28 April 1999, Tokyo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces that Hyundai Motor Co. is to power its new Equus model using a brand-new 4.5-liter V8 engine (world first) that uses GDI(*2) technology furnished by Mitsubishi Motors, and that is being produced by Hyundai. The two companies had been studying the use of this engine in the new model for some time.

The GDI engine realizes better mileage than a diesel, and higher power outputs than conventional multi-port injection engines. In August 1996, Mitsubishi Motors became the first auto manufacturer to apply GDI engine technology in a production model. The company currently uses its GDI engine family to power 11 models in Japan, and four models in Europe. Sales of GDI engine models now total 460,000 units: 360,000 in Japan and 100,000 in Europe. The new engine brings the GDI lineup up to six: 1.5-liter, 1.8-liter, 2.4-liter, 3.0-liter, 3.5-liter and 4.5-liter

The company is confident the GDI engine will become the leading power source for passenger cars at the beginning of the 21^st century, and to this end is working to increase production and to promote its use worldwide. The company currently supplies Volvo Car Corporation with GDI engines to power S40 and V40 models built at NedCar, the assembly facility in Born, the Netherlands that is a joint venture between the two companies. In January 1999, the company also entered an agreement with Peugeot SA under which it will furnish the French manufacturer with GDI technology.

(*1)GDI is a trademark of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

(*2)The Mitsubishi Gasoline Direct Injection Engine