Tokyo, July 26, 2013 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced the start of production of the ASX compact SUV at a factory in Catalão, Brazil through its non-exclusive distributor and assembler MMC Automotores do Brasil Ltda. (MMCB).
Brazil became the fourth largest automobile market in 2012 with annual sales of 3.6 million units. World attention is soon to focus on Brazil with the 2014 World Cup along with the 2016 Olympics set to be held there. Hopes are that the automobile market will further grow with the series of these major events.
MMC first commenced production through MMCB in September 1998, and have been producing three SUV models*1 in the recent years. The ASX is a global strategic vehicle and a core model for MMC which its production started first in Japan, then the United States, Indonesia, and China prior to Brazil.
The ASX compact SUV has already sold more than 26,000 units*2 since its introduction to Brazil as an imported model. It has been highly regarded as meeting the needs of Brazilian consumers for
- its exterior design that reflects a sense of quality fused with the toughness of an SUV
- high fuel economy
- versatility in a number of situations
- ease of use with a small turning radius inherent to its compact body
among others. MMC will work to further build on the competitiveness of the ASX for Brazilian consumers through local production.
MMC aims to bolster its operating base in Brazil - one of its important markets - and provide Brazilian consumers with products that meet their needs. MMC will aggressively develop its business in Brazil.
*1: |
Pajero TR4, L200 Triton, and Pajero Dakar. |
*2: |
as of June 2013. |
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ASX |
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Manufacturing line for ASX in MMCB |
MMC Automotores do Brasil Ltda. Profile
·São Paulo Office
Location
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São Paulo, state of São Paulo
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Directors
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Eduardo de Souza Ramos, Chairman
Robert Rittscher, President
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Capital
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BRL 76,428,000
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Shareholders
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Eduardo de Souza Ramos (87.59%)
BTG Pactual Participations, LTD. (12.41%)
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No. of Employees
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Approx. 240 (As of July 2013)
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No. of Offices
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178 (As of March 2013)
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·Catalão Headquaters/Factory
Location
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Catalão, state of Goiás, approximately 700km from São Paulo
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Area of Facilities
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682,533m2
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Products Produced
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Automobiles
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Production Capacity
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Approx. 50,000 units/year (Paint: two shifts, other areas one shift)
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Models Produced
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Pajero TR4, L200 Triton, Pajero Dakar, ASX
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Capital Investment in Facilities
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Approx. BRL 1,180,000,000
(forecast; cumulative, by the end of 2013)
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No. of Employees
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Approx. 3,260 (As of July 2013)
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·Timeline of Major Events
April 1985 |
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Established as Brabus Autosport Ltda. |
1990 |
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Brazil lifts prohibition of automobiles imports. |
October 1991 |
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Import and sales of MMC vehicles begins. |
September 1993 |
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Name change to MMC Automotores do Brasil Ltda. |
September 1998 |
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Establishment of factory at Catalão. Production of L200 Savana begins. |
June 2002 |
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Expansion of Catalão factory, production of Pajero TR4 begins. |
August 2003 |
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Production of L200 Outdoor begins. |
March 2006 |
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Production of Pajero Dakar begins. |
July 2007 |
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Pajero TR4 FFV (flex-fuel vehicle) goes on sale. |
October 2007 |
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Production of L200 Triton begins. |
July 2009 |
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Name change to MMC Automotores do Brazil S.A. (from LLC to publically-traded company) |
August 2009 |
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Production of L200 Outdoor FFV begins. |
October 2009 |
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Production of Pajero TR4 Face Lift and Pajero Dakar FFV begins. |
2012 |
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Name change to MMC Automotores do Brazil Ltda. |
January 2013 |
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Headquarters transferred to Catalão from São Paulo. |
July 2013 |
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Production of ASX begins. |