With sales of 4,716 imported vehicles during May, MMAL registered an increase of 5.6 per cent for the month against static market growth. Year-to-date the company recorded 24,271 imported sales, up 16.6 per cent on 2007 and well ahead of the market average increase of 4.0 per cent.

Sales of the locally manufactured 380 sedan continued at a reduced rate as the smooth run out of the final vehicles continues. Total sales for MMAL in May, including the 380 sedan, were 5,134 units (down 3.2 per cent on May 2007) and 26,831 year-to-date (up 5.4 per cent on the same period in 2007).

Mitsubishi’s imported range of vehicles – with the exception of the Pajero medium SUV (down 12.3 per cent) and the Grandis people mover (down 5.0 percent) due to supply issues – have enjoyed significant increases year-to-date. Individual results are:

The sales results came on top of further good news for the company during the month, with the confirmation that the Lancer small sedan – a mainstay of Mitsubishi’s extensive product range – has earned a full five star rating in the ANCAP new car crash test programme.

According to Robert McEniry, MMAL’s president and chief executive officer, the Lancer is a strong performer in the Australian market and has been a star contributor to Mitsubishi’s ongoing sales success.

“With very high levels of active and passive safety equipment, great styling and exceptional standard features, the Lancer’s sales performance in the Australian market has been very strong.