Mitsubishi signs MoU with the Principality of Monaco regarding testing of i MiEV electric vehicle (三菱自動車、モナコ公国と電気自動車の走行試験に関する覚書を締結)

Following a successful testing exercise conducted in December 2008 (earlier post), the Principality of Monaco, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. and MC Automobile (Europe) N.V. - a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation - yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding fleet testing of Mitsubishi Motors' zero on-road emission i MiEV electric vehicle with the Principality of Monaco.

Through this MoU, all involved parties demonstrate their shared interests in exploring electric vehicles for the sake of sustainable mobility. Monaco desires to secure a fleet of electric vehicles that emits the least amount of CO2 possible, to utilize for electric transport, and desires to become the forerunner for the implementation of electrical transport amongst countries worldwide. Mitsubishi Motors, as the forerunner in the development of electric vehicles, sees opportunities for collaborating with Monaco as a partner and as a test market for its i MiEV.

As a result, a fleet of Mitsubishi i MiEVs will be supplied from the end of CY2009 to Monaco's local community service organizations, including the post office, telecom office and other organizations including Monte Carlo SBM hotels and casinos.

The aim will be to monitor the "real-life" daily usage of these cars in a European environment, the fine-tuning of their technical specifications as well as exploring the market potential in Monaco for deployment of the forthcoming left-hand-drive i MiEV there through promotional activities.

Announced in October 2006, the i MiEV represents the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Motors' green technologies. Currently involved in testing and promotional activities in Japan, New Zealand, Australia, the United States and across Europe, the i MiEV will be launched in Japan during the summer of 2009.

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Text in Japanese

三菱自動車は3月26日にモナコ公国、三菱自動車の欧州事業統括会社Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V.（MME、ミツビシ・モータース・ ヨーロッパB.V.）、そして MC Automobile （Europe） N.V. と、2009年末よりモナコ公国にて実施する新世代電気自動車『i MiEV（アイ ミーブ）』の走行試験に協力する内容の覚書（MOU）を交換した。

モナコ公国では環境問題への取り組みとして、国内の移動手段をCO₂排出量の少ない電動車両に置き換える施策に積極的に取り組んでいる。一方、三菱自動車は新世代電気自動車『i MiEV』のグローバル展開を積極的に推し進めており、今回、両者の考えに基づき、走行試験を実施することに合意した。

今回の走行試験は2009年末から『i MiEV』を配備し、同国内郵便局、通信局などの公共事業及び政府系企業（モンテカルロSBMカジノホテル）にて使われる予定である。

三菱自動車は新世代電気自動車『i MiEV』の実用性確認、およびプロモーション活動をグローバルで展開しており、すでに、日本、欧州、北米、ニュージーランド、豪州で実用化のための実証試験や調査活動を行っている。
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Source: Mitsubishi Media Service

New Honda Insight to debut in Monaco

After ten years of marketing hybrid technology and as it prepares to launch its Insight sedan, Honda is strengthening its participation in the EVER Monaco trade show by becoming an official partner of the 2009 edition. EVER Monaco, the trade show dedicated to ecological vehicles and renewable energies, will be held from 26th to 29th March 2009 at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum.

A new vehicle to Honda’s hybrid range, already represented by the Civic Hybrid, which was marketed in 2006, the Honda Insight will be the most affordable hybrid family sedan on the market. Indeed, Honda would like to slash the ecological impact of its products, and the car manufacturer is convinced that this commitment entails the wider distribution of its low CO2 emission products.

After participating for nearly two years in the EVER Monaco trade show with the Civic Hybrid, and true to its word concerning reductions in CO2 emissions, Honda wants to increase awareness of its hybrid vehicle range. The EVER Monaco trade show serves as a legitimate, appropriate opportunity for the presentation of its green automotive technologies. The event also gives members of the general public the chance to try out these technologies.

“The partnership established between EVER Monaco and Honda is the continuation of Honda’s multi-year participation in the trade show and demonstrates the company’s desire to be seen as the leader in the most affordable hybrid technologies,” stated Christophe Decultot, General Manager of the Automotive Division of Honda Motor Europe (South) S.A.S. "The Honda Insight will make its stunning debut on the French market in early 2009, and EVER Monaco will serve as one of the first opportunities for the general public to test drive it. With the Insight, we’ll prove that eco-friendliness, practical concerns, and driving pleasure are completely compatible with a limited budget when it comes to buying and using vehicles.”

Honda will occupy the central booth at the vehicles exhibition in the middle of the Espace Ravel inside the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco from 26th to 29th March 2009.

Visitors to the trade show will have the chance to test drive the Civic Hybrid and the Insight, both representing Honda’s hybrid vehicle range, near the Grimaldi Forum. A contest organized as part of the trade show will culminate in a lottery that will determine the winner of a Honda Insight.



Source: Honda France

Mitsubishi demonstrates iMiEV in Monaco

Mitsubishi Motors organised a driving test in the demonstration of its new-generation electric vehicle, iMiEV, in Monaco. The event lasted over four days with government officials, power companies and environmental support groups attending it.

Among those who took iMiEV for a spin was Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco. In the press release (released yesterday by Mitsubishi), the prince is quoted as saying that the i-MiEV is the kind of car that represents "the future, and I am happy that your company is going forward in this direction." He further commented, according to the statement, that the i-MiEV seemed "ready for practical use in a city area".

The company currently is field testing the car in Japan, New Zealand, Europe and the U.S. and has said it intends to market it in Japan in 2009 and in Europe -- depending on the outcome of the ongoing feasibility study -- "sometime after" 2010.

Source: Mitsubishi Media Service

Monaco and Renault-Nissan Alliance to develop zero-emission future

The Government of Monaco and the Renault-Nissan Alliance are working together to promote the use of electric vehicles in the Principality.



Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed recently, the two parties will formulate ways of enhancing and expanding the existing battery-charging network throughout Monaco. The current incentive program will also be enhanced to attract residents and companies to participate in the Alliance’s zero emission mobility program by purchasing and utilizing EVs.



Monaco and the Alliance will also create and support educational activities to promote the use of electric vehicles and encourage the participation of local organizations.



The Alliance will also take advantage of Monaco facilities to organize EV marketing activities.



“The reality of zero emission mobility can only be achieved through credible products and the appropriate infrastructure. The Alliance will be mass marketing the product and we welcome forward thinking partners like the principality of Monaco to create the infrastructure and conditions for success,” said Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.



The agreement with Monaco is the latest in a series of similar announcements by the Alliance to promote zero emission mobility. Since July this year, the Alliance has announced partnerships with Portugal, the City of Yokohama in Japan, the State of Tennessee, the State of Oregon and French utility giant EDF.



Source: Nissan News Bureau Europe