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Mayor of London, Boris Johnson unveils the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is honored to announce that the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has launched the new Mitsubishi Outlander range at the company's global headquarters In Tokyo. The moment was shared with Mitsubishi Chairman and CEO Mr. Osamu Masuko, UK Managing Director Mr. Lance Bradley, senior company executives and staff.

The Mayor's initiatives such as an ultra-low emission zone in London and his drive for more plug-in vehicles in the city have contributed to the success of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), encouraging the company to bring its new technology to the UK, attracting investment, skills and jobs into a vitally important emerging vehicle sector. The Outlander PHEV accounts for half of all plug-in vehicle sales in the UK and as such the company views the UK as one of the most strategically significant markets in the world for its breakthrough ULEV technologies.

The new model range will see more job opportunities and investment by Mitsubishi Motors in the UK. Around 400 new job opportunities have been created since Mitsubishi introduced the Outlander PHEV in 2014, and this will grow to more than 1000 during the next 3 years with the new model. The company is also investing in training to take account of the technical skills and knowledge required in the newly emerging vehicle sector.

The new jobs include network sales people with specialist skills in ultra-low emission vehicle technology; additional people at the headquarters in the UK; and additional people to prepare the cars once they arrive at the final assembly area at Portbury, Bristol - a facility in which the company has now committed £48 million.

Mr. Osamu Masuko, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Chairman and CEO said: 'We greatly appreciate the significant progress the Mayor's initiatives in London have made to encourage the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles. We are very proud that the Mayor has taken this opportunity to unveil our new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV here in Tokyo today'.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a five-seat, four-wheel drive SUV with ultra-low emissions and high MPG. It delivers a uniquely smooth driving experience, with seamless and continuous transition between hybrid and pure electric modes, to minimise emissions whether driving in the city or on the motorway. Most significantly, it has with a combined hybrid range of more than 540 miles, eliminated the ‘range anxiety' associated with pure-electric vehicles.

That said the Outlander's 32-mile pure-electric range easily accommodates average daily driving distances, and it recharges on the move. The company's research shows that owners replenish their batteries daily at home or at work, and in many cases totally avoid the need to visit the petrol station.

To drive, it feels very different to a conventional vehicle. Electric motors provide much quicker acceleration and dynamic performance yet the cabin space is virtually silent.

Mr. Lance Bradley, Managing Director, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK said: 'The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV along with forward looking and consistent Government policy on incentives is creating a market for plug-ins that will ultimately set the UK apart in global terms, by delivering the right balance of low emission driving, value for money, economy and practicality. This new model is another bold step in that direction.'

The Government's plug-in car grant enables Mitsubishi to offer the Outlander PHEV at the same price as the equivalent vehicle with a diesel engine. This has proven to be a significant motivation to buyers wanting to experience the new technology.

The new Outlander range, which also includes a diesel version, is the first execution of Mitsubishi's new SUV design direction - 'dynamic shield'. The exterior styling was first revealed as a concept at Paris Motor Show 2014. The Mitsubishi Outlander model series is now in its third generation. It pioneered the 'cross-over' vehicle design concept in 2001 and has sold 1.28 million units since.