Mitsubishi Motors Chairman Takashi Sonobe Passes Away Tokyo, October 29, 2003 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) Chairman Takashi Sonobe passed away in a Tokyo city clinic at 8.25 p.m. on October 28 due to heart failure following a short illness. He was 62 years old. "The sudden death of Chairman Takashi Sonobe has come as a shock to everyone at Mitsubishi Motors and our group companies," said MMC President and CEO Rolf Eckrodt. "Takashi Sonobe has been crucial in bringing together people of different cultural backgrounds and thus reviving our company since 2000. His lifetime achievements and huge contributions to the prosperity of Mitsubishi Motors and our group companies command our utmost respect," he said. Mr. Sonobe's 39-year career saw him hold a number of key positions in the company's international business operations before rising to become President and CEO in November 2000 and then Chairman of the Board in June 2002.