- First-mover Mitsubishi Motors has been loving Mother Earth – and embracing electrification – for more than a half century.
- Mitsubishi Motors' electric vehicle R&D program began in 1970 – the same year that Earth Day was first celebrated.
- After more than 40 years of development, the 2010 Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle (i-MiEV) was the world's first mass-market battery electric vehicle.
- Outlander Plug-in Hybrid was the world's first plug-in hybrid SUV and today is the world's best-selling plug-in hybrid1 vehicle.
Earth Day traces its roots backs to 1970, when a Wisconsin senator organized a national demonstration to raise awareness of environmental issues. Meanwhile, half a world away, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) was deep into its research and development work that would lay the foundation for more than 50 years – and counting – of earth-friendly advancements in transportation.
"The history of Mitsubishi Motors' electrification program parallels the establishment of Earth Day," said Mark Chaffin, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA). "And while we have many pioneering achievements to be proud of, we're not resting on our laurels. Our all-new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid flagship is continuing our leadership in electrified mobility, setting sales records, earning awards and accumulating accolades from media and customers alike. And we are eagerly anticipating new electrified Mitsubishi models in our near future, as outlined in our parent company's recently announced Midterm Plan."
After almost 40 years of R&D, Mitsubishi Motors' efforts produced the world's first mass-market battery electric vehicle (BEV), the 2010 Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle (i-MiEV). Less than three years later, the brand announced another world first, the 2013 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, the planet's first ever plug-in hybrid SUV. The Outlander Plug-in Hybrid would become the world's best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a position still held today by the all-new, award-winning 2023 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid.
In addition to Mitsubishi Motors' electrified eco-achievements, MMNA also offers the Mirage and Mirage G4, the most fuel-efficient, non-hybrid, gas-powered new cars sold in America2. With its highly efficient three-cylinder engine, the subcompact Mirage offers fuel economy of 36/43/39 city/highway/combined MPG3. And its five-door stablemate, Mirage G4, offers 35/41/37 city/highway/combined MPG4.
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