Mitsubishi Motors Corp. on Tuesday launched a new minicar named « i » as part of its business rehabilitation efforts, mainly targeting baby boomers who will retire over the next few years.
Mitsubishi Motors President Osamu Masuko said how to respond to the upcoming mass retirements of baby boomers will be key to the restructuring of the struggling automaker.
« I hope we can see a rise in demand among the generation of baby boomers as they are expected to shift their lifestyle after their retirement, » Masuko said at a news conference.
He was responding to a question about outlooks for smaller car demand among baby boomers.
The retail prices of the i, Mitsubishi Motors’ first minivehicle in more than four years, start at 1.28 million yen and the company targets monthly sales of 5,000 units. The automaker said it has already received orders for 6,000 vehicles as of Monday.
The launch of the i followed that of the Outlander sport utility vehicle last October. Mitsubishi Motors said it is planning to launch a new mini-SUV and an electric vehicle, both using the same platform as the i’s around 2010.
« We are proceeding stably with our restructuring plan, » Masuko said. « We are seeing a slight light » in the tunnel.
Mitsubishi Motors is trying to turn around its business after suffering losses over a series of recalls and defect coverup scandals.
Masuko also said the carmaker’s performances in the U.S. and Australian markets are behind its original plan for the current business year through March 31. But the underperformances might be offset by relatively robust results in other regions, he added.
SOURCE: tmcnet.com
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