Mitsubishi celebrates 20 years in Russia

Mitsubishi celebrates 20 years on the Russian market. In honor of the anniversary of the Japanese company will please its customers special edition Lancer, lower prices for Outlander XL and spare parts and other beneficial actions. In honor of the festival held a press conference, which came CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Rus Fudzhioka Shin, CEO of OOO Rolf Import Andrei Pankov and Vice-President Rolf Import Katsuya Yamada. Mr Fudzhioka spoke about the impact of disasters in Japan for the company. According to him, production capacity and Mitsubishi plants are in the southern part of the country, and therefore did not receive damage from an earthquake on April 16 and has already regained its work. Some suppliers are less fortunate - their power hit, and because of that, the company corrected the schedule works. Shin Fudzhioka reported that the board tries to minimize the effects of earthquakes, so the supply of machinery and spare parts may be affected slightly, there may be slight delays in the delivery of some complete sets. Andrei Pankov said that all cars Mitsubishi are double checked for radiation - one at the plant, the second at the customs. And besides, Rolf Import organized the Third test vehicles directly to salons for doubting customers. Especially for this purpose was purchased expensive equipment. While this is at the level of the experiment, but if the additional inspection will be in great demand, it will be introduced on a permanent basis. By the way, in Russia now comes the latest batch of cars built before the earthquake, and after the April-May, will begin delivery of machines that were released after the accident. Since the Russian market is strategically important to Mitsubishi, we can enable the privilege. The plans to bring him into third place on sales of Japanese brands, losing the first two positions but the U.S. and China. In honor of the anniversary throughout the year, Rolf Imports will conduct a variety of events for customers. The most immediate - falling prices for Outlander XL, within a month the price of this car will be from 899,000 rubles. From this month will lower the prices of spare parts up to 40%. Also in May, will sell commemorative series Lancer, because this model was first sold in Russia, an official dealer. While not disclosed, will be different than the exclusive "Lancers", we only know that every car will get his number and certificate. The price for them will be the same as for the regular version, and buy them will be in the usual manner. Total sales will go to 500 anniversary Lancer, but if they would be good demand, the party may increase. Chapter Rolf Imports reported that this year Russia planned to increase sales of foreign cars to the current position in the 1.5 million cars. While auto dealers have not changed plans. However, Andrei Pankov not exclude that the price of foreign cars this year may rise as well as reduced. Official sales of Mitsubishi cars in Japan started in 1991. Then a representative of the Japanese brand Hiroshi Harunari came to Moscow and entered into an agreement with Sergei Petrov, head of Rolf, the sale of cars. First swallow brand in our market has become a model Lancer, although in the first year it sold only 30 pieces. Then in Russia began to be sold off-road Pajero, which in the 90's have become very popular. In 2004 Russia became the leader in sales of Mitsubishi among European countries. In 2008, our market is ranked first in the world, with Russia holding this status and to this year. Rebounded slightly after the crisis, in 2009 the Russian representative office of Mitsubishi and the company, Rolf decided to create a joint venture, whose work started in 2010. According to the results of 1 quarter 2011 share of brands on the market amounted to 4.2%, while the company plans to raise it to 5%. The strategy of Japanese companies dedicated to promoting the line SUV. For comparison, the 1 st quarter 2008 (best year for sales of Mitsubishi in Russia and the world) has sold 5,090 of representatives of the SUV, and the 1 st quarter of 2011 - 13,025 of these machines, so an increase of 156%. Best-selling model Outlander ranked second in sales among the SUV, she lost the crossover RAV4, but ahead of X-Trail and the Sportage. Now the model number of Mitsubishi vehicles in Russia in August, by next year the company plans to launch to market several new products, including the Electric i-Miev, which runs past the test for certification, and the model in the segment SUV. A presented at the Geneva Motor Show Concept Global Small in the serial version will replace the Colt, novelty can be ordered in late 2012 or early 2013. It will also develop production in Kaluga - until the plant is SKD Outlander XL, and soon production will move to a full cycle. Text: Olga Zabelkina.