Mitsubishi Motors Celebrates Earth Day 2023
What did you do this past Earth Day? Plant a tree? Find ways to lower your carbon footprint? Buy a new electrified or battery-electric vehicle? With a long history behind it, Earth Day is a day that can be celebrated in many different ways. Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors found ways to celebrate Earth Month 2023 by reflecting on its time as a pioneer of electrified transportation technology. From the world’s first mass-market battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to the current Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi has come a long way and recently revealed its “Challenge 2025” business strategy.
Yes, that’s right. Mitsubishi Motors was the first automaker to design and produce the world’s first mass-market, the 2010 Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle (i-MiEV). It took almost 40 years of Research & Development (R&D) by Mitsubishi Motors’ finest, but the beginning dates back to 1970, the original year of Earth Day. A Wisconsin senator wished to raise awareness of environmental issues with a national demonstration. On the other side of the world, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) was already deep into R&D about work that would lay its foundation for the next 50+ years of earth-friendly advancements in transportation.
“The history of Mitsubishi Motors’ electrification program parallels the establishment of Earth Day….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.” – Mark Chaffin, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA)
Mitsubishi Motors had a lot of success with the i-MiEV, and although no longer sold in the United States, the first ever plug-in hybrid SUV, the 2013 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, that returned to stateside for the 2018 model year. Having some of the most success of the automaker overseas, the Outlander plug-in hybrid SUV became the world’s best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and still is today. The Outlander PHEV and i-MiEV may be the largest feats of MMC for environmentally-friendly vehicles, but the automaker is also known for its fuel-efficient models.
The 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the most fuel-efficient, non-hybrid, gas-powered new cars sold in America today. Starting at $16,245 (plus destination fee), the Mirage has a fuel economy of 36 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. This model is a hatchback, but the sedan version is known as the Mirage G4, starting at $17,245 (plus destination fee). The 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 has a fuel economy of 35 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
Next on the list is a revival of a well-known nameplate, the Mitsubishi Colt. Said to be a rebadge of the Renault Clio hybrid, the new Mitsubishi Colt hybrid will be the next entry from Mitsubishi Motors to enter the European market. Under the nameplate of one of Mitsubishi’s greatest sports cars, the automaker is expecting great success as they expand their lineup with Challenge 2025. Want to join Mitsubishi Motors in going green? Check out the critically-acclaimed 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at Miami Lakes Automall.