Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and its European unit Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. will be exhibiting a number of exciting concept and production models at the 61st Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA; commonly known as the Frankfurt Motor Show) in Frankfurt in September. Exhibit highlights will include the world premiere of the Mitsubishi Concept-Sportback, a next-generation sports hatchback concept. Also on display on the Mitsubishi Motors stand will be the European version of the Lancer Evolution IX high-performance 4WD sports sedan that has its European launch in the fourth quarter of this year, and the Pajero Evolution model that took part in the 2005 Dakar Rally. Held at the Frankfurt Messe Complex, the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show will be open to the public from September 15 through 25, with press and media pre-viewing on September 12 to 14. Mitsubishi Motors will hold its press briefing at its stand at 3:30pm on Monday September 12.

MITSUBISHI Concept-Sportback is a concept for the 5-door sports hatchback class that is getting highly popular in Europe. This concept previews a brand new Mitsubishi Motors C-segment platform. The direction Mitsubishi Motors'' design is set to take for the near future is readily apparent in the concept''s exterior. Distinguishing features include sporty lines that embody Mitsubishi Motors'' sporty DNA, a front visage that gives prominence to the 3-diamond logo, and body proportions that give full expression to the vehicle concept.

Also taking a prominent place on the display stand will be the Lancer Evolution IX that is due to appear in European showrooms during the fourth quarter of this year. The European version of the model that went on sale in Japan in March this year, Lancer Evolution IX is a high-performance 4WD sports sedan that features the critically acclaimed 2-liter MIVEC engine with turbocharger/intercooler and Mitsubishi''s ACD+Super AYC+Sports ABS*4 electronically controlled all-wheel control system.

Sales of Mitsubishi brand cars on the European market for the January-June period showed a robust year-on-year increase of 22%, standing at 137,088 units. Notable performers include Russia (+103% at 24,726 units), supported by the success of the 4-door Lancer that took segment honors in the Russian Car of the Year. Second was Germany (23,363 sales, or 43% increase compared to the previous year), boosted by the launch of the Colt CZ3 and Colt CZT 3-door compact models during the period. Third largest European market for Mitsubishi Motors was the United Kingdom (21,618 units or + 18%), with L200 remaining market leader.

Mitsubishi Motors will be continuing its fiscal 2005 model drive with the introduction of a diesel-powered Grandis and a new Colt coupe-cabriolet.