Total global production came in at 101,280 units, a decline of 3.5 percent over April last year and marking the second consecutive monthly decrease. Production volume in Japan at 62,970 units was up 6.0 percent, the 19^th consecutive month of year-on-year growth and marking a new record for April since Mitsubishi Motors spun off its truck and bus operations in 2003. This growth was driven by a 9.7 percent increase in output (22,823 units) of the new Lancer for the Russian, North American, and Middle East and African markets and by a 24.2 percent increase in output (14,044 units) for export shipments of the new Outlander which continues to sell briskly in European and Chinese markets.

Sales in Japan

Vehicle sales in Japan in April totaled 11,723 units, a 13.1 percent decrease year-on-year. Passenger car (registrations and mini-car) sales of 8,530 units and commercial vehicle sales of 3,193 units were 13.0 percent and 13.1 percent down respectively on the same month last year. Total registered vehicle sales were 13.7 percent down year-on-year despite healthy showings by the Lancer Evolution X, a new addition to the lineup since October last year, and the Colt series. Total mini-car sales volume was 12.7 percent down despite 11.0 percent and 4 percent increases in Pajero Mini and eK series sales respectively.

Production overseas

Overseas production volume totaled 38,310 units, 15.9 percent down over April last year and the second consecutive monthly decline. By region, Asia came in with 23,598 units, a 22.3 percent decrease as increased production in Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia (KRM) on the back of healthy sales failed to offset production volume declines in China and other countries.

Export shipments from Japan

Total exports from Japan of 40,015 units were 27.6 percent up on April 2008, marking the 18^th consecutive month of year-on-year increases and setting a new record for April since Mitsubishi Motors spun off its truck and bus operations in 2003. Exports to Asia at 3,459 units showed a healthy 25.3 percent rise over the same period last year. Exports to North America at 4,569 units were 16.6 percent up. Exports to Europe at 16,889 units were a very strong 101.3 percent up on April 2007 and a record for the month since the 2003 spin off of the company's truck and bus operations. This surge was driven mainly by a 128.0 percent increase in exports to Russia and the Ukraine and a 70 percent increase to Central European markets.