Geneva Preview: Mitsubishi to show prototype of global iMiEV concept

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At the Geneva Motor Show in a few weeks, Mitsubishi will be showing a second electric car concept in addition to the iMiEV Sport Air they recently teased. This one is called the Prototype iMiEV concept and at first glance it looks much like the iMiEV that we've been seeing for the past year and a half. Those cars that we've been seeing and test driving are "Japanese Domestic Market" (JDM) models and are not legal in most places outside of Japan. The iMiEV is based on the "Kei-class" i mini-car and only comes in right hand drive for use on Japanese roads.

According to the Mitusbishi press release, this new prototype concept shows a version adapted to other markets. That means left hand drive, a slightly wider track and longer overhangs to meet European safety requirements. No decision has been made yet on offering the iMiEV outside of Japan, but Mitsubishi will be using this concept to gauge potential interest.


[Source: Mitsubishi]

Mitsubishi Motors to show Prototype i MiEV concept at 2009 Geneva Show


Tokyo, February 12, 2009 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to give the Prototype i MiEV concept model its global debut at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 3 through March 15 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 5).

With feasibility testing now underway in Europe, the possibility for Mitsubishi Motors' i MiEV electric car to be launched in Europe draws tantalizingly close.

While no final decision has been made yet as to whether or when the car will be launched, Mitsubishi will continue to gauge reactions through a further exercise: the Prototype i MiEV show car.

To be unveiled at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show next to the i MiEV SPORT AIR concept, this latest iteration introduces left-hand-drive to the equation and conceptualizes - amongst other items - the wide(er) tracks and long(er) overhangs of a potential European specification i MiEV.

As a reminder, i MiEV represents the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Motors' green technologies. Currently involved in testing and promotional activities in Japan, New Zealand, the United States and Europe, the car will be launched in Japan during the summer of 2009.

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