Mitsubishi's i-MiEV electric vehicle now available for public sale

Mitsubishi Australia has announced its ground-breaking all electric vehicle, the i-MiEV, will officially go on sale to the Australian public in August 2011. The model year 2012 i-MiEV, which will be available an estimated twelve months ahead of its nearest competitor, will feature numerous specification upgrades and a 22.5 percent reduced purchase price of $48,800 plus on road costs.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited's (MMAL) CEO and president, Genichiro Nishina, announced the public launch of the i-MiEV at a press conference in Melbourne on the 16th June 2011. 'This is the first time in Australia's history that environmentally aware citizens will be able to purchase their very own zero drive-time emission, mass produced fully electric vehicle – the i-MiEV. 'And to ensure the i-MiEV gets off to a great start, we have released the model year 12 version, which includes upgraded safety and comfort specifications, at a lower price' Mr Nishina said.

The i-MiEV, which stands for Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle, first arrived in Australia in July last year, when 110 were leased to local, state and federal governments and selected innovative organisations. The large number of public enquiries received regarding the launch of the i-MiEV prompted the company to release details of the model ahead of its Australian arrival.

Sales of the i-MiEV to individuals will begin from mid-August when the first shipment of MY 12 i-MiEVs arrive in Australia. The MY12 i-MiEV includes additional features over the previous model, boosting the vehicle's occupant safety and comfort levels. Safety has been enhanced with the addition of side and curtain airbags, taking the total number of airbags in the vehicle to six. The addition of Electronic Stability Control to the previous model's Active Stability and Traction Control and braking system helps the i-MiEV maintain traction on slippery or rugged surfaces and ensures stability and prevents loss of control when cornering.

The i-MiEV is available in six stylish colours; White, Black, Cool Silver, Ocean Blue, Raspberry Red and Titanium Grey. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV will be available from selected Mitsubishi dealers in all capital cities from mid-August.