1987 Mitsubishi Van Base Standard Passenger Van 3-door 2.4l on 2040-cars

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California adapts ZEV mandate with PHEVs for smaller automakers

California is the nation's largest market for zero-emissions vehicles with over 100,000 of them estimated to be on the roads there. The state's goal is to keep that number growing every year. To that end, the California Air Resources Board is now tweaking its rules in a way that might not boost ZEVs but could mean more plug-in hybrids for the Golden State. Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Volvo asked for an exemption to the state's zero-emissions vehicle mandate last year due to their relatively small development budgets compared to larger automakers. CARB denied their request but did craft a compromise, according to Automotive News. Rather than being required to offer a ZEV in the state, companies with an annual global revenue of less than $40 billion, like those in this group, may instead sell plug-in hybrids to earn ZEV credits. The companies aren't completely off the hook, though. If these plug-in hybrids don't earn enough credits, the corporations must buy them on the market to make up the difference. Automakers with popular electric models like Nissan and Tesla have made a big business through this trading system by selling their surplus to rivals. Tesla alone pocketed $51 million in the first quarter from this part of its business, according to Automotive News. The changes to the regulations also aren't set in stone, yet. CARB is meeting in 2016 and could adjust things further at that time. Related Video: News Source: Automotive News - sub. req. via Hybrid CarsImage Credit: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images Government/Legal Green Jaguar Land Rover Mazda Mitsubishi Subaru Volvo Emissions Electric Hybrid California zev credits zero emissions vehicle

Mitsubishi to showcase eX crossover concept in Tokyo

The Tokyo Motor Show is coming up at the end of the month, and Mitsubishi isn't about to sit it out. That's where the Diamond Star automaker will unveil the eX Concept pictured here. The electric crossover concept packs what the company terms as a "next-generation EV system" into what looks at first blush like a rather dramatic design. Mitsubishi is telling us next to nothing about the eX and its specifications. However, it indicates that the concept incorporates an all-electric powertrain, all-wheel drive, an automated driving system, vehicle connectivity, and active safety systems. The automaker has also only revealed the one rendering above, but it bears all the hallmarks of a modern Mitsubishi concept like the ones we've seen in recent years. That includes the company's signature Diamond Shield front grille, flanked by narrow, angular headlights and oversized running lamps. Naturally, this concept rides on oversized wheels and boasts spindly little mirrors, all in an effort to tell us this is a bonafide show car and not a pre-production prototype. We'll look forward to seeing more in the near future, but in the meantime you can delve into what little Mitsubishi is telling us at this point in the press release below. Related Video: MITSUBISHI MOTORS LINEUP AT 44TH TOKYO MOTOR SHOW – ANOTHER STEP FORWARD WITH SUVS AND ELECTRIC POWER 08/10/15 from Mitsubishi Motors in the UK Print this page Add this release to Your Downloads TOKYO — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will unveil the Mitsubishi eX1 Concept, a compact SUV concept car, with a next-generation EV system at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 20152. The concept car showcases MMC's next-generation electric vehicle (EV) technologies, a new take on the Dynamic Shield front design concept, and a vast range of other technologies for superior driving pleasure in a compact crossover package. MMC's display reflects the main theme of "Driving Beyond" – another step forward with SUVs and electric power. ELEGANCE & SUV & 100% ELECTRIC The Mitsubishi eX Concept is a vision for a unique all electric powered compact SUV aimed at the fast growing compact SUV market. It uses MMC's state-of-the art EV and all-wheel control technologies combined with automated driving, connected car, and active safety systems. Both exterior and interior design indicate the direction MMC Design is taking.

Mitsubishi Mirage bows in Montreal without a name, Canadian sales promised

The Detroit Auto Show had plenty of major debuts for North American car buyers, but the Montreal Auto Show is being used for the North American debut of a new subcompact hatchback from Mitsubishi. Although this car is unnamed, it is almost identical to the redesigned Mirage we saw back at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show (and has been on sale in Asian markets such as Thailand since last year), but it is unclear if the car will carry this name when it goes on sale for our neighbors to the north starting this fall.
Aside from a slightly less annoying shade the of green we saw the car painted in at the Tokyo show, there are a few changes made for the car's Canadian debut. The biggest difference is that it is almost three inches longer, which is likely a result of the new rear fascia that is also visually different with some altered lines and small, circular reflectors. Other changes include a bigger three-cylinder engine (with a 1.2-liter displacement instead of the Tokyo car's 1.0-liter engine) and headlights that have new amber lenses for side reflectors.
There is still no word as to whether or not we'll see this new car in Mitsubishi's US lineup anytime soon, but it does seem like a good competitor against cars like that Mazda2, Chevrolet Spark and Hyundai Accent.