Mitsubishi XPANDER Archives

First units of new Mitsubishi XPANDER roll out from plant in Pekan, Pahang

Those who have booked a Mitsubishi XPANDER can expect their new 7-seater crossover soon. The first units have been completed and will soon be leaving the plant at HICOM Automotive Manufacturers Sdn Bhd in Pekan, Pahang. Malaysia is the third country to locally-assemble the XPANDER, following Indonesia and Vietnam.

The plant location would be familiar to Mitsubishi Motors as the Pajero (and earlier models of Mitsubishi pick-ups and vans) used to be assembled there in the 1990s. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has its own dedicated area for assembling the XPANDER at a rate of 6,000 units annually.

MMM invested in setting up an all-new Body Shop, Painting Jigs and Tester Line at the plant. The Paint Shop is said to be one of the most advanced in ASEAN. Complete immersion and coverage with protective primer paint is achieved during the Electro-Deposition (ED) process with the 360-degree rotation of the vehicle in the tank. Conventional ED processes usually just dip the body at one orientation.

Robots are used for consistent application of multiple coats of paint to ensure a high quality finish. To ensure that the XPANDERs assembled in Malaysia meet the high standards set by Mitsubishi Motors, there are auditors from the Japanese manufacturer who constantly carry out checks.

“We ensure all our customers that each unit of the XPANDER undergoes extensive quality control tests before it is shipped out. Every inch is checked by human-eyes and cutting-edge technology,” said the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.

Mr. Shinnishi said that the XPANDER is being assembled locally to achieve a more competitive and attractive price, with better specifications providing customers more convenience and comfort. “The XPANDER is a significant model for MMM and we are confident that it will be a favourite among many Malaysians,” he added.

Since its launch in Indonesia, some 270,000 units of the XPANDER (including the XPANDER Cross variant) have been sold across ASEAN. It will be in showrooms next month and come with a 1.5-litre MIVEC engine. Pricing has not been revealed but is expected to be under RM100,000. Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to locate a showroom to view and test-drive the XPANDER and other Mitsubishi models.

Besides the XPANDER, MMM also assembles two SUV models in Malaysia – the Outlander and ASX – at the Tan Chong plant in Kuala Lumpur. Its most popular model, the Triton, is imported from Thailand in CBU form.

More details of new Mitsubishi XPANDER revealed before launch next month

Mitsubishi XPander Kini Dibuka Untuk Tempahan – 1.5L MIVEC!

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) kini menerima tempahan bagi Mitsubishi XPander, menjelang pelancaran pada November ini.

Tempahan bagi kenderaan jenis ‘crossover’ dengan tujuh tempat duduk itu kini boleh dibuat di setiap pusat pameran rasmi Mitsubishi seluruh negara.

Mitsubishi XPander dikuasakan dengan enjin (blok aluminium) 1.5L MIVEC yang menjana 105hp pada 6,500rpm dan 141Nm pada 4,000rpm dan digerakan menerusi transmisi 4-kelajuan automatik.

Bahagian luar XPander meneruskan kesinambungan rekaan ‘Dynamic Shield’ yang terdapat pada semua model Mitsubishi di samping pakej lampu LED dan rim aloi 16 inci dua-tona (dual-tone).

Bagi menjaminkan pemanduan selesa, XPander turut menawarkan 205mm ‘ground clearance’.

Sementara itu, bahagian dalam pula memfokuskan terhadap memaksimumkan ruang bagi keselesaan penumpang dengan ketinggian 1,730mm, panjang 4,475mm dan lebar 1,750mm sekaligus menjaminkan keluasan ruang kaki.

Mitsubishi XPander juga merupakan satu-satunya kereta dalam segmennya yang membolehkan tempat duduk barisan kedua dan ketiga dilipat sepenuhnya bagi menawarkan ruang letak barang yang lebih luas.

Model ini turut dilengkapi dengan ruang simpan pelbagai guna, side pocket di barisan ketiga, cup holder, cargo floor box, dan ruang letak barang lain.

Manakala ruang infotainmen hadir dalam bentuk paparan 9′ yang menyokong Apple Carplay dan Android Auto.

Antara ciri keselamatan ditawarkan adalah:

beg udara SRS
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake-Force Distributor (EBD)
Active Stability Control (ASC)
Brake Assist System (BA)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Rest Reminder
Brake Override System (BOS)

Menariknya, MMM turut menawarkan pakej istimewa yang merangkumi All Around Monitor (ARM), Driving Video Recorder (DVR) dan kerusi kulit.

Sementara itu, pelanggan di Johor dan Perak boleh melihat Mitsubishi XPander dengan lebih dekat seperti dibawah:

23-25 Oktober – Toppen Mall, Johor Bahru
29 Oktober – 1 November – Ipoh Parade, Perak

More details of new Mitsubishi XPANDER revealed before launch next month

Ahead of its official sales launch next month, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is now making public the main specifications of the Mitsubishi XPANDER, its new 7-seater crossover. While bookings are accepted at all authorised dealerships nationwide, the company is still not revealing its price.

However, it is known that the model is assembled in Malaysia, rather than being imported in CBU form from the production hub in Indonesia. This allows the pricing to be more competitive (possibly below RM100,000) as local assemblers can get incentives from the government to offset their production cost and lower the retail price.

“At Mitsubishi Motors, we want to offer a more price competitive model with better specifications, hence the move to assemble locally. The XPANDER is a significant model for MMM and we are optimistic that it will be a favourite among many Malaysians for its design is more than just aesthetics. We understand that Malaysians now want a car that matched their aspiration for a more active lifestyle and practicality and as such, the XPANDER is customized to meet Malaysians preferences,” said the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.

The XPANDER has an all-aluminium 1.5-litre MIVEC petrol engine with an output of 105 ps/141 Nm, delivered to the front wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Mitsubishi Dynamic Shield design
The front end has the latest Mitsubishi Dynamic Shield design concept to express high performance and give a sense of protection for the passengers and pedestrians. On either side are LED Headlamps, Crystal blocks LED position lamps and at the rear, L-illumination LED Tail Lights.

The new XPANDER also comes with 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. Besides the large diameter of the wheels, the ground clearance is also set high at 205 mm so that the vehicle can negotiate rough roads and travel along some flooded roads.

The 3-row cabin has an overall length of 4475 mm and an overall height of 1730 mm, made possible by the 2775 mm wheelbase. MMM says that the XPANDER is the only model in its class with fold-flat second and third rows seats providing full luggage space and a car-like cargo area

For the convenience of the many occupants, the XPANDER comes with under-seat multi-purpose storage, a cargo floor box with a lid, third row side pocket and cupholder, centre console box with sliding lid, multiple storage compartments and glovebox with a double compartment.

Keeping everyone cool
Four ceiling-mounted air vents carry cool air all the way to the back of the cabin, ensuring that even the passengers in the third row will be comfortable all the time. Having the extra vents above also helps in cooling down the interior more quickly.

For entertainment, the XPANDER comes with a 9-Inch audio system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto so that compatible smartphones can be connected. This means that favourite apps on the smartphone can be duplicated on the dashboard display panel and operated from there.

Safety features
With so many people on board, safety is even more important and Mitsubishi Motors has made sure that the driver has many active safety systems to help avoid an accident. These include ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Active Stability Control, Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, a Rest Reminder and Brake Override System. Cruise control is also mentioned, and this feature can help to reduce fatigue on long drives along the highway.

In the event that an accident does occur, the strong RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body structure offers protection like a safety cage, with SRS airbags to provide cushioning within so as to reduce serious injuries. Anti-intrusion beams in the doors also provide protection during side collisions.

Dealer packages
Authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealers will also offer customers an optional package which includes an All-Round Monitor, Driving Video Recorder and black leather upholstery.

For more updates and information, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.

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

New Mitsubishi XPANDER to be assembled locally

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) will soon launch an all-new model – the Mitsubishi XPANDER. To have competitive pricing, carmakers must assemble their products locally to get incentives that can lower their cost and enable them to have lower retail prices.

MMM is therefore assembling the 7-seater crossover model in Malaysia, its third model to be assembled locally after the ASX and Outlander (the Triton pick-up truck is still imported from Thailand in CBU form). However, unlike the Outlander and ASX, the XPANDER will not be assembled at the Tan Chong plant in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.

New production facility in Pahang
Instead, it will be assembled in Pekan, Pahang, where Mitsubishi Motors’ partner in MMM, DRB-HICOM, has a manufacturing complex also used by Volkswagen, Isuzu and Mercedes-Benz. According to MMM’s Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi, the new production facility for the XPANDER incorporates Japanese automotive technology.

The plant has an all-new body welding workshop including new welding equipment. Its paintshop utilises advanced painting technology including a 360-degree ED-coating and a robotic spray system. This will provide high quality finishes and extend corrosion resistance. The XPANDER, which will have a 1.5-litre MIVEC engine, will also go through an all-new tester line to check all safety functions including Active Stability Control (ASC) system.

“The XPANDER is localized to meet the demands of Malaysian customers. It will be priced competitively to cater for families and adventure-seekers who are looking for a more comfortable and practical 7-seater to make their journeys a more pleasant one. Malaysians can expect to place their bookings soon,” Mr. Shinnishi said.

*Locally-assembled version of the XPANDER.*

As a prelude to the launch, there’s a teaser display of the XPANDER at Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur from today until September 13. Those interested to know more and want to receive updates on the new model’s launch can register their interest at www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.

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Sales uplift for Mitsubishi Triton in spite of difficult market conditions

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) reports that the company’s volume seller, the Mitsubishi Triton, recorded a 22.2% market share from January to July 2020, accounting for the bulk of the 4,008 units of Mitsubishi vehicles sold during the period. For the same period in 2019, the Triton’s market share was 16.9%.

The Triton is now in top position in the double-cab pick-up truck segment in three states – Melaka, Penang and Kedah.

Market share improvement
In overall performance, MMM saw its market share growing to 1.7% of the Total Industry Volume between January and July in spite of difficult market conditions, especially the long period of businesses being closed in compliance with the Movement Control Order.

“MMM is pleased to see positive sales take off after being under pressure by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. This is driven largely by the 100% sales tax exemption from the government which applies to both our locally-assembled SUVs the ASX Compact SUV and Outlander seven-seater SUV. The good sales also reveal brand and customer’s loyalty in these very tough times,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.

New model launch soon
Mr. Shinnishi said that MMM is very excited for a thrilling year ahead with the introduction of the Mitsubishi XPANDER. “The 7-seater crossover will provide us with a solid base to maintain strong sales momentum until the end of the year. The demand and success of the new Mitsubishi XPANDER in our neighbouring ASEAN countries reflects on how well-suited this car is to meet the needs of customers and we’re confident that this impressive XPANDER will capture the heart of Malaysians,” he added.

In preparation of the introduction of the Mitsubishi XPANDER, selected number of Mitsubishi showrooms will be upgraded to Mitsubishi Motor’s latest Visual Identity (VI) this year to maintain the company’s leading position in providing excellent aftersales customer service.

For more information on the new XPANDER or other Mitsubishi models sold in Malaysia, visit 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

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