Mitsubishi PAJERO PININ
Compact SUV Debut at 1999 Geneva Motor Show

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation unveiled, for the first time, a concept model of the PAJERO PININ^*1 at the 69th Geneva Motor Show.  A compact sport utility vehicle, the new PAJERO PININ is to be produced by Industrie Pininfarina S.p.A in Italy and will be launched on the European market in the autumn of 1999.

The PAJERO PININ has been developed to play a strategic role in further strengthening Mitsubishi Motors' operational base in Europe for the 21st century. The new model is the company's first entry into the European compact SUV segment, seen as having strong growth potential, and is designed to meet diversifying user needs.

PAJERO PININ will become the fifth Mitsubishi model in Europe to be powered by Mitsubishi Motors' revolutionary GDI^*2 engine, which has been developed in response to the challenge of environmental conservation. Other Mitsubishi GDI-powered models on sale in Europe are the CARISMA, SPACE STAR, SPACE WAGON and GALANT.

PAJERO PININ will be produced for Mitsubishi Motors by Pininfarina under a contract signed in January 1997. The Italian company is renowned for its advanced technology and its track record in the field of design development and car production. The first PAJERO PININ is due to come off the line at Pininfarina's new facility at Bairo outside Turin this summer, with plans calling for a production volume of 11,000 units this year, rising to between 30,000 and 35,000 units in 2000.

PAJERO PININ is Mitsubishi Motors' third European model, joining the CARISMA and SPACE STAR (combined production in calendar 1998, 92,000 units; planned production for 1999, 130,000 units) models that are produced at Netherlands Car B.V. (NedCar) in Holland, a joint-venture enterprise with Volvo. Mitsubishi Motors will be promoting European market sales around these three core models, with a sales target of 330,000 units for 2000.

*1: A new addition to the PAJERO brand, the PAJERO PININ model name derives from the celebrated Italian company that will produce the model in Italy.

*2: Gasoline Direct Injection