Mitsubishi Motors unveils Eclipse Concept-E and Sport Truck Concept at Detroit Motor Show




Tokyo, January 5, 2004 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has unveiled the Eclipse Concept-E and Sport Truck Concept models for their world premiere at the 2004 North American International Auto Show which opened in Detroit on January 4 and runs through January 19. The show opens to the public on January 10.
Offering very competitive levels of dynamic handling and exhilarating performance, the Eclipse Concept-E gives graphic expression to MMC's focus on delivering pure driving pleasure. The "E-Boost" high-performance hybrid propulsion system powering Concept-E also achieves an ideal balance between driving and environmental performance as it delivers breath-taking acceleration while returning low fuel consumption and low emission levels.



At a press conference held at the Show on January 5, Ulrich Walker, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation said of the concept vehicle: "The E-Boost system that powers Eclipse Concept-E proves that as well as being environment-friendly for the improvements in fuel consumption and emissions it brings, hybrid technology can also deliver pure driving pleasure by exploiting the electric motors' characteristics to produce exhilarating acceleration."



Leveraging its alliance with DaimlerChrysler, MMC is planning to launch a mid-sized pickup truck in the NAFTA market in the 2005 calendar year. This will mark the entry into a very important segment for MMC and will represent a significant addition to the company's lineup in that market. The Sport Truck Concept has been developed with these plans in mind.



At the same press conference, MMNA Co-Chairman and CEO Finbarr O'Neill said of the concept vehicle: "As well as being distinguished by its outstanding design, refined and elegant interior, the Sport Truck Concept illustrates ideas from MMC for a near-future mid-sized pickup model, a category in which the company has a long and impressive tradition." Including models built in the U.S. and the two concept vehicles, MMC is showing a total of 15 models at the 2004 NAIAS