Automotive Press Releases Tuesday December 22, 2020 11:40
Bangkok–22 Dec–Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand)
Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd. celebrates NEW MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV – ‘The First Production Unit in Thailand Ceremony’ at its Proving Ground in Si Racha, Chonburi, signifying a new milestone for Mitsubishi Motors Thailand towards sustainable mobility. The event was presided over by Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Industry and Mr. Kazuya Nashida, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan. Both the minister and the ambassador experienced the first driving of the vehicle in accompany with Mr. Morikazu Chokki, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Mr. Thawatchai Srithong, Vice Governor of Chonburi province joined the event also.
With the occasion of the first Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV unit produced in Thailand, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit , Minister of Industry said that “The ceremony is a significant milestone for Mitsubishi Motors Thailand as it proves the company’s leadership in creating a sustainable future through its advancement of automotive technology and electrification which are allied to the government agenda to advance green technology and innovation as well as reduce environmental footprint for a greener future and a more sustainable economy. We currently emphasizes on the new development model, the BCG Model which directs Thailand towards Bio Economy, Circular Economy and Green Economy. The Eco Car and the transition into production base for electric vehicles are what we are focusing. In the next 10 years, we aims to increase EV production to 30% of total car production in the country. Consequently, the government has planned the several measures to promote the investment of electric vehicles, to stimulate domestic demand, and to prepare all needed infrastructures to foster EV industry in Thailand.”
Mitsubishi Motors has invested over 3,000 Million baht to produce THE OUTLANDER PHEV, one of the most cutting-age technology of automotive vehicle in its history, at the Laem Chabang factory in Thailand. It can be said that Thailand is Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s first PHEV production factory ever established outside Japan.
Mr. Takao Kato, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation said, “Thailand and ASEAN are a vital growth driver in MMC’s new mid-term business plan announced in July this year. Driving the growth of Thai economy, we are committed to contributing to the preservation of the environment of the country through the introduction of THE OUTLANDER PHEV. Mitsubishi Motors Thailand is chosen to be the first country in the world outside Japan to produce this flagship model -THE OUTLANDER PHEV as the mark of our confidence in Thailand’s potential for domestic growth and the Laem Chabang Factory production capability which is also the MMC’s global production hub”.
The production of Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in Thailand has presented Mitsubishi Motors’mission to respond to the Thai government policy that aims to driving Thailand to be production base for the electric vehicles. The vehicle itself has been designed with the advanced and eco-friendly technologies for the future. It is the first Thai-Made Japanese PHEV that will offer environmental-friendly solution for Thai customers.
Mr. Morikazu Chokki, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said,
“The Outlander PHEV is not only the world first Plug-in Hybrid SUV but also the world’s best -selling PHEV. The secret of its world’s best-selling is that it is a combination of legendary Mitsubishi Motors’ DNA, including “Pajero”, our legendary SUV “Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution”, the king of World Rally Championship that brought the superior performance legend of Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) technology and “i-MiEV” the world’s first electric vehicle mass production. The vehicle then, is not only a good choice of alternative fuel vehicle for Thai customers, but it provides a comfortable and high driving performance also.”
“Thailand is firmly Mitsubishi Motors’ main production and export hub and we remain committed to strengthening our position in Thailand. In 2018, we achieved the five-million unit production milestone. In 2019, we celebrated exporting 4 Million vehicles and was ranked No. 1 among car exporters. Earlier this year, we have commenced the New Paint Factory and Factory Reconstruction Project with the investment of more than 7 Billion baht. Today, we celebrate another milestone to produce the first unit of the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. And I am deeply grateful to the Thai government, the Ministry of Industry, Thailand’s Board of Investment, and everyone for the support provided to Mitsubishi Motors Thailand and for bringing us to this milestone.” added Mr. Chokki.
Mitsubishi Motors Thailand has put maximum capacity to produce the vehicle at the Laem Chabang factory. It has planned to deliver the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to Thai customers by mid of January 2021. The vehicle is now available for booking at PHEV Authorized Dealers of Mitsubishi Motors Thailand nationwide.
