Mitsubishi Motors Archives

Mitsubishi Triton sales surge to historic high in Malaysia

After the long period of inactivity due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) lockdowns for over 2 months, the auto industry is quickly revving up again. Customers are visiting showrooms and the backlog of orders is quickly being fulfilled. For Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), there has been a steady surge which led to a historic sales achievement in the month of September 2021.

During the first full month of business since the government permitted businesses to resume in mid-August, MMM delivered 1,521 units of its most popular model, the Triton. This volume also gave it the highest market share of 34% within the pick-up segment for September.

Brand among top 3 in non-national segment
In comparison to 2020, the volume of Triton sales increased by 5.1% within the first half of company’s Financial Year 2021 (April – September 2021), while the overall sales volume saw positive growth with a total of 6,907 vehicles delivered. This raised Mitsubishi Motors market share from 1.7% (April – September 2020) to 3.9% (April-September 2021), maintaining the brand’s position among the top 3 non-national brands in Malaysia.

XPANDER MPV bookings close to 13,000
Besides the Triton, the XPANDER MPV has also been growing in popularity. It’s unfortunate that, like a number of the latest models, it was introduced during a period when the pandemic restricted movements. Now, as the situation eases, it is clear that the model has strong appeal as it is the best-selling non-national MPV with close to 13,000 bookings since launch in November 2020. To date, MMM has delivered 5,756 units of the model, assembled in Pahang, to new owners around the country.

*The XPANDER is priced from RM92,263 in Peninsular Malaysia (without insurance). As it is assembled in Malaysia, it is given 100% exemption of sales tax until the end of 2021.*

“After a few months of the challenging market situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, the team at Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is working with our best efforts to improve production, delivery timing, and to recover from backlog orders fulfilment for the XPANDER and Triton. We would also like to thank our customers who have shown us support and have been patient with us. As the nation moves towards the endemic era and with the resumption of the automotive supply chain and showrooms opening, we are confident for optimistic sales numbers over the second half of our Financial Year,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of Mitsubishi Moors Malaysia.

Home Delivery Service soon
“In addition, we are continuously looking to improve and introduce new digital services. Soon, we will be announcing a Home Delivery Service for customers who have purchased a Mitsubishi vehicle to have their brand new car delivered to their doorstep. This is to ease customer’s convenience in shopping using Mitsubishi Online Showroom. We are also working very closely with our dealerships to ensure full SOPs are in compliance and only fully vaccinated staff are allowed to be on duty and serve customers,” he added.

To know more about Mitsubishi Motors models available in Malaysia and to locate a showroom for viewing and test-drives, visit www.mitsubishu-motors.com.my.

Mitsubishi Triton Athlete takes over as flagship of range from Adventure X

New Mitsubishi Motors 3S Centre opened in Klang, Selangor

As we gradually return to normalcy – but with a New Normal – activities in the auto industry are picking up again. Showrooms are resuming business and customers can visit them and even take test-drives (subject to the SOPs, of course). MN Wheels Sdn Bhd must be happy with the restrictions being lifted as it has been waiting to open its new 3S (sales, service and spare parts) outlet in Bukit Raja, Klang, Selangor.

Announcing the opening today, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) says it is the second Mitsubishi Motors showroom for the authorised dealership which has one more in Kuala Selangor. Both showrooms incorporate Mitsubishi Motors’ new corporate brand with the global tagline ‘Drive Your Ambition’. The corporate tagline underlines Mitsubishi Motors’ commitment to the values and aspirations of its drivers.

*Latest models like the Outlander 7-seater SUV are available at the new Mitsubishi Motors dealership.*

With a built-up area of close to 5,000 square feet, the new 3S Centre incorporates a comfortable customer lounge with wifi and displays of vehicles for visitors to view from any angle. As the ‘3S’ suggests, aftersales services are also available in the same location and there is a fully-equipped workshop with 3 service bays and trained technicians.

“Congratulations to MN Wheels for opening another Mitsubishi Motors showroom in Selangor. We have been in a very challenging business environment and despite that, MN Wheels have managed to complete the build-up of this impressive showroom with our new visual identity. This goes to show MN Wheels’ commitment to further strengthen Mitsubishi’s brand presence in Malaysia,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

“With Mitsubishi Motors’ sales growing quickly and expected to increase over the coming years, we aim to open a new showroom in every quarter for Financial Year 2021 (ending March 2022),” he added. “This is part of our strategy that as we continue to grow, we put our customers at the forefront and as our utmost priority especially since we progressively work towards delivering the new XPANDER and Triton Athlete. We aim to serve our customers better in terms of sales and aftersales especially in the Klang Valley.”

*SOPs for the protection of customers and staff will be followed in all areas of the dealership.*

For more information about Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia and the locations of authorised dealers, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.

Nissan to introduce all-electric minivehicle next year

‘Kei’ cars are vehicles in a category that was created in 1949 in Japan. The regulations limit their dimensions to a very small size, suited for the narrow roads of the country’s cities but also permitted for use on highways. They are very small – no more than 3.4 metres in length, 1.48 metres in width, and 2 metres in height – and even their engine sizes are limited to 660 cc (in Japan).

Having small engines, kei cars have obviously been very economical and as a segment, the amount of pollution from such vehicles would be lower than the other segments too. Due to the fuel efficiency of kei cars, the need to electrify them has not been as urgent as for larger cars but electrification is necessary in coming years.

To prepare for this new era, Nissan Motor has been having a joint project with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) through an existing 50/50 joint venture known as NMKV Co., Ltd. It’s not known what ‘NMKV’ stands for though it could be ‘Nissan Mitsubishi Kei Vehicles’. The company handles product planning and project management for minivehicles sold in the Japan market.

The NMKV Model
NMKV uses its unique ‘NMKV Model’ to create highly competitive products while dispersing risks of development costs. The source of the NMKV Model is the value-creation abilities through organically combining the resources, technology, and expertise of the two parent companies.

Expertise in electric vehicles and kei cars
Nissan Motor and MMC each have their own strategies for kei cars. One aims to display a significant presence as an automobile company in the segment while the other wants to fully utilize the high level of development capability of such vehicles that it has built up to this point. With NMKV, corporate lines can be crossed to share the automobile development expertise that has accumulated inside each company.

MMC, for example, has built up expertise in electric kei cars, having introduced the first one in Japan in 2009. This was the i-MiEV and it was also the world’s first mass-produced electric car. Nissan too has a long history of making electric cars, with its corporate history including an electric model known as the TAMA which was produced way back in 1947.

*Although the LEAF, introduced 10 years ago, put Nissan in a very prominent position in the EV segment, its corporate history includes an electric vehicle called the TAMA which was produced in 1947.*

*Mitsubishi i-MiEV was the world’s first mass-produced electric car. Some units were also available in Malaysia during the period when the government exempted EVs and hybrids from all import taxes.*

“We are a highly unique company of a type never before seen in Japan. We inherit the genes of both companies, and fuse together the experience and knowledge that both have cultivated. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for both companies to make ‘1 + 1 = 3’, or even ’1 + 1 = 5’, and accomplish things that were not possible for the companies to accomplish individually in the past,” said Junichi Endo, President & CEO of NMKV.

New electric minivehicle in 2022
NMKV is developing a new electric minivehicle to be launched by Nissan in the second quarter of 2022 which is said to redefine the popular car category in Japan (it accounts for about 30% of new vehicle sales). With a nominal battery capacity of 20 kWh, it will have strong acceleration with smooth driving and cabin quietness that are key characteristics of electric vehicles. It will be available with a variety of advanced technologies, including driver assistance technologies.

*Nissan iMK concept shown at the Tokyo Motorshow in 2019 could provide ideas for the new electric minivehicle.*

The range will be sufficient to cover daily usage in Japan and in any case, the charging network in the country is already quite extensive. In addition to its mobility uses, the vehicle will be able to provide electricity from its battery to a home and, in emergencies, act as a mobile power source.

At 3395 mm long, 1475 mm wide, and 1655 mm high, the minivehicle would qualify for kei car incentives and the purchase prices are forecast to start at approximately 2 million yen (about RM76,400).

To locate a showroom to view or purchase the latest Nissan LEAF EV in Malaysia, visit www.nissan.com.my.

Nissan to invest £1 billion in establishing Electric Vehicle (EV) Hub as a world-first EV manufacturing ecosystem

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia improves functionality of MITSUBISHI CONNECT MY app

In these pandemic times, close contact is discouraged to avoid the risk of spreading the coronavirus. It’s a serious matter, which is why measures such as use of facemasks (double is better) and even face shields are recommended to be used whenever leaving the home. This new situation, which has been with us for about 18 months, means that many of the things we have been doing need to change in some ways.

When sending a car to a service centre for maintenance or repairs, it used to be that you could just drive in (though an appointment has always been recommended) and be served. Now, an appointment is necessary so that the service centre can be prepared to receive a customer and comply with the Standard Operating Procedures.

Timely introduction of app
Thus when Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) introduced their MITSUBISHI CONNECT MY mobile application in June 2020, it was very timely and contributed to helping vehicle owners communicate in a safer as well as more convenient manner with their dealership.

“The pandemic has created great demands on us as a society and despite the challenges; it also allowed us to be more resilient and agile in this new digital technology environment. Besides technology on improving customer’s convenience, the safety of our customers and staff is also our utmost priority,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

Additional features
With kaizen (constant improvement) very much a part of MMM, the MITSUBISHI CONNECT MY app has received enhancements after a year. The mobile app already enables Mitsubishi owners to book a service appointment, receive service appointment reminders and check service histories.

Now it also enables owners to be aware of the progress of work on their vehicle after they have sent it to the service centre. Through the app, they will receive status notifications and be informed when they can collect their vehicle.

Mitsubishi Motors Melak — *With the MITSUBISHI CONNECT app, owners can communicate with the authorised dealers easily, minimising direct contact.*

Keeping track of the vehicle’s service cost and warranty details is another one of the useful functions. Owner can be informed about their upcoming service cost with an estimation and warranty details for ease of planning. In addition, roadtax and insurance renewal reminders will also be sent through the app.

When help is needed
Additionally, Mitsubishi owners can request roadside assistance service in a breakdown or accident using the SOS Trace & Track feature. By tapping on the ‘SOS’ function on the app, the user’s location can be tracked accurately using a GPS locator and its details will be verified by customer service personnel from Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia who will send help immediately.

Other useful functions of the MITSUBISHI CONNECT MY app include staying in touch with the Mitsubishi Assist 24Hrs customer careline and contacting a 24-Hour breakdown assistance service throughout Malaysia as well as emergency services, should the situation arise. And, of course, the locations of all authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealers in Malaysia can be found in the app database.

“With the enhancements of the MITSUBISHI CONNECT MY mobile app together with the Mitsubishi Online Showroom, we want to assure our customers that we are engaging with them through a seamless journey from purchase to ownership in a safe environment,” said Mr. Shinnishi.

Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to know more about Mitsubishi vehicles and services in Malaysia, and the locations of authorised dealerships.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia’s Online Showroom open for business

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but can spread the coronavirus. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

Mitsubishi Triton Athlete takes over as flagship of range from Adventure X

The Mitsubishi Triton has always been among the more stylish pick-ups around, combining a good-looking design with the rugged qualities that such vehicles must have. The current generation has been in the market since early 2019 and has built up its own following. Malaysian sales from April 2020- March 2021 totalled 7,598 units, a 32% increase in sales as compared to same period in the previous Financial Year of the company.

For 2021, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is introducing the new Triton Athlete which will be flagship model of the range, replacing the Triton Adventure X. The ‘Athlete’ name is not new, having been used in 2018 for the previous generation.

Black theme
For the 2021 version, it has a black theme with a choice of three body colours- Sun Flare Orange Pearl, White Diamond and Jet Black Mica. Besides a gloss black front under garnish and ‘Dynamic Shield’ front design incorporating a glossy black radiator grille, the black theme also encompasses the side mirrors, door handles, aero type window deflectors, 18-inch gloss black rims and side-steps.

The double cab is appointed appropriately as the flagship version and has orange-stitching for the leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and also comes with LED illuminated scuff plates on the door sills. Other useful features include an All-Round Monitor, Driving Video Recorder and 7-Inch Touchscreen Audio system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard. The upgrades are offered by MMM authorized dealers at all Mitsubishi Motors showroom nationwide. For rear occupant comfort, there is also a rear air circulator.

Proven drivetrain with MIVEC engine
The Triton Athlete continues with a proven 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine with variable valve timing which produces 181 ps/430 Nm. The Super Select 4WD II system, which can be used without having to stop the vehicle, has an off-road mode for optimum traction and handling characteristics in any terrain. There is also Hill Descent Control which helps the driver go down a slope safely, with the computer managing the speed and all the driver has to do is steer and look out for obstacles.

Pick-ups these days have similar safety systems as passenger cars and the Triton Athlete is a good example. It comes with standard Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System, Auto High Beam and 7 airbags.

5-year warranty
Priced from RM141,500 (without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia), the new Triton Athlete comes with a factory warranty of 5 years, or maximum of 200,000 kms after registration.

Besides the Triton Athlete, MMM also imports from Thailand five other variants which range in price from RM79,890 to RM121,000 (excluding insurance) with varying specifications to suit different requirements and budgets.

Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to know more about Triton and other Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia.

MITSUBISHI CONNECT adds convenience to the ownership experience for Mitsubishi owners

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia’s Online Showroom open for business

In the more advanced markets, businesses have become established online for many years and their e-commerce processes have advanced greatly. Malaysia has also been going along the same path towards digitisation but the pace accelerated in the past year with the pandemic making physical interactions less advisable. This has meant that the traditional processes whereby customers visit showrooms when they are shopping for new cars has had to change, and the industry has quickly made the transition to online showrooms.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is among the companies that has ‘opened shop’ online and its first online showroom is designed to provide a digitally enhanced experience for customers to do research on various models available, and then to make a purchase if they wish to do so.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia service centre — *The physical authorised dealerships still exist but customers now have the convenient option of conducting most of the car-buying processes online at the Mitsubishi Online Showroom.*

In developing the Mitsubishi Online Showroom, MMM looked for ways to improve the customer’s purchasing journey by examining the various stages from the time there is interest in the product to the completion of the purchasing process. The Mitsubishi online showroom has narrowed-down the fundamental processes from the traditional one to a digital car-purchasing journey, leveraging on technology enhancement.

“In the past year, we’ve seen an unpredictable level of change, because of the new normal and the need to maintain social distancing. The launch of Mitsubishi Online Showroom is a strong example of MMM’s commitment to deliver a more human-centric experience by encompassing a holistic approach across three key organizational pillars: people, process and technology,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.

“We have always believed in creating a walk-through experience and this Online Showroom is an extension from getting to know the product, test-drive at customer’s convenience, and communication with the dealer to finalize the purchase journey. We want to offer our customers a safe purchase of their Mitsubishi model without the need of leaving their home,” he said.

360’ Virtual Showroom
One of the features of the Mitsubishi Online Showroom is the 360-degree views available of each model’s exterior and interior. Thanks to today’s advanced software, it is possible to zoom in and out for a closer look at details and learn about the many features in Mitsubishi vehicles.

Each of the Mitsubishi models on display has a clickable interactive button to instantly show more information and its key features. Besides the 360-degree views, there are also static images in a gallery with different angles and environments.

Test Drive 2U
The TEST DRIVE 2U online service was actually launched in May 2020 and it allows customers to experience a Mitsubishi model without having to visit the showroom. Customers who require a test-drive can now submit their request via the Online Showroom as well. It takes just a few simple steps and an authorized Mitsubishi dealer will be notified who will bring the selected model car to the customer’s preferred location.

Booking Assist
With so much information available online, many customers get a lot of insights into the model they are keen to buy and want to make a booking. However, concerns about the coronavirus understandably may make them hesitant to go to the showroom. If so, they can still book a vehicle online by submitting a booking request form on the Online Showroom’s website. Thereafter, the authorised dealer will contact the customer to assist further with the booking process and other matters such as loan and insurance application. With email and electronic banking, most documents and payments can be done without having to physically meet.

Trade-in Assist
MMM collaborates with MyTukar, an online used car marketplace in Malaysia, to offer a special trade-in promotion for Mitsubishi customers who wish to trade-in their vehicle via the Mitsubishi Online Showroom.

Customer can submit a trade-in assist form online and then select the option to request for the vehicle inspection, handover, transfer of ownership and collection of the sold vehicle to be done at any of the customer’s preferred locations.

MITSUBISHI CONNECT
MMM has also introduced the MITSUBISHI CONNECT mobile application as an extension of aftersales service through a digital platform. The mobile app has a range of vehicle-related digital services, giving Mitsubishi owners the convenience of scheduling a service appointment with their preferred MMM service centres, keep track of vehicle maintenance history, and get reminders for their next car service.

For more information on Mitsubishi Motors vehicles and services in Malaysia, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.

New warehouse in Shah Alam, Selangor, will improve parts operations for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia

New warehouse in Shah Alam, Selangor, will improve parts operations for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia

The population of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia has been growing, especially with the popularity of the Triton and undoubtedly with the coming Xpander model. As the number of vehicles increases, so too will the demand for replacement parts.

In a proactive move, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia recently migrated to a new parts warehouse in Shah Alam, Selangor as part of an expansion plan to meet with increasing aftersales demands.

Faster delivery of parts
The new facility has a storage capacity of up to 40,000 square feet, enabling the consolidation of all holdings under one roof to improve warehouse operations. This move will also speed up delivery of parts required by all authorized service centres nationwide.

“The relocation of our warehouse is in line with the continuous growth of Mitsubishi Motors business in Malaysia. The new parts warehouse is located at a strategic location with less road congestion and easy access to Federal and KESAS highway. With this accessibility, we will be able to accelerate our parts delivery to MMM’s business partners as we constantly seek to improve customer’s aftersales experience by reducing cost and increasing our work efficiency,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

In Malaysia, there are 52 authorised Mitsubishi Motors service outlets and 52 showrooms (out of which 46 are 3S Centres).

Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my for more information on products and services from the brand.

First Mitsubishi Motors dealership in Melaka with new brand Visual Identity

Pay less for the Mitsubishi ASX, Outlander and Triton during August and September

Although our Merdeka celebrations are, unfortunately, subdued this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still promotions in conjunction with the event and one of them is the Merdeka Promotion by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia. The promotion offers savings as well as extras for the full range of Mitsubishi models.

Customers looking to trade-in their current vehicle for the ASX compact SUV can get RM8, 888 as additional trade-in top-up support from authorized dealers. This promotion also comes with 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled maintenance. Available in two variants, the ASX 2WD is priced at RM111,628 while the ASX 4WD is priced at RM125,182.

*Mitsubishi ASX, available with 2WD and 4WD*

If you prefer something bigger with 3 rows of seats for 7 persons, there’s the Outlander with either a 2-litre of 2.4-litre petrol engine. For those who choose the Outlander 2.0, priced at RM133,491, there’s a cash rebate up to RM4,000 and 2 years of free scheduled maintenance. Those who opt for the Outlander 2.4, priced at RM147,762, will get a cash rebate up to RM2,000 as well as 2 years of free scheduled maintenance. All Outlanders come with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.

*Mitsubishi Outlander, available with 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre engines*

The pricing of the ASX and Outlander is exempt from sales tax till the end of 2020. As both models are assembled locally, they can have full exemption of the 10% sales tax. For the ASX, this saves buyers up to RM8,000 while for the Outlander, the savings are up to RM4, 000.

Low interest rates for Triton
As for the popular Triton pick-up which is imported from Thailand, customers can enjoy a low hire-purchase interest rate of 0.88% per annum or cash rebates of up to RM4,000 (Triton VGT Adventure X, Triton VGT AT Premium and Triton VGT MT Premium). The special interest rate is only for H-P finance packages from Maybank or Public Bank.

Those who buy the Triton VGT with manual transmission during the promotion period can enjoy a cash rebate of RM6,000, while the Triton Quest 4×2 has a cash rebate of RM4,000. All Triton variants except for Triton Quest comes with a 5-year warranty or maximum of 200,000 kms. Prices range from RM78,488 to RM121,000.

The Merdeka Promotion is on until the end of September 2020 and available at all 51 Mitsubishi Motors showrooms nationwide. More information on the models can be found at www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my .

MITSUBISHI CONNECT adds convenience to the ownership experience for Mitsubishi owners

Mitsubishi XPANDER confirmed for introduction in Malaysia during 2020

The rumours are true: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia will be launching the Mitsubishi XPANDER crossover this year. The 7-seater crossover originated in the Indonesian market where the production hub is located, and has been progressively introduced in various ASEAN countries.

The new XPANDER blends functionality with SUV-inspired styling. While Its rugged image appeals broadly, it also has the roominess, convenience, style and functionality which consumers of today want. These qualities are expanded to make it highly suitable for Malaysian lifestyles.

The XPANDER’s styling adopts the ‘Dynamic Shield’ front design concept which has been incorporated in every Mitsubishi model launched in recent years. The ‘Dynamic Shield’ not only gives a bold appearance but also expresses high performance and a sense of protection for the driver and passengers.

Its successful design concept has been validated by the various awards it has won. Some of the prominent awards are ‘2018 Car of the Year’ in Indonesia; ‘Philippines 2019 Automobile of the Year (Standard Category)’; and ‘Thailand Car of the Year 2019 and 2020’ as well as ‘The Best MPV under 1600 cc’ (also in Thailand).

“The XPANDER is not just an important model for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, but across the ASEAN region as well. As of June 2020, the model has reached cumulative sales of around 256,000 units. The success of the XPANDER in our neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam reflects how well-suited this car will be to meet the needs of Malaysian customers. MMM is very excited for a thrilling year ahead with the introduction of this impressive 7-seater crossover in Malaysia later this year,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

The question now is whether it will be assembled locally, as the Outlander and ASX models are, or will it be imported as a CBU model from Indonesia? Although the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement allows for duty-free importation, having a model assembled locally would enable the pricing to be more competitive.

2020 Mitsubishi XPANDER — *The launch date must be close as a unit was spotted being moved around recently.*

If you are keen to get one, visit an authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealer to let them know of your interest so you can be updated. Information will also be available at www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.

MITSUBISHI CONNECT adds convenience to the ownership experience for Mitsubishi owners

Mitsubishi’s eK X and eK Wagon kei cars score highest ratings in JNCAP tests

Like other carmakers, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) aims to provide mobility with zero traffic accidents. In pursuit of this goal, it is fully committed to developing and implementing active and passive safety technologies and protection, even with its small kei-class cars.

Demonstrating its efforts in this aspect are the scores achieved by the eK X and eK Wagon in the latest assessments by the Japan New Car Assessment Program (JNCAP). Both models have been awarded the highest rating with the highest ‘ASV+++’ rating. ‘ASV’ refers to ‘Advanced Safety Vehicle’, as defined by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The top rating was in preventive safety performance and the maximum 5-star rating in collision safety performance.

Driver assistance tech
The eK X and eK Wagon come equipped with driver assistance technology which encompasses preventive safety measures to support the drivers in avoiding collisions, or mitigate the collision damage.

These include Lane Departure Warning (LDW) which alerts the driver with a warning buzzer and information screen display when the vehicle is about to stray from its lane, while Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) assists the driver in moving the vehicle back to its lane.

The Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication installed in both kei cars prevents sudden acceleration by unintentional operation of shift lever or pedal. A Multi Around Monitor gives the driver a good view of the surroundings when parking so that hazards or small children can be spotted.

In addition, the built-in Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) autonomous emergency braking system which detects pedestrians and vehicles ahead, and Automatic High Beam (AHB) which switches between high beam and low beam automatically contribute to safer motoring.

RISE bodywork
The eK X and eK Wagon, which are structurally similar, have high levels of collision safety performance built in, thanks to the company’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) bodywork. It combines collision energy absorbing front body design with a deformation-resistant passenger compartment, as well as 6 SRS airbags for frontal and side protection.

The kei cars are designed to further improve the pedestrian safety with an energy-absorbing in the bonnet to protect the head area of pedestrians. A structure inside the bumper is specially designed to reduce injuries to the legs of pedestrians in the event of a collision.

It may seem like the safety systems are nothing new but the important point is that they are now being offered in kei-class cars, which are the smallest and cheapest in the market. Historically, such cars were equipped in a basic manner but with consumers expecting better protection, manufacturers have to make them safer as well.

Car of the Year winners
Launched into the Japanese market in March last year, the eK X and eK Wagon were winners in the Car of the Year Japan 2019-2020 in Small Mobility category. Additionally, the models were also selected as the RJC Car of the Year 2020.

MI-TECH concept shows how future Mitsubishi SUVs could be like

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