February 14, 2002

Toronto Auto Show
Mitsubishis to arrive in Canada in September, ahead of schedule

Mitsubishi RPM 7000 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Click image to enlarge

Toronto, Ontario - Pierre Gagnon, president of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. announced that the company is ahead of schedule with plans to launch operations in Canada. Vehicles are expected to be available in September of 2002 rather than February of 2003 as originally planned.

Showcasing their full model line at the 2002 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Mitsubishi executives revealed that their ambitious launch plan for Canada is developing quickly and they are confident of success.

"We expect a very quick ramp-up because we are launching with all nine of our products. We are going to offer Canadians a new spirited choice of vehicles," said Greg O'Neill, executive vice president and general manager of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. and a Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada board member.

30 Canadian dealers have already been selected of the target of 51 dealers to be established in Canada in the first year of operation. By 2007, the dealership network in Canada is expected to grow to 150 dealers. The provinces covered by the first 30 dealers include: Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Saskatchewan. The company anticipates a first-year sales volume of at least 20,000 vehicles in 2003, rising to at least 37,000 units in 2007.

At the 2002 Canadian International Auto Show, Mitsubishi revealed the Canadian debut of the restyled 2003 Eclipse Coupe and Spyder. Also appearing for the first time in Canada is the RPM 7000 concept vehicle. Mitsubishi also displayed its current U.S. product line up that includes the Montero Sport, Montero, Galant, Diamante and Lancer models.

Mitsubishi Motors is the fourth largest Japanese carmaker in North America based on U.S. sales. Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada's web site can be accessed at www.mitsubishicars.ca.

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