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Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Volvo Car Corporation (VCC) currently
enjoy a close relationship in the areas of passenger car development and
production through the Netherlands Car (NedCar) B.V., passenger car production
joint-venture company in Holland.
In order to expand and augment the mutual benefits of
this relationship, the two companies previously agreed to look at other
areas in which they could extend their ties, including: Development of
engine component technology, and; Joint-development of the platform of
the next NedCar production model.
After careful consideration, the companies have recently
reached agreement and signed a contract under which MMC will supply VCC
with the Mitsubishi GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine (4G93type 1.8liter
DOHC16valve).
I. GDI engine supply contract
MMC will supply VCC with the GDI engines for installation
in S40 and V40 Volvo models produced at NedCar, Holland. MMC will also
supply manual transmissions for use with the engines.
The ultra-efficient GDI engine combines very low fuel
consumption with high power outputs. MMC became the first manufacturer
to develop and apply this engine technology. With the GDI engine and transmission,
VCC is to complement the existing and planned engine program previously
envisaged for S40 and V40.
MMC plans to use the GDI engine to power some Carisma
models, produced at NedCar from autumn this year. VCC plans to launch
GDI engine-powered S40 and V40 models in the first half of 1998.
II. Other areas of collaboration
MMC and VCC are currently conducting feasibility studies
into the possibility of collaboration in the following areas:
1. Joint development of the platform of the next NedCar
production model
On the basis of the close collaborative ties established
at NedCar in the areas of passenger car development and production, the
two companies are commencing feasibility studies into the joint development
of the platform of the next NedCar production model utilizing the respective
strengths of each company, with a view to starting production at the beginning
of the 21st century.
2. Incorporation of GDI engine technology
The two companies are currently also looking at the possibility
of the incorporation of GDI engine technology within the VCC's engine
family
This increase in cooperation can be seen as a natural
expansion of the excellent collaboration between MMC and VCC originally
started in 1991.
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