— Mitsubishi Motors, along with its Thai-based subsidiary Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (MMTh) announced the launch of the Grandis minivan (local name: Space Wagon), which is to be produced and sold through affiliated dealerships in Thailand. This marks the first time that the vehicle will be produced and sold outside of Japan. Exports from Thailand to other ASEAN nations are also planned.
The Grandis was first launched in Japan in May of 2003, and has been critically acclaimed as a vehicle that enhances customers' lifestyles. It is also on sale in Europe and Australia. The first model to be released in Thailand is the 2WD GLS, equipped with the 2.4 L MIVEC engine, which has been engineered to meet the needs of customers in Thailand. The vehicle will be manufactured at the Laemchabang facility and sold through the domestic retail network. Sales are targeted at 400 units per month.
"This new product has been developed with the utmost attention to detail, in order to meet the needs of the new generation of consumers," said MMTh President and CEO, Hisayoshi Kumai at a press conference. "It is the culmination of years of effort by our engineers, who have produced a car that offers emotional design, smart performance and stylish utility," he added. "Presently, Thailand manufactures and exports the Strada and Lancer, and with the addition of the Space Wagon, we are planning to begin exports as early as next year," he said.
Mitsubishi Motors launched its Business Revitalization Plan in May of this year, in which the ASEAN market was cited as a key factor. With the economic expansion of the Thai market, high growth in sales is anticipated, and the company will be aggressively seeking to expand market share.
