Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), the parent company of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa, achieved a momentous breakthrough when the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV, sparked past the 200 000 worldwide sales mark since the electric hybrid was launched six years ago.
As MMC’s technology flagship, the success of the Outlander PHEV is proof of the magnitude of consumer demand for vehicles with electric hybrid drive as the automotive industry is experiencing a major technology change.
The Outlander PHEV, which made its debut in Japan in 2013, is sold in more than 50 countries across the world.
“Mitsubishi is renowned for its ability to not only produce vehicles with innovative technology, but we also build great SUVs and now hybrids as well,” says Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa.
At the end of last year (December 2018*1) the Outlander PHEV was the world’s best-selling plug-in hybrid SUV after taking Europe by storm every year from 2015-2018*1.
“This proves that the vehicle’s continuous evolution, including its outstanding engineering, technological advance and innovation, is here to stay.”
Award-winning synergy between electric competence and SUV prowess
The Outlander PHEV, which has advanced from an everyday electric version, boasts a unique architecture with separate electric motors in the front and back and without the need for any kind of transmission system.
The electric hybrid allows customers to enjoy efficient energy consumption while offering a smooth driving experience.
The exciting electric hybrid version of the Outlander has won many awards all over the world over the past few years since inception, including:
The “2019 Best Plug-in Vehicle” award from Company Car and Van Magazine in the UK,
The “2019 Green SUV of the Year” award from Green Car Journal in the US,
The “2013-2014 Japan Car of the Year Innovation Category” award, and
The “2014 RJC Technology of the Year Award”
(full list of awards below).
The latest version of the Outlander PHEV *2 delivers even lower CO2 emissions levels, coming to only 40 g/km (NEDC Correlated) / 46 g/km (WLTP) and superb fuel economy, with 1.8 /100km (NEDC Correlated)/2.0 /100km (WLTP) and a zero-emission range of 54 km (NEDC Correlated)/45 km (WLTP).
Innovative powertrain and mechanical improvements are also found on the 2019 Outlander PHEV, including:
Ultra-efficient new 2.4-litre petrol engine
Increased battery capacity (15%),
Higher battery output (10%),
Improved rear motor output (17%)
Enhanced driving dynamics, and
More driving modes including Sport Mode and Snow Mode.
List of Global Awards: