Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announced today that it is to bring forward the introduction of a next-generation 2.0-liter class diesel engine to the European market where demand for such engines is growing.

Currently under development, the new diesel engine is to go into production at the Kyoto Powertrain Plant in early 2009, one year earlier than scheduled and following its introduction in Europe will be phased into other markets.

Being developed jointly with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the new diesel engine is a key element in Mitsubishi Motors' efforts to lower CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. Features contributing to the new engine's class-topping power output and Euro 5* emissions performance include a new high-efficiency turbocharger and high-efficiency combustion characteristics that stem from the application of own analytic technology of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Motors.

The new diesel engine is positioned, alongside its electric vehicle technology, as a core element in the "Mitsubishi Motors Environment Initiative Program 2010" ("EIP 2010"). Bringing forward the market introduction of this next-generation diesel engine will allow the company to meet the needs of the growing number of environment-conscious customers.