Mitsubishi’s sales increased by 10.5 per cent in the 2005 financial year.

In the year from April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006, the European operations of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) reached a total of 267,220 sales compared to 241,758 units.

This result marks the third successive year of growth for Mitsubishi Motors Europe (MME), ahead of its set 254,000 unit target.

Key achievements in the year included:

  • The launch of more new products aimed at European customers (new L200, Grandis DI-D, Lancer Evolution IX, Colt CZC)

  • Sales in Russia reached 57,160 - an increase of 53% vs. FY 2004
  • Germany posted an increase in sales of 3%, consolidating its recovery
  • Sales in the UK remained stable, despite the changeover from old to new L200

  • Strong performance of key Western European markets like Italy (+ 12%)

  • Rationalisation of line-up and harmonisation of specifications, allowing for easier transference of stock between countries

  • Strong performance of key models: Colt, MME’s biggest seller, met expectations with sales of 79,108 units; Lancer continued to perform well - 64,616 sales represents an increase of 52.4% vs. FY 2004 – being the main driver for Mitsubishi Motors growth in Russia; L200 sales dropped just 11%, despite renewed competition being launched well ahead of the new model changeover; Outlander increasing slightly its sales volume (16,026 units or + 2%), even with its successor being announced and publicised.

    In the 2006 financial year, MME will strive for maintaining this momentum with a set target of 271,000 units (+ 1.4%).

    "The European line-up will be strengthened through the launch of several significant new models in FY 2006, most of them derived from its new global C-segment platform developed with Chrysler Group, starting with the next generation Outlander (first quarter of CY 2007)," the company said in a statement.