10 February 2000, Tokyo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces that cumulative production of its environment-friendly GDI Engine(*2) has passed the 700,000 unit milestone as of February 8. Production of the GDI engine, which realizes major reductions in carbon dioxide emissions and in fuel consumption over conventional port-injection units, began in May 1996.

(*1) GDI is a trademark of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
(*2) The Mitsubishi Gasoline Direct Injection Engine

Mitsubishi Motors recognizes its obligation to show strong leadership by adopting, in all areas of its operations, concrete measures to improve the global environment. In order to actively tackle the carbon dioxide problem, Mitsubishi Motors became the first auto manufacturer to develop the GDI Engine, which substantially reduces carbon dioxide emissions, for practical use.

Mitsubishi Motors is convinced that engines incorporating GDI technology will provide the main source of propulsion for passenger cars at the beginning of the 21st century. To this end, the company is focused on promoting the widespread use of this type of engine by increasing the number of GDI-powered production models.

The Proudia and Dignity launched last Dec. is powered by 4.5-liter V8 GDI Engine, the Pistachio with the 1.1-liter in-line 4-cylinder GDI Engine and the Dion launched on Jan 29, is powered by the newly developed 2.0-liter GDI Engine. And together with other models, starting with the GALANT and LEGNUM series launched in August 1996, a total of 15 Mitsubishi domestic market model series currently use this eco-friendly power unit. Many of these models clear the 2010 fuel consumption requirements and the Pajero, Proudia, Dignity and Dion all comply with the Japanese 2000 Emissions Regulations, realizing not only a major reduction in CO₂ but also substantially lowering the output of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and NOx emissions as well.

Outside of Japan, in October 1997 Mitsubishi Motors launched the 1.8-liter GDI CARISMA produced at NedCar, the company's manufacturing unit in the Netherlands. This has since been followed by GDI-powered Volvo S40 / V40 and Mitsubishi SPACE STAR models, which are also produced at the NedCar plant. The company also exports GDI-powered GALANT and SPACE WAGON (CHARIOT GRANDIS in Japan) to Europe. The GDI Engine also powers the Pajero Pinin produced by Industrie Pininfarina S.p.A in Italy from July 1999.

The company is supplying GDI Engine technology to Peugeot SA of France and Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea and is confident that use of the GDI Engine will continue to increase and expand.