Mitsubishi i-MiEV "Electrifies" Test Track in Demonstration Video to Celebrate World Environment Day

CYPRESS, Calif., June 4, 2009 – Mitsubishi Motors will be celebrating the United Nation's World Environment Day, June 5, with the debut of a short video that exemplifies the automaker's commitment to the environment and eco-conscious technologies. The video showcases the performance and durability of Mitsubishi's pure battery electric vehicle – the i-MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) – in a series of tests and in comparison to its Japanese market i gasoline counterpart.

So for those who can't wait to catch a glimpse of the i-MiEV on the road after it goes on sale in Japan this summer, they can catch the minute-and-a-half video at www.mitsubishicars.com.

It's clear from the video that emitting zero on-road carbon emissions and using no fossil fuel are not the i-MiEV's only talents. The small, yet roomy, four-passenger i-MiEV is shown in acceleration and slalom tests side-by-side the turbocharged gas-powered i car on which it is based. The electric i-MiEV performs impressively, with markedly quicker standing-start acceleration, and due primarily to its lower center of gravity, substantially reduced body sway in a double lane-change maneuver.

Keys to the i-MiEV's performance include an ultra-quiet permanent magnet synchronous motor and a powerfully efficient lithium-ion battery pack that can be quick-charged up to 80 percent of capacity in as little as 30 minutes. An onboard charger accepts 110V (12-14 hour full-charge time) or 220V in half that time.

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski Takes First Drive in Mitsubishi i-MiEV

In celebration of Earth Day, Oregonians received a sneak peek at Mitsubishi's stylish four-passenger car – the i-MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) – when Mitsubishi brought the all-electric vehicle to Portland for a two-day visit as part of its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) partnership with the state of Oregon and Portland General Electric (PGE).

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Jim Piro, president and CEO of PGE, welcomed John Koenig, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors North America, to the city and to learn more about the all-new EV. After the press conference, Gov. Kulongoski took his first test drive of the all-electric vehicle from PGE's headquarters at the World Trade Center.

Powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV will be one of the first of the new generation of lithium-ion-powered electric vehicles to be developed by a major automobile manufacturer that will be available to the public. Mitsubishi plans to deliver its i-MiEV to Oregon for fleet testing in late 2009.

PGE continues to partner with Oregon businesses and governments to roll out its network of charging stations to support these next-generation electric vehicles and plug-in electric vehicles.

Mitsubishi Motors North America is expanding its EV testing program, which began late last year with partnerships with Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric.

For more information, visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

MITSUBISHI i-MiEV NAMED WORLD GREEN CAR FINALIST

CYPRESS, Calif., March 9, 2009 – Mitsubishi Motors' zero-emission urban transport solution, the pure-electric i-MiEV, was named today as one of the top three contenders in the prestigious World Green Car competition.

The innovative i-MiEV was selected from a list of five first-round finalists—pared from an original list of more than 20 cars—by an international panel of 59 automotive journalists. The winner will be announced at the New York International Auto Show on April 9, 2009.

Mitsubishi's combined expertise with automobiles and electronics strengthens its ability to create innovative transportation solutions. The i-MiEV is an important and timely example of what is possible from Mitsubishi going forward.

To be eligible for the 2009 World Green Car award, a vehicle had to be available in at least one major market during 2008. The vehicle could be in production or an experimental prototype with potential near-future application, provided that it was released for individual or press fleet evaluations in quantities of 10 or more during 2008. Tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption and use of a major advanced power plant technology (beyond engine componentry) aimed specifically at increasing the vehicle's environmental responsibility, were all taken into consideration.

Scheduled to go on sale in the Japanese market this summer and currently undergoing U.S. testing with Pacific Gas and Electric and Southern California Edison, the i-MiEV offers an intelligent combination of useful performance with small physical and carbon footprints, plus a roomy interior for four adults and a sensible range of upwards of 100 miles from its advanced lithium-ion battery pack.

The lithium-ion battery pack consists of 22 modules, each one consisting of four cells that can be installed in either a vertical or transverse position under the i-MiEV's floor. The high-performance batteries are manufactured by Lithium Energy Japan, a joint venture of GS Yuasa, Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors.

Flexible charging scenarios allow fast re-charging, requiring just 30 minutes to reach 80 percent of battery capacity. Its onboard charger also conveniently handles 110 or 220V for at-home charging.

Joining the Mitsubishi i-MiEV as finalists are the Honda FCX Clarity and Toyota iQ.

The World Green Car award was established in 2004 and is part of the overall World Car of the Year Awards program that is international in scope. It should not be confused with the Green Car of the Year® award handed out in the United States by Green Car Journal.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS GREEN LIGHTS i-MiEV ELECTRIC CAR FOR GLOBAL MARKETS
State of Oregon and Portland General Electric Join Test Program

NEW YORK, April 9, 2009 – Mitsubishi Motors is accelerating its drive toward greater environmental responsibility and reinforcing its Drive@Earth global sustainability initiative by announcing today its commitment to develop the pure electric, four-passenger Mitsubishi  i-MiEV for global markets.

Ending months of heightening speculation, Mitsubishi Motors North America President and CEO Shinichi Kurihara confirmed the i-MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) is being developed for sale in world markets, including the United States.

"Electric vehicles are one branch of the automotive landscape and we are dedicated to providing these technology-sourced solutions as an important path for the world's clean-air options," explained Kurihara, who stood alongside a Left Hand Drive i-MiEV during his address to journalists at the New York International Auto Show. "We believe the i-MiEV delivers on the promise of sustainability, suitable range, performance, and innovative packaging and styling."

The award-winning Mitsubishi i-MiEV is expected to be the world's first practical electric vehicle offered by a major automobile manufacturer when fleet sales begin this July in Japan.

State of Oregon and Portland General Electric Join Partnership
Kurihara was pleased to also announce that the State of Oregon and Portland General Electric (PGE) (NYSE:POR) are joining Mitsubishi in the i-MiEV partnership program. "State of Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski is a progressive thinker who is providing a roadmap of the future," commented Kurihara. "The State of Oregon and Portland General Electric will become valuable partners in helping validate the future of all electric vehicles."

Details of the programs are being finalized, but the findings from these real-world, independent tests will play an important role in further advancing the car's development for the U.S. market.

"Oregon welcomes the partnership with Mitsubishi as we transition to the next generation in vehicle technology. Together, we can build a consistent and reliable infrastructure so consumers can make the switch seamlessly to electric vehicles," Governor Kulongoski said. "The partnership shows that a state can create opportunity for its commitment to a greener future – wins for our economy and our environment."

PGE is rolling out a network of charging stations across its service territory in Oregon and the addition of i-MiEVs further facilitates its support of next-generation electric vehicles. PGE currently has more than a dozen charging stations up and running.

"We are developing a model charging station infrastructure across our service territory to advance the electric vehicle market in Oregon for our customers," said Jim Piro, president and CEO, PGE. "Our customers are number one in the nation in purchasing renewable power so clearly they are committed to sustainability. We expect Oregon to be one of the top markets for next generation electric vehicles. We look forward to partnering with Mitsubishi and the state of Oregon on this important project."

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Performance
Based on the successful Japanese market "i" car, the electric version replaces the i's conventional gasoline engine, transmission and fuel tank with an advanced lithium-ion battery system, electric motor and onboard charging system. Unique rear mid-ship architecture allowed Mitsubishi Motors to seamlessly integrate the new components under the seats, luggage compartment and floor deck, meaning no compromise in interior cabin space. In fact, there are few visual sight cues that indicate the vast technological differences between the gasoline and electric models.

With its high-torque electric motor and clever packaging, the i-MiEV offers an intelligent combination of useful performance with small physical and carbon footprints, plus a roomy interior and a sensible range of approximately 80 miles from its advanced lithium-ion battery pack.

The i-MiEV's battery pack consists of 22 modules, each one consisting of four cells that can be installed in either a vertical or transverse position under the i-MiEV's floor. The i-MiEV's onboard charger automatically adapts between a standard 110 outlet – which takes 12-14 hours – or half that time on 220. There is also a fast charge connector that allows the battery to reach 80 percent of capacity in just 30 minutes.

The proprietary lithium-ion batteries are purpose-built for automotive applications. It is produced by Lithium Energy Japan, a joint venture among GS Yuasa, Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors.

About Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles and light trucks through a network of approximately 420 dealers.

About PGE
Portland General Electric Company, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a fully integrated electric utility that serves approximately 810,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon. For more information about Portland General Electric Company, please visit the company's Web site at www.PortlandGeneral.com.