Mitsubishi Motors has maintained its market share in a tough April car market, while the 380 continued its gradual climb in the large car segment by recording a significant jump in market share from 10% to 12% during the last month.

In a market that was down 10% on April 2005, and 21% on the previous month (March) Mitsubishi managed to increase its market share by 0.5% compared to April last year. In a large car segment that fell 32% from the previous month, the 380 has defied the trend and has continued to build its share of the segment against competitors that recorded losses as high as 53%.

Mitsubishi President and CEO, Mr Robert McEniry, announced a revised range and prices for 380 last week, and said that the immediate increased consumer interest and showroom traffic generated by the changes showed that this action would help 380 maintain its month-on-month improvement in a very tough market.

Other highlights for April for Mitsubishi were the 85% increase in sales of its Grandis people-mover, and the continued sales performance of Triton 4WD utility when it recorded a further 20% increase year-on-year. This increase in sales has been driven by the introduction of the sporty GLX-R model that was conceived in Australia.

Lancer sedan sales have generally been exceptional each month, but were hampered in April by the late arrival of stock from Japan. However, the cars have now arrived and will play an integral part in Mitsubishi's promotional "Wing and Wheels" offer. That offer allows consumers to purchase a 2.4 litre MIVEC (Mitsubishi's variable valve timing) engined car with power steering, power exterior mirrors, power windows, air conditioning, driver and passenger air bag, ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, cruise control, alloy wheels and a rear deck spoiler for a low $19,990 (RRP).

"The overall April result was quite satisfactory considering our stock issues in certain products, and the overall market conditions," Mr McEniry said.

"We will continue to keep our inventory levels of all products in line with market demand, so that we preserve the life-cycle value in all of our products for our customers.

"Mitsubishi is well placed to take advantage of its new products being introduced into Australia - the all-new Triton one-tonne utility, the expansion of the Colt model line-up with the introduction of a manual variant, a Ralliart Colt turbo, and Colt cabriolet, an all-new Outlander and new Pajero later this year. When added to a new Grandis model, and the various other model year upgrades in the last half of the year we have every reason to be very optimistic about the future," he said.

Mitsubishi Grandis