Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s President and CEO, Tom Phillips, said that although it had been a tough year there were still many positives that could be taken from it.

Although the Company’s annual sales volume reduced from 70,171 in 2003 to 53,704 last year, the 16,467 units reduction was less than the reduction in sales to rental fleets, and the loss of Lancer coupe and Mirage hatch due to their cessation in production. Mr Phillips said that the Company had made a conscious decision to reduce its exposure to rental fleets in 2004, and this accounted for a reduction of some 5,000 units. The loss of Lancer coupe and Mirage hatch had accounted for over 12,000 units. He said that Mitsubishi always understood that it would not be able to cover the loss of this volume immediately from its existing model line-up.

However, on the positive side Lancer sedan had increased its volume by some 3,478 units (or 10%), Triton had held its own, and Pajero sales fell only marginally in a fiercely competitive segment with a number of new entrants. Also, Outlander had increased its volume by 10%, with much of that coming in the last couple of months of the year, and recorded its best sales month ever in December.

Lancer sedan has been a strong performer in the small car segment, as a result of the CH series upgrade, and the top-value ES model receiving a number of exceptional value-added packages throughout the year.

Pajero sales held up remarkably well in the face of stiff opposition, due in part to the introduction of a multi-media in-car entertainment system to the top-of-the-range Exceed, as well as the addition of a number of popular features to the mid-range GLS models.

The most significant changes to the Outlander SUV was the introduction of the MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing Electronic Control) engine with 20% more power, as well as the tidying up of the overall model range and the introduction of a sporty VR-X variant.

“There is ample evidence to suggest that MMAL has turned the corner,” Mr Phillips said.

“December was the fourth straight month that our market share has improved and Mitsubishi and its dealer body can expect a much improved 2005.

“The launch of some exciting new products, including our all-new large car, during the year will help the turnaround continue."

“When you add that to the launch of Australia’s best new car warranty late last year – our ‘Better Built. Better Backed’ campaign – and the positive response we are receiving to our corporate television campaign, I believe we have a lot to look forward to,” Mr Phillips concluded.