Mitsubishi production fell by 66.5% to 68,551 in 2005, due to the end of production of its Space Star and Pajero Pinin models, the company said.

Despite the fall in production, total exports from Japan increased by 75.5% in March to 48,145 units compared to last year. Exports to Europe increased to 17,839 units, a 76.9% gain year-on-year, due to ‘continued robust sales growth in Russia’.

Exports to Europe rose by 26.1% in 2005 compared to 2004’s 134,339 units, again due to the strong growth in Russia.