Mitsubishi Outlander Sport production gets underway in Normal, IL

“Made in America.” It’s a term we can apply to an increasing number of models from import brands each year. From family sedans to pickup trucks, overseas automakers are increasingly building vehicles in North America; and not just for our market, but for other parts of the world.

To that end, Mitsubishi has announced that it has begun production of the Outlander Sport compact crossover at its Normal, Illinois plant. The facility will start producing 50,000 units a year, and that number can potentially climb to 70,000 units. Highlighting the global significance of this move, Mitsubishi says that half the Outlander Sport models produced at the Normal, Ill facility with be exported to other markets.

As we are already deep into the 2012 model year, the vehicle being produced is a 2013 model-year machine. The ’13 model will feature updates that include a new front fascia with a new bumper and grille, as well as a new two-tone rear bumper and 18-inch wheels on all trims. The updated CUV also gets a revised rear suspension and recalibrated CVT, while the interior is outfitted with new accents and fabric.

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is set to go on sale in early August with a base MSRP of $19,170. Check out the official press release below.

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Mitsubishi Motors North America Commences Production of Made-in-America Outlander Sport in Normal, Illinois

Tue, Jul 17, 2012 – Normal, Illinois – Add to Basket download printer friendly Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has started US production of the popular Outlander Sport compact crossover model at the company’s state-of-the-art vehicle manufacturing plant in the American Midwest.

The new 2013 Outlander Sport will begin shipping to US dealerships in early August with a starting MSRP of only $19,170.

Located in Normal, Illinois, this automobile plant is set to kick off production with 50,000 Outlander Sport units annually with a target of eventually producing as many as 70,000 units of the handsome compact crossover – Mitsubishi’s best-selling vehicle in North America – each year. Half of these American-made 2013 Outlander Sport units are destined to be exported to various markets outside of North America.

Having successfully launched just two years ago, the 2013 Outlander Sport receives numerous design and feature upgrades including a sleek new look thanks to a redesigned front fascia, grille and bumper and a two-tone rear bumper design; black-colored side sills; 18-inch alloy wheels now standard on all trim levels; new interior accents and fabric; a revised rear suspension for improved handling and ride comfort; and a recalibrated continuously-variable transmission (CVT) for better acceleration performance and smoother shifting feel.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact crossover was named a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Production of the updated 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact crossover from the Normal, Illinois plant will help the company to meet consumer demand in both the North American and overseas markets.

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