16 March 2000, Tokyo: Mitsubishi Motors announces that it will introduce on the Japanese market the PAJERO MINI SNOOPY Edition on Saturday 8 April at its Galant dealerships throughout Japan. The special version adds to the nimbleness and easy-to-drive qualities of the PAJERO MINI a "Chic and Cute" theme, incorporating in its exterior and interior many SNOOPY^(*1) design touches, the popular character in the late Charles Schulz's^(*2) "PEANUTS" comic strip which celebrated its 50^th anniversary this year.

PAJERO MINI SNOOPY Edition was developed:

• Because United Media^(*3) had planned a tie-up with a passenger car that complemented "SNOOPY" as part of its campaign to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the syndicated comic strip "PEANUTS";
• Because Mitsubishi Motors wanted to introduce onto the market a model that would be well received by a wide spectrum of users, and affectionately received by women in their twenties and thirties in particular, in order to cultivate PAJERO MINI as a brand that enjoys long-lasting owner affection;
• Because the main customer group for both SNOOPY and PAJERO MINI in Japan are women in their twenties and thirties, and because of PAJERO MINI 's "friendly" and "cute" image.

PAJERO MINI SNOOPY Edition will be on display at PEANUTS Car Goods Fairs held at SNOOPY TOWN Shops^(*4) throughout Japan.

PAJERO MINI SNOOPY Edition
(4-wheel drive, 4-speed automatic transmission)


www.snoopy.co.jp

2. Interior

II. Sales information

1. Available at: Galant dealerships throughout Japan

2. Sales target: 1,200 units

III. Manufacturer's recommended prices

(*1) SNOOPY: The central character in the "PEANUTS" comic strip created by Charles M. Schulz, which first appeared in seven US newspapers on 2 October 1950. SNOOPY made his debut two days later on 4 October, as an ordinary dog. His thought balloons first appeared in 1952 and he started walking on two legs in 1958. Just one of the gang at first, he gradually became the central character. Since 1960, SNOOPY has created such multiple personalities as World War I Flying Ace", "Literary Ace" and "Beagle Scout". A black and white dog named Spike was the model for SNOOPY. Charles M. Schultz is famous for being a dog lover.

(*2) Charles M. Schulz: Born 26 November 1922, died 12 February 2000. Raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. After his graduation from high school, Schulz enrolled in a correspondence course in cartooning at what is now the Art Instruction Schools, Inc. Eventually he completed the art course, but was drafted into World War II before selling any of his works. Returning to St. Paul after the war, Schulz honed his lettering skills working on "Timeless Topix," a small Roman Catholic magazine. After working as a teacher with his alma mater, Art Instruction Schools, Schulz sold a number of single comic panels in the "Saturday Evening Post." Later, success with "L'il Folks", the fruit of his creativity, led to his discovery by Jim Freeman and a 5-year contract at United Feature Syndicate, where he began his career as a full-time cartoonist. Because of legal issues surrounding the name "L'il Folks", the strip was renamed "PEANUTS". Touted as "The Greatest Little Sensation Since Tom Thumb," PEANUTS grew into one of the longest running, most popular comics of all time. Some of Schulzs major awards and honors include: 1955 and 1964 - The Reuben Award, presented by National Cartoonists Society; 1960 - The School Bell Award, presented by the National Education Association; 1965 - his first Emmy Award; presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and followed by other Emmy Awards in 1973, 1975, 1976, 1980 and 1986; 1987 - The Golden Brick Award, presented by the National Cartoonists Society; also voted into the Museum of Cartoon Art Hall of Fame; 1980 - United Features Syndicate establishes the Charles M. Schulz Award for helping further the careers of promising young cartoonists ; 1990 - Schulz receives the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Ministry of Culture; 1996 - Schulz is honored with a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame.

(*3) United Media: Established in 1978 when United Feature Syndicate, Inc. and Newspaper Enterprise Association Inc. merged. Business lines include syndication of comics and quality articles and columns to various media, and the licensing of intellectual properties. One of the leading licensing corporations in the United States, United Media owns a large number of well-known properties and conducts licensing operations in 68 countries throughout the world. Its local affiliate in Japan, United Media K.K., was formed in 1988 and is engaged in a multi-faceted properties business. Properties licensed for Japan include: "Peanuts (Snoopy)", "Dilbert", "Nancy", "Chicken Soup", "Raggedy Ann & Andy ", "Marmaduke", "Tic-Tac Town", "Koguma-chan ".

(*4) SNOOPY TOWN (Tsurumi-ku, Osaka) opened in March 1995 as the first PEANUTS theme house in Japan. More than a theme house, it offers shops, restaurants and other facilities that ensure a fun day-out for the whole family. SNOOPY TOWN Shops are stores that have been officially authorized to sell Peanuts character goods (goods licensed for Japan, original and imported goods). Including the one at Snoopy Town, Osaka, there are eight SNOOPY TOWN Shops throughout Japan. They are located at: Tsurumi-ku and Kita-ku, Osaka; Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Nishi-ku, Yokohama; Funabashi, Chiba; Naka-ku, Nagoya; Nishi-ku, Hiroshima; Chuo-ku, Fukuoka. Each features its own distinctive personality, and all offer a high level of entertainment.