First shipment of i-MiEV docks
Aussie demand for Mitsubishi's i-MiEV electric vehicle has blown out by another 70 cars -- and it's still not enoughMitsubishi Motors Australia has ordered another 70 units of the i-MiEV for the local market. Originally offering just 40 of the tiny electric cars to local customers, Mitsubishi has secured the extra factory output to meet the unexpected demand from its Foundation Customer Group.
Members of that group -- including the Carsales Network -- were on hand at Melbourne's Webb Dock today, to see the unloading of the first shipment of 20 cars. Attending the ceremony to mark the occasion were Victorian Premier John Brumby, Tim Pallas -- Victoria's Minister for Roads, Ports and Major Projects -- and Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd (MMAL) President, Masahiko Takahashi.
The arrival of the i-MiEV in this country is a milestone for series production electric vehicles. According to the importer, the i-MiEV complies with all Australian Design Rule requirements and is capable of travelling a range of up to 160km between battery recharges.
"More than 80 per cent of urban Australian commuters travel less than 100 kilometres per day," said Takahashi-san, "so the i-MiEV is the perfect vehicle for most of our daily driving requirements.
"Australia's governments, corporations and commuters have a keen interest in electric vehicle technology, and the i-MiEV, when used with green energy, is a great way for environmentally aware organizations to reduce their carbon footprint."
According to the MMAL president, the company had received over 300 applications to lease the electric vehicles over a three-year period. The factory is overwhelmed by global demand for the i-MiEV and is also gearing up for a light-commercial variant, but could find the extra 70 cars to deliver when requested by MMAL.
Key to pics (in order): Cars only available in silver or white, i-MiEV being driven off RoRo vessel, Victorian Premier John Brumby behind the wheel, Brumby with MMAL President Masahiko Takahashi, Takahashi addressing audience (with Brumby and Tim Pallas), Brumby with press, Carsales.com.au CEO Greg Roebuck standing alongside i-MiEV.
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