.
• New enhanced illumination for instruments.
• New brushed silver finish for power window control panels.
• Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control (M-ASTC).
• Auto lights, auto wipers and privacy glass.
• A colour coded spare wheel cover as standard.
• Brake override system – in case the driver accidentally hits the brake and accelerator at the same time (the car automatically opts for the safer braking option).
• Rear under-cover, thus reducing aerodynamic drag
• Electric power steering.

The Mitsubishi Shogun Black is priced £1,000 above the SG4 model at £41,999. The metallic charge for Shogun is an additional £540, and is available from local dealers now.

This is the second year that the L200 has won this award, for the best pick-up in the UK marketplace, which left Mitsubishi Motors in the UK celebrating once again.

The L200 has led the way with its innovation, specification, styling and 4×4 capabilities for many years. The L200 remains the retail market leader in its segment at a staggering 30.5% market share year to date and picked up the award in favour of the Nissan Navara, Volkswagen Amorak and Toyota Hilux.

Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK’s Managing Director added:

“We’re delighted that the Mitsubishi L200 has again retained the Fleet Van Pick-up of the Year title, but it’s easy to see why. The versatility of the range is unmatched, with everything from practical and functional single-cabs through to powerful lifestyle double-cabs. It is an honour for us to receive this award as it firmly establishes the L200 as the clear favourite among commercial vehicle operators.”

There was a special ceremony held at the Green Vehicle Showcase located in front of San Francisco City Plaza, conducted by representatives from Mitsubishi Motors North America  Inc (MMNA) along with San Rafael Mitsubishi. They conducted the very first delivery of all new 100% electric-powered 2012 Mitsubishi i.

City CarShare is a Bay Area which is a non-profit organisation which was founded in 2001 with the help of other local non-profits and the cities of San Francisco, Berkley and Oakland. Their goal is to promote innovative mobility options to help improve quality of life and the environment in the Bay Area. They provide short-term access to cars City CarShare and helps reduce traffic congestion, dependence on oil, parking problems and promoting cleaner air and quieter streets.

Rick Hutchinson, CEO City CarShare commented “We are very pleased to introduce the all electric Mitsubishi i into our fleet. This vehicle brings us one step closer toward our goal of having 50% of our fleet run on alternative fuel as part of our mission to decrease carbon emissions in the Bay Area”.

Yoichi Yokozawa, President and CEO of Mitsubishi North America Inc (MMNA) said “We thank the Bay Area’a City CarShare for being the first fleet recipient of our innovative 100% electric-powered vehicle. City CarShare’s stated goals are to help promote modes of personal transportation that help improve the environment while reducing noise pollution as well as fossil fuel dependence, so 2012 Mitsubishi i is the perfect vehicle to help achieve this non-profit’s ambitious mission”.

There has been numerous different fleet orders already placed for the innovative, environmentally friendly and fun to drive Mitsubishi i by a wide variety of different organisations from New York to Hawaii. The 2012 Mitsubishi i is the first of several new advanced alternative-fuel production vehicles that the Japanese auto manufacturer plans on bringing to the North American market in the next few years.

The name was first used for the Mirage series developed for resource/energy/space-saving and high-performance in a compact package which debuted in Japan in March 1978. The new Mirage concept inherits the essence of that first series: cleverly getting the most performance and function out of a limited space.

The design focuse this time is on compactness, affordability, and high fuel efficiency in order to fit the needs of emerging markets as an affordable entry-level model as well as needs of advanced markets for fuel efficiency and low-CO2 emission. In addition, the Mirage features good maneuverability and easy drivability inherent to a compact car while also providing a comfortable interior space for five adults.

Mitsubishi has targeted top-of-class fuel efficiency (Japan market version) of 30km per litre through a variety of measures including painstaking reduction in weight throughout almost every part of the car, reduction in rolling resistance and higher efficiency through detailed improvements to the engine, transmission, brakes and tyres, and an aerodynamic body that reduces air resistance and drag. The new Mirage is due to go on sale first in Thailand in March 2012.

Still available in a choice of sophisticated paint colours to set of the black finishing, such as Kingfisher Blue (metallic), Polar White (solid), Cool Silver metallic), Atlantic Grey (metallic), Orient Red (metallic) or of course there’s the real deal Amethyst Black (pearlescent).

The black finishing is introduced with a satin black styling kit which includes striking black 17” alloy wheels, roof, spoiler, mirrors, grille and fog lamp bezels. On the inside the cabin boasts from the addition of a special edition black leather kit featuring carbon fibre inserts.

This new special edition is based on the current Mitsubishi ASX4, carring a £1,000 premium above the current ASX4 pricing. Including VAT but excluding metallic paint (£450 including VAT), road fund licence and first registration fee, the pricing will be as follows:

• ASX 4 1.6 2wd Manual £21,099
• ASX 4 1.8 DI-D 2WD Manual £23,299
• ASX 4 1.8 DI-D 4WD Manual £25,399

The ASX4 standard features include a Kenwood satellite navigation system, reversing camera, iPod connection, Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control (M-ASTC).

The ASX has excellent emissions and economy contributed by Auto Stop & Go, the application of variable valve timing (diesel engine), electric power steering, low rolling resistance tyres, regenerative brakes (Generation Control System), low viscosity oil, LED lighting and weight reduction measures. The Mitsubishi ASX compact crossover confirms the excellence of its engineering with a 5* Euro NCAP crash test result achievement which adds to the ASX’s many virtues.

Customers have the choice of two Euro V engines; Mitsubishi’s 1.6 petrol (115bhp @ 6,000 rpm, 114lb.ft @ 4,000 rpm) with 5 speed manual transmission and the Mitsubishi 1.8 DiD turbodiesel engine (147bhp @ 4,000 rpm, 221lb.ft @ 2,000-3,000 rpm) with a 6-speed manual transmission. Mitsubishi also offer an AWC electronically controlled 4×4 system offered with the 1.8 DiD turbo diesel.

The newcomer is launched this week.

However, moving on from a city run around used for short city commutes the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II is Mitsubishi’s next step!  Mitsubishi’s idea for a mid-size plug-in hybrid PHEV model that offers a long cruising range demanded by mid-size (and larger) vehicles. The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II contains a state-of-the-art drive-train derived from MMC’s already existing EV technology that delivers the environmental performance and quietness inherent to an EV in an SUV package that provides more comfortable motoring and allows for higher utility outside of a city commuter. The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV, with its high environmental performance and fuel efficiency, effectively extinguishes many negative perceptions of SUVs.

Another feature of the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II apart from its outstanding environmental performance is its drive-train which uses a newly developed twin-motor four-wheel-drive system mated to Mitsubishi’s S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) advanced traction control system. Based on the four-wheel-drive technology developed and honed in the Lancer Evolution X models, S-AWC delivers pure driving pleasure by maneuvering effortlessly to the driver’s will while maintaining high levels of stability and safety. In addition to superior handling, the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV Ⅱ provides 100% instant off-the-line torque inherent to electric motors, giving it acceleration comparable to that of a 3.0-litre V6 engine. The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV Ⅱ takes environmentally-friendly vehicles to a new level with its unique blend of fuel and environmental efficiency, performance, and utility.

Mitsubishi’s unique plug-in hybrid system fuses EV technology derived from the Mitsubishi i-MiEV with a small conventional engine that features MMC’s latest fuel and environmental efficiency technologies. This combination provides not only a combined fuel efficiency³ of more than 60km per litre, far superior than that of a conventional engine-driven car, but also very high levels of environmental performance while maintaining a cruising range on a par with conventional engine-driven vehicles (over 800 km).

MMC’s plug-in hybrid system uses high-capacity batteries that allow the vehicle to cover over 50 km in all-electric mode alone, allowing it to be driven solely as an EV for most everyday situations. Depending on power consumption and remaining battery charge the system will start the engine automatically as a generator, and the engine can also be used to help drive the wheelsnecessary. In addition, with the push of a button, the driver has the freedom to select Battery Drive Mode when he/she wishes to drive quietly and emissions-free (at sufficient battery levels) in residential areas or the countryside using pure EV power. At the same time, the driver can also switch to Battery Charge Mode while on the move, controlling use of battery power and using the engine as a generator to charge the batteries.

A socket fitted to the vehicle allows the electricity stored in the drive batteries to be used to power electric appliances when camping or in other outdoor pursuits, or to provide an emergency power source. In addition, the quick-charge port is vehicle-to-home (V2H) compatible.

Now the Shogun homes a Euro V compliant turbo diesel engine and offers a choice of either, three door short-wheel base or five door long-wheel base versions. As well as the three and five door options, Shogun also offers a choice of a four model line-up – the SG2, SG3, SG4 and the familiar Warrior which, in terms of specification will sit above the SG2.

The new Shogun is available in Diamond Black (Pearlescent), Frost White (Solid), Graphite Brown  (Metallic), Orient Red (Metallic)and Cool Silver (Metallic).

As always, the Shogun comes packed with an array of standard safety and luxury equipment. In addition to the new chrome grille with slotted bars and thick dividers on either sides, all variants will benefit from new 18” alloy wheels, plus

• New colour-keyed front bumper
• Black front skid plate
• New twelve spoke 18” alloy wheels
• Black roof rails
• Euro V compliant engine

The same philosophy prevails inside the car with new items such as:

• New high-quality material for both cloth and leather upholsteries
• New enhanced illumination for instruments
• New brushed silver finish for power window control panels

Furthermore, new features are also introduced, including:

• SG3 and SG4 variants will be equipped with auto lights, auto wipers and privacy glass
• SG4 variants will now include a colour coded spare wheel cover as standard
• Brake override system – in case the driver accidentally hits the brake and accelerator at the same time (the car automatically opts for the safer braking option)

Prices for the new model year Mitsubishi Shogun range from just £29,499 for the entry level SG2 model and rise to £40,999 for the higher specification SG4 model.

The Mitsubishi Shogun has a 3-year/unlimited mileage warranty together with a pan-European roadside assistance package. Service intervals for all 12MY Shogun variants are 9,000 miles/12 months (whichever comes first) and Mitsubishi’s extremely competitive service plan (MSP), covering the first three scheduled services can be purchased for just £750.