Mitsubishi celebrates selling the 10,000th Outlander PHEV in just it's first year.

Mitsubishi Motors (UK) has reached a significant milestone after selling its 10,000^thOutlander PHEV in the UK in its first year.

The landmark handover took place at the Humphries & Parks Mitsubishi dealership in West Malling, Kent, with Paul Aspin, of Sittingbourne, being handed the keys by Lance Bradley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors (UK).

The award-winning Outlander PHEV is transforming the plug-in sector. Launched in April 2014, it has now overtaken every other plug-in hybrid and pure electric car, even passing vehicles that have been on sale since 2011, such as the Nissan Leaf, to become the UK’s favourite plug-in vehicle. 

Paul, a retired Director of Marketing for IBM Europe, said: ‘It’s  a  fantastic  vehicle  and  I’m happy  to  be  the 10,000^th customer. 

The Outlander PHEV ticks all the boxes for me. It’s great to drive, it’s comfortable, economical and it’s good for the environment. 

It’s got lots of clever technology but you don’t need to be a tech expert to use it.’

It’s not difficult to see why the Outlander PHEV is proving so popular. It boasts impressive fuel economy and ultra-low emissions – all in a vehicle with the go-anywhere ability of a four-wheel-drive. This makes it ideal for motorists keen on doing their bit for the environment as well as saving lots of money on running costs.

Combining electric and petrol power, it can travel 32½ miles in electric mode alone – more than enough to accommodate the average daily commute.

Lance said: ‘To sell 10,000 Outlander PHEVs between June and the end of March was a challenge set by our colleagues in Japan - given the market for plug-in hybrid vehicles in 2013 was 980 it seemed like a very big challenge. But the reaction to the vehicle has been fantastic and that is because it’s a car without compromise.

'People want to be environmentally responsible but they still want to have a car that is great to drive and doesn't cost significantly more than equivalent traditional petrol or diesel powered car. Paul’s car is the 10,000^th so we are absolutely delighted.’

Marcus Joy, Dealer Principal at the London Road showroom, said: ‘This is the 92^nd PHEV we have sold and we are delighted it’s the 10,000^th for Mitsubishi Motors (UK). The Outlander PHEV has been a fantastic success for us and it’s definitely created a halo around the brand, enabling us to sell more of the other products in the range, which can only be good for everyone in the network.’

As well as its official fuel consumption figure of 148 miles per gallon, the Outlander PHEV’s low emissions of just 44g of CO₂ per kilometre mean there’s no vehicle tax to pay plus it’s exempt from the London congestion charge and it qualifies for the government’s £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant too. 

In addition, company car drivers can reap the reward of a

fantastically low Benefit in Kind (BIK) of just five per cent, meaning a virtual pay rise of several thousand pounds per year.

What’s more, for business owners there are savings on National Insurance contributions to be had, and the Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid qualifies for 100 per cent First Year Allowance against business profits.

Mitsubishi targets company car drivers with all high specification Outlander PHEV

Sumptuous leather seats that are individually hand crafted, low level mood lighting, a sound system dynamically optimised with the vehicle’s interior acoustics and all-essential multiple USB charging ports are prerequisite in a luxury company car – and standard in the newly launched Outlander GX5h and GX5hs plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

Externally the new models have full length side steps for easier access and the addition of a rear spoiler.

Moreover the new Outlander GX5h and GX5hs invite very little interest from HM Revenue and Customs. The top of the range GX5hs priced at £44,999 attracts just £75 a month in personal benefit-in-kind tax and is exempt from road tax.

The vehicle has phenomenal environmental and economy credentials. It emits just 44g/km of CO₂ and the official combined fuel consumption figure is 148mpg. It is eligible for the Government’s plug-in car grant and companies can offset 100 per cent of the purchase value against profits in the first year.

Clive Messenger, Head of Corporate Sales, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, says: “The GX5h and GX5hs plug-in hybrid Outlanders offer such a fantastic package of benefits for both companies and company car drivers – high specification, luxury feel, low running costs, strong environmental credentials. We are expecting it to quickly populate company car choice lists UK-wide.”

Interior

• Sumptuous high-line Nappa leather seats, dash, door and console lining in Porcelain Beige, Claret Red or Gunmetal Grey.
• Acoustically optimised audio system – seven speaker 420W premium Alpine Hi-Fi system, with silk dome tweeters to provide accurate and smooth highs, powerful 16.5cm midrange drivers and 20cm subwoofers for deep lows. The audio system has been specifically tuned for the Outlander GX5h and GX5hs interiors, in a soundproofed audio chamber and using sophisticated sound measurement equipment.
• Floor level, front and rear mood lighting, LED interior lights and ‘puddle’ lamps.
• Front and rear heated seats.
• Twin rear USB charging port.

Exterior

• Integrated side steps.
• Rear spoiler.
• Outlander bonnet badge.
• LED Fog lamps and DRLs with chrome surrounds.

Colours

The new Outlander PHEV GX5h and GX5hs will be available in all five Outlander PHEV colours:

• Atlantic Grey (Metallic)
• Glacier Blue (Metallic)
• White Pearl (Pearlescent)
• Frost White (Solid)
• Amethyst Black (Pearlescent)

Mitsubishi now offers the Outlander PHEV to its motability customers.

For the first time Motability drivers can get behind the wheel of the exciting all-new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – the country’s best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

Available across the Mitsubishi dealer network until December 31st 2014, the fantastic family-sized 4x4 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is on offer for an advance payment from £1,999.

Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, Lance Bradley, said:

‘We are very pleased to see the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV on the Motability scheme – it represents Mitsubishi’s strongest Motability offering ever. I’d encourage any motorists that are eligible for the scheme to visit a Mitsubishi dealership for a test drive. It’s a remarkable vehicle that has already proved extremely popular.’

The Outlander PHEV uses both electric and petrol power, and unlike non plug-in hybrid vehicles the Outlander PHEV can travel substantially further on its batteries – 32.5 miles - which is more than enough to accommodate the average daily commute (official SMMT figure: 22 miles per day).

The significant electric-only range gives the vehicle game changing economy and environmental credentials. The official combined fuel consumption figure is just 148mpg and emissions are as low as 44g/km of CO₂. The Outlander PHEV is clever too. Features on the entry model include controllable regenerative braking, keyless entry, Bluetooth and much more.

It has never been easier or more affordable for drivers registered with the Motability scheme to get behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi. Other vehicles available are the Outlander diesel, the ASX active sports crossover and the super-mini Mirage.

Intelligent, economical and luxurious, the Outlander diesel is among the largest SUV’s on the Motability scheme. Packed with clever features, it has a five-star Euro-NCAP safety rating, best-in-class fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions, and is lighter, quieter and more refined than ever. It is available with an advance payment of just £1,599.

There are also outstanding offers on the Mitsubishi ASX crossover, starting with an advance payment of just £149 for the ASX 2. Available with a choice of powerful yet efficient petrol and diesel engines, the ASX offers impressive fuel economy but packs plenty of pulling power when needed. Plus for those who like the assurances that a 4×4 can give, ASX is available as a 4WD. Peace of mind doesn’t just come in the form of the model’s 4WD ability. Each ASX model boasts a five-star Euro-NCAP rating.

Meanwhile, the clever and compact Mirage is roomy enough for five adults and exceptionally economical. It offers a winning blend of chic styling, comfort and low running costs. The vehicle has exceptional economy figures - the Mirage 3 1.2 CVT (automatic) has a combined fuel performance figure of just 68.9mpg. It is also highly maneuverable, with a tiny turning circle – perfect for nipping in and out of traffic and squeezing easily into those smaller parking spaces. What’s more, the Mirage 3 is available with no up-front payment for eligible drivers.

Mitsubishi takes title as UK best seller for PHEV vehicles with the new Outlander SUV.

Figures released today by The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirm the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is now the country’s best selling plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Lance Bradley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said:

“The new Outlander PHEV has quickly established its credentials. We have reached a defining moment in vehicle drivetrain technology which challenges conventional wisdom. Few would have predicted that a family-sized 4 x 4 sports utility vehicle could become the UK’s best-selling plug-in hybrid based on economy, on and off road performance and practicality”.

The Outlander PHEV uses both electric and petrol power. Unlike non plug-in hybrid vehicles, the Outlander PHEV can travel substantially further on battery power – 32.5 miles - more than enough to accommodate most daily average journey distances. As such it rarely needs to visit a petrol pump. The impressive electric range gives the vehicle significant environmental credentials. It emits just 44g/km of CO2 and the official combined fuel consumption figure is 148mpg. The vehicle is exempt from road tax, London Congestion Charge and qualifies for the Government’s £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant. For company car drivers Outlander PHEV attracts just 5% taxable benefit in kind, saving £8,216 over three years compared to a similar size 4x4 SUV.

The sales success of The Outlander PHEV is having a positive effect on other Mitsubishi models. The company’s passenger car sales are up 164% in August and 36% year to date. The award winning Mitsubishi L200 is the best-selling pick-up range in August. The Mitsubishi ASX (active sports cross-over) and Mitsubishi Shogun are both out performing YTD. 

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is now the UK’s favourite plug-in hybrid.

Mitusbishi expands workforce across the board in huge sales growth.

Reflecting today’s employment figures announcement, continued growth of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is creating 400 new showroom, technical and head office jobs. Sales at the company are up 32 per cent on last year and up 197 per cent in July, according to SMMT figures.

A £20 million investment in marketing to support the arrival of the much anticipated Outlander plug in 4x4 is driving the company’s sales success.

The ground breaking vehicle is now the Government’s Plug-in Car Grant best seller, accounting for 43% of successful applications. The plug-in Outlander, which is receiving huge levels of public interest, has outstanding fuel economy of 148mpg and Congestion Charge busting emission credentials of 44g/km.

Lance Bradley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK says: “We are preparing the business for an extended period of growth with the recruitment of new staff and investment in training and dealer support. The business is performing extremely well, based on the introduction of new models and exciting growth plans over the next five years.”

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK employs 200 staff at its head office in Cirencester and a further 60 at its vehicle import handling facility at the Royal Portbury docks, Bristol. The business supports the employment of around 2000 staff at UK dealerships and service centres.

The new Outlander PHEV, the best hybrid 4x4 on the market.

Mitsubishi Motors is pleased to announce the arrival of the game changing Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a car with an impeccable pedigree – and now there is an exciting addition to the range. The Outlander PHEV is, quite simply, the best 4x4 SUV PHEV available in the UK market: the product of years of research and a passion to create a car that can fulfil the promise of a true hybrid.

Representing a hugely exciting opportunity for Mitsubishi Motors, the all-new Outlander PHEV will make a dramatic entrance into Mitsubishi showrooms all across the UK in May although customers can place an order from this week. Eagerly awaited, this SUV is the greenest yet.

The Outlander PHEV is the most practical vehicle that qualifies for the Government’s £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant (P-iCG) with 5 seats, 4WD capability and a very large boot. The car is kind to the planet emitting just 44 g/km which means that there is no Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) payable.

Pricing

Mitsubishi Motors is delighted to announce that the Outlander PHEV is the only plug-in hybrid in the UK market that does not carry a price premium for its hybrid technology. In other words customers can choose between a diesel or PHEV Outlander for the same price. The entry-level GX3hOutlander PHEV is on sale for £28,249 after the grant. This is the same price as the Outlander diesel GX3 auto.

There are two other Outlander PHEV variants, GX4h priced at £32,899 and GX4hs which is £34,999 (after the grant). There is no charge for the PHEV equipment, but these two variants are £1,000 more than their diesel equivalent due to added specification.

Benefit in Kind

Outlander PHEV’s extremely low emissions mean that the car is perfect for company car drivers. Attracting a benefit in kind rate of 5%, a 40% tax payer will pay just £665 in this tax year, less than some of the smallest cars in the market.

A typical company car driver keeps their vehicle for three years. Over three years a 40% tax payer will save the following money by choosing Outlander PHEV over any of the vehicles listed below:

Honda CRV EX Auto	£11,201	with fuel allowance	£18,319
BMW X3 Xdrive SE Auto	£7,675	with fuel allowance	£12,449
Audi Q5 TDI SE S-Tronic Quattro	£10,862	with fuel allowance	£16,677
Mercedes E Class SE Estate Auto	£8,541	with fuel allowance	£13,575

Fuel Efficiency

Put simply, the Outlander PHEV offers environmentally friendly, all –electric operation for everyday use and engine power for longer journeys. The vehicle’s unique combination of electric motors and a 2.0 petrol engine give it amazing flexibility in optimising fuel efficiency and environmental performance whilst providing a cruising range of 512 miles.

On electric power only, the Outlander PHEV can travel up to 32.5 miles, enabling it to function entirely as an electric vehicle in most everyday situations – it more than covers the UK’s average daily commute of 25 miles.¹

The official fuel consumption figure for PHEV is 148mpg, based on industry standards set by European law. Unlike non-hybrid vehicles, it is hard to predict what MPG the vehicle will return in real life. A lot depends on journey length and speed – for instance, for the average daily commute of 25 miles most people will achieve much higher than 148mpg. For longer journeys at higher speeds it may achieve less than 148mpg.

No Compromise

Despite the Outlander PHEV’s ultra-low emissions and outstanding fuel economy this vehicle is still a fully competitive SUV with no compromises.

No Compromise on Safety

Careful development of the Outlander PHEV’s architecture and safety equipment means that the all-new vehicle achieves an impressive 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating. Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) is standard on all models along with 7 SRS airbags and Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) safety body, so the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is fully equipped to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

The range topping GX4hs comes with the advanced e-assist safety system: Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Mitigation and clever Adaptive Cruise Control technology.

It also has an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), which produces an audible warning sound to alert pedestrians when in EV mode. This can be heard whenever the vehicle is in motion, up to a speed of 22mph.

No Compromise on Space and Quality

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers style and substance. Benefitting from advanced specifications, the ‘peaceful’ Outlander PHEV has good positioning of sound proofing materials, the exhaust noise has been reduced and extra ‘engine room’ soundproofing added in order to ensure the vehicle remains as quiet as EV Drive Mode, even when the engine is in use.

Style and substance are also reflected in the interior of the vehicle. A simple, tasteful design with smooth lines made from high-quality materials gives the Outlander PHEV a rich, premium feel. 

The crystal fibre-like dashboard ‘envelopes’ the driver, and there are ergonomic steering wheel controls and high-resolution, easy-to-read instrument displays including a hi-definition LCD multi information display system which provides easy access to a range e-Assist and eco-driving support data, including vehicle energy flow. On the GX4h and GX4hs, the Mitsubishi Multi Communications System also shows this information.

There is certainly no compromise on room with masses on interior cabin space and a 463L volume to the cargo area.

No Compromise on Performance, Ride and Handling

Storing the drive battery under the floor improves safety by lowering the centre of gravity and reducing roll movement, without affecting SUV functionality.

Twin Motors

Smaller, lighter, higher output versions of the permanent magnet synchronous motors used in the i-MiEV are located front and rear. These have a maximum output of 60 kW each and maximum torques of 137 Nm (front) and 195 Nm (rear), and deliver high torque and power from the outset.

Twin Motor 4WD

Leveraging its proven expertise in 4WD control technology, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has developed a new Twin Motor 4WD system that delivers power independently to the front wheels (from the front motor and/or engine) and rear wheels (from the rear motor). The use of motors and absence of mechanical connections such as a propeller shaft mean the Twin Motor 4WD delivers better response and finer control than conventional 4WD systems and reduces friction loss.

Twin Motor 4WD is coupled with MMC’s S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) integrated vehicle dynamics control system, which combines front- and rear-wheel-drive control and left- and right-wheel-brake control to provide consistent handling and unbeatable stability on the road. Two modes are offered, selectable at the flick of a switch: Normal Mode for ordinary conditions and Lock Mode for enhanced all-terrain performance.

Drive Modes

The Outlander PHEV has three drive modes:

1. EV Drive Mode

EV Drive Mode is an all-electric mode in which the front and rear motors drive the vehicle using only electricity from the drive battery.

2. Series Hybrid Mode

In Series Hybrid Mode, the petrol engine operates as a generator supplying electricity to the electric motors.

3. Parallel Hybrid Mode

The system switches to Parallel Hybrid Mode when the vehicle reaches high speeds. In this mode the high- efficiency petrol engine provides most of the motive power, assisted by the electric motors as required

2.0-litre Petrol Engine

The Outlander PHEV also comes with an efficient 2.0-litre petrol engine. It is fitted with MMC’s MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control) technology, which keeps the engine in optimal efficiency ranges by continuously varying the timing of the air intake valves according to engine speed in Parallel Hybrid Mode.

Drive Battery

The drive battery is a high-capacity lithium-ion battery developed for the PHEV system based on the technology used in the i-MiEV. It consists of 80 cells housed in a battery pack enclosed in a secure frame, and has a total voltage of 300V and total storage capacity of 12.0 kWh.

Transaxles

Taking advantage of the fact that electric motors require no complex transmission mechanisms, the front and rear transaxles incorporate simple single-speed fixed-reduction gears for smoother travel, free from ‘shift shock’. The front transaxle also has a built-in clutch that switches the system to Parallel Drive Mode mainly for engine-powered travel at high speeds.

Regenerative Braking

During deceleration, the motors function as generators so that electricity can be generated to charge the drive battery. The regenerative braking can be increased when the brake pedal is pressed. The strength of regenerative braking is adjustable using the selector lever, which has three strength settings, and a paddle selector on the steering wheel, which offers six strength settings.

No Compromise on Specification

The range will start with a GX3h specification. This has the following key specification items:

• 18” alloy wheels
• Cruise control
• Dual-zone climate control air conditioning
• Privacy glass
• Electric folding/heating mirrors with indicators
• Leather steering wheel
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Bluetooth hands-free

On top of the GX3h, the GX4h has:

• Sat-nav with HD seven-inch touchscreen
• Wide-beam HID headlamps
• Heated front seats/power driver’s seat
• Reversing camera
• Leather seats
• DAB radio
• Electric sunroof
• Power tailgate
• Mobile App
• Timers to control heating/cooling and charge times

Over the GX4h, the GX4hs has the following items:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision mitigation system
• Lane departure warning

Mitsubishi Remote Control

The Outlander PHEV can be remotely controlled through specially-designed smartphone or tablet applications, making available a variety of functions, including scheduled charging, pre-air conditioning, and access to information on battery charge and door status (on GX4h and GX4hs). The app to enhance PHEV ownership offers:

• Compatible with Android & iOS.
• Communicates via a LAN.
• Remotely control the climate control.
• View the current charge level.
• View time left to charge.
• Timer settings for charging and climate control.
• Access to various vehicle system settings.
• No subscription.

An Array of Colours

Keenly anticipated by Mitsubishi’s dealer network, not to mention thousands of loyal Mitsubishi owners across the UK, the all-new Outlander PHEV will be ready to order April 1st and will be available in the following colours:

• Glacier Blue (Metallic)
• Amethyst Black (Metallic)
• Titanium Grey (Metallic)
• Frost White (Solid)
• White Pearl (Pearlescent)

Aftersales

Warranty

The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers a 3-year / unlimited mileage warranty on all ICE components and a 5-year / 100,000 mile warranty on EV components. As with all Mitsubishi models, the Outlander PHEV will come with a pan-European roadside assistance package valid for 3-years. The service interval for the new Outlander PHEV is 12,500 miles/12 months (whichever occurs first) and Mitsubishi’s extremely competitive service plan (MSP), covering the first three scheduled services is available for just £500.

Insurance

The all-new Outlander has achieved a very competitive insurance group rating as below:

• PHEV GX3h - 26E
• PHEV GX4h - 27E
• PHEV GX4hs - 24E

Future Proof

• Residual values (RV), based on the GX4h over three years/30,000 miles, have been set at 49%.

View From The Top

Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, Lance Bradley, said:

“Having the first SUV plug-in hybrid in the UK market that has no premium over its diesel equivalent, has 4x4 capability with an EV range of 32.5 miles, can achieve 148mpg under the right circumstances and has emissions as low as 44g/km, puts Mitsubishi at the forefront of a new era in the automotive industry.

“This vehicle is extraordinary and very different to other hybrids in the market and we are delighted that the range starts from £28,249 but the vehicle has also met the high levels of criteria required to qualify for the Government Plug-in Car Grant. With such low CO₂ from 44g/km the Outlander PHEV also benefits from £0 VED Vehicle Excise Duty.

“And if you are a company car driver, the BIK is just 5%, which is a virtual pay-rise of hundreds of pounds per year.

“Therefore, it will appeal to a wide cross section of private individual and business users, with its exciting combination of innovation, style and technology. It truly is a car without compromise.” 

In A Nutshell

The new, assertive Outlander PHEV offers a very comforting sense of quiet, protection and safety to its occupants – a quality car of substance, it’s more economical, dynamic, safe and has outstanding environmental credentials. With this in mind, the new Outlander PHEV represents a truly segment-leading SUV.

Mitsubishi's new Outlander PHEV gets into London for free.

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is pleased to announce the new Outlander PHEV will be exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

In spring 2014 Mitsubishi will be launching the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) version of its all new Outlander. Outlander PHEV is a 4x4 SUV built without compromise to interior space. The green credentials for the car are particularly impressive. Outlander PHEV can achieve up to 148mpg and only emits 44g/km CO2. This means that customers will benefit from tiny fuel bills, no vehicle excise duty (VED) and, for company car drivers, a benefit in kind (BIK) rate of just 5%. To add to this list of benefits Outlander has also just qualified to be London Congestion Charge exempt.

Before 1st July 2013 all hybrid vehicles qualified to be Congestion Charge exempt. After this date Transport for London (TfL) tightened the rules meaning hybrid vehicles had to be able to travel more than 10 miles using electric power alone and emit less than 75g/km CO2 in order to qualify. The result was that most of the hybrid vehicles in the market, which generally have an electric vehicle range of less than 10 miles and emissions above 75g/km, no longer qualified.

Outlander PHEV is totally different to current generation hybrids. The car can cover a significant distance and reach impressive speeds using just its electric motors (EV mode). In pure EV mode it can cover 32 miles (using both the combustion engine and electric motors range increases to 514 miles) and, where allowed, it can reach 75 mph (using the combustion engine in addition to the electric motors pushes this top speed up).

Outlander easily meets TfL’s new Congestion Charge exemption criteria and once launched will become one of the largest vehicles to get in and out of London for free.

Toby Marshall, Sales & Marketing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said:

‘Everyone at Mitsubishi is incredibly excited about the arrival of the PHEV version of Outlander. Not only is it extremely clean and green, but it is fantastic to drive. Power from the car is delivered quietly and smoothly. It certainly doesn’t hang around either!

With so much already going for it, the fact that it now qualifies for Congestion Charge exemption is great news.’