Mitsubishi announced Wednesday the start of production of its European-spec i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicle along with production of PSA Peugeot Citroen’s (PSA) Peugeot iOn and Citroen C-ZERO at its Mizushima Plant.
Mitsubishi has been producing and selling the Japan-spec i-MiEV since last year. With the production of the European-spec models, the Japan’s carmaker begins full-fledged export. In fiscal year 2010 Mitsubishi plans to sell 5,000 i-MiEV’s overseas, this includes models built for PSA.
Mitsubishi will sell the i-MiEV in Europe in 14 countries including France, the United Kingdom, and Germany from this December.
The European-spec i-MiEV, in comparison to the Japanese version, contains some differences such as a different front and rear bumper design, added safety features as well as improved stability, as well as a re-arranged center stack in instrument panel for an improved interior feel.
The company said that the price of the European-spec i-MiEV will differ by country but will be set to around €33,000 – €35,000, so that the final cost to the customer after government incentives (where applicable) remains under €30,000 in a majority of the countries it is to be sold in.
At a ceremony at the Mizushima Plant, MMC President Osamu Masuko stated “It has been 100 years since mass production of internal combustion-engine cars began. We have taken the first step into the next 100 years of the automobile with the i-MiEV. Today, we take the second step with production for the European market on the way to global rollout of electric vehicles. This is a big step for the automobile industry and at the same time signifies the beginning of e-mobility for Europe.”
