Fifth consecutive record year for Mitsubishi Motors UK

Mitsubishi Motors UK has posted an all-time new vehicle sales record of 38,345 for 2005, up 6% on the previous year. Achieving its fifth consecutive year of growth, Mitsubishi Motors UK has seen a 112% growth in sales over the past five years increasing from 18,089 to 38,345 units per year.

New model introductions during 2005 have played a major part in helping to increase sales. Launched in February Lancer, Mitsubishi’s value for money family saloon and estate, has proved a big hit and exceeded target to achieve 3,283 sales, with the four door saloon now taking over 14% of its segment second only to the Ford Focus. Mitsubishi’s newest member of the range, the 3-door Colt Supermini, has got off to a good start since its introduction in March, posting sales of 3,653 with its 5-door sister model selling 4,341 units.

Along with new additions to the range, established models have also delivered strong results with Shogun Sport achieving 3,993 sales and Shogun 4,911 sales. In the large SUV segment, the Mitsubishi Shogun remains the top selling Japanese 4x4 outselling the Mercedes M Class, Grand Cherokee and VW’s Touareg. Mitsubishi’s L200 pick-up remains the company’s top selling model, with a segment-leading 12,026 sales. The L200 continues to dominate the pick-up sector taking 35% of the total market at year-end well ahead of its nearest rival from Nissan, which finished with a share of 27%.

Jim Tyrrell, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors UK states: "2005 has been another excellent year for the company in what has proven to be a very tough market. For 2006 I am expecting us to reach around 39,000 units with growth to be achieved through the launch of the stunning all-new L200 pick-up, the new Colt CZC convertible and a full year with Grandis diesel on the market."

With stunning styling, competitive pricing and generous specification the all-new L200 pick-up range will be the major launch event of 2006 for the company. As its best selling model, the L200 currently accounts for 31% of Mitsubishi’s UK sales and the new model, with a new engine, new car-like dynamics and high-specification interior, is expected to continue this dominance as more customers realise the benefits of owning and driving a pick-up.

In showrooms from 1st March, prices for the L200 range will start at £12,249 for the entry-level 4Work single cab, rising to £19,999 (CVOTR) for the range-topping Elegance double cab.

The second new vehicle for 2006 will be the Mitsubishi Colt CZC convertible. Equipped with choice of 1.5 109bhp or 147bhp turbo engine, the CZC will be Mitsubishi’s first convertible model for the UK market and is expected to hit the showrooms in April, just in time for customers to enjoy the benefits of going ‘topless’ for the summer.