Mitsubishi adds new dealer in Essex

Dealer profitability is a key focus at Mitsubishi, where a quarter of its network is achieving return on sales of 5%.

While its electric i-Miev is only likely to provide a fraction of this to a small part of the network, it could become a larger parts of the sales mix in future years.

Mitsubishi Motor Corporation plans to produce eight electric-powered vehicles globally by 2015. It has revealed the ambition as part of its mid-term business plan for the period to the end of March 2014.

The electric-powered vehicles will include the introduction of hybrid vehicles. In January 2012 Mitsubishi announced all its franchised dealers would become electric vehicle centres starting immediately. By the end of March 2012, the approved dealerships had two fully trained EV sales personnel as well as aftersales technicians.

In terms of volume sales, its strategic focus will remain on small cars and SUVs but with a greater focus on more on global product platforms, including a compact, fuel-efficient car currently codenamed Global Small.

The company is sensitive around its positioning in the monthly Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders registration figures. The L200 pick-up is a fundamental part of its sales push (always circa 30%+ of registrations) and yet is not included in publicised SMMT figures.