Mitsubishi to launch second eco-car model
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Japanese auto-maker Mitsubishi has announced that it will introduce a second model from its eco-car programme in July due to the tremendous success of its first model, the Mirage.
Since introducing the Mirage hatchback in March last year, Mitsubishi had sold 56,500 units up to the end of last month, and the model makes up as much as half of the company’s sales in Thailand.
The new car, the Attrage, will compete directly against eco-car sedans such as the Honda Brio Amaze and Nissan Almera.
The Attrage will be built at Mitsubishi’s third assembly plant at the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in Chon Buri province. The facility has recently been granted eco-car privileges by the government.
Nobuyuki Murahashi, president of Mitsubishi Motors Thailand, yesterday said the Attrage had one of the lightest body weights in the eco-car segment, thanks to the use of high-tensile steel, which also enables it to achieve an average fuel economy of 22 kilometres per litre.
According to eco-car requirements, cars that qualify must have a fuel economy of 20km/litre or better and emit no more than 120 grams per kilometre of carbon dioxide, while the engine size is limited to 1.3 litres for petrol and 1.4 litres for diesel.
Minimum investment is Bt5 billion and annual production must reach 100,000 units within the fifth year.
“After the success of the Mirage last year, the Attrage will be another high-quality product that helps to strengthen the Mitsubishi line-up in Thailand. We believe it will satisfy all types of customer,” he said.
The global launch of the Attrage will be held in Thailand in July, and the car will also be exported.
