Mitsubishi Surges with Best Sales in Years

Outlander Sport Contributes to Mitsubishi's 71% Sales Jump

QUINCY, MA (03/23/2011)(readMedia)-- Mitsubishi sales have been steadily climbing in recent months, with newer vehicles like the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the 2011 Lancer Evolution driving increasingly larger crowds into American Mitsubishi dealers. December 2010 sales grew by roughly 12%, indicative of the kind of consistent growth the automaker has experienced.

But even by those standards, February 2011 was an astounding month: Mitsubishi Motors North America reported more than 6,800 vehicles sold, making it the company's biggest sales month since 2008. Year-over-year sales increased by an impressive 71%, bolstered by strong Outlander Sport and Lancer Evolution sales. Total unit sales grew from 4,019 in February 2010 to 6,893 in 2011.

"Mitsubishi has very quietly been building its market share here in the United States for a simple reason: value," said Phil Ternullo, general manager of Greater Boston Mitsubishi dealer Quirk Mitsubishi. "The current condition of the economy has changed the priorities of buyers. They're not locked into the brand that dad always bought, they're looking for the most vehicle for their money, and they're finding that Mitsubishi delivers outstanding quality at a very reasonable price."

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a smaller version of the Outlander. Its reduced weight and improved fuel economy of 24 mpg/city and 29 mpg/highway make it a standout in the compact crossover category, offering the roominess and handling of an SUV without the hit at the gas pump. The Outlander Sport's 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine is based on the engine that powers the sporty Mitsubishi Lancer, pushing out 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque to provide responsiveness and solid acceleration.

Sales of Mitsubishi's compact crossover have been climbing steadily since its introduction in October 2010, with 1,290 vehicles sold in February alone. More than half of the Outlander Sport models sold included optional all-wheel drive, which offers added traction and stability in snow, rain and mud.

U.S. News & World Report recently named the 2011 Outlander Sport the "Best Compact Crossover for the Money" after weighing factors including its appeal in its class, its overall value and its estimated five-year cost of ownership. Independent rating company Intellichoice also named the Outlander Sport as the best in its class for operating costs, repair costs and fuel costs, predicting that the crossover will retain 43% of its value after five years.

Mitsubishi plans to build on the Outlander Sport's U.S. success by moving production to its plant in Normal, Illinois by the middle of next year. The move is part of the Mitsubishi Jump 2013 plan, which will radically reshape the automaker's offerings with an eye on emerging markets and fuel efficiency.

"Whether you want a new car or a new SUV, it's worth giving the Outlander Sport a long look," Ternullo said. "This crossover delivers a great driving experience, seating for five and some very high-end features at a price that compares to the compact sedans from other carmakers. Add in low ownership costs, and you have the perfect vehicle for these economic times."

About Quirk Mitsubishi:

Quirk Mitsubishi, located minutes from downtown Boston on the McGrath Highway in Quincy, has been serving Massachusetts Mitsubishi owners in the region for more than 30 years. With dedicated, knowledgeable sales and service professionals, Quirk works to build lifelong relationships with its customers and save them money on their Mitsubishi purchases. To discover everything that Quirk Mitsubishi has to offer, visit them online at www.quirkmitsubishi.net, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkMitsubishi, call 617-249-5847, or stop by their showroom at 99 McGrath Highway, Quincy, MA.