Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is jumping on the eco-bandwagon with the debut of the i-MiEV, their environmentally friendly, battery operated vehicle. The highway-capable vehicle has already achieved success over seas, but Bloomington car dealers will likely have to wait until 2015, when the vehicle is estimated to hit U.S. markets, to share such success. With the sustainable mobility trend at an all time high, Mitsubishi couldn’t have chosen a better time to make history with the first mass-produced, all electric vehicle.

The prevalence of electric vehicles, however, is nothing new to the U.S. market. Numerous other automakers have produced vehicles fueled by renewable energy, but the electrification of American highways has yet to be accomplished. So it seems logical to wonder, how does Mitsubishi plan to electrify American highways if it hasn’t already been done?

Much like other electric vehicles, the i-MiEV’s electric motor and compact lithium ion batteries power the vehicle, but it is the vehicle’s quick charging system that distinguishes it from the competition. Such progressive technology, which was recognized at the 2009 Tokyo International Motor Show with the “Most Advanced Technology” award, allows the battery to reach 80% capacity in 30 minutes.

Currently, drivers in Japan can stop at one of approximately 180 charging stations to recharge their car. When the i-MiEV comes to the U.S., drivers will have the option to stop at one of an estimated 150 – 250 charging stations that will be built, although Normal IL used Galant dealers believe that drivers will most frequently take advantage of a convenient at-home charging station or a portable battery charger.

Limited drive range is perhaps the biggest drawback to other manufacturer’s electric vehicles and is ultimately what has prevented these cars from already electrifying American highways. However, with the i-MiEV’s extended drive range due to its quick recharging time and speeds that can reach 80 miles per hour, it’s fair to say that Mitsubishi’s plan to electrify American highways is not only feasible, but inevitable.

A recent test drive in Northern California revealed a flawless drive performance, impressive stability and a surprisingly spacious interior that complement the i-MiEV’s prolonged drive range and eco-friendly appeal. The vehicle’s sustainable, all-electric performance not only eliminates the pollution that non-electric vehicles emit, but also saves money at the gas pump. The i-MiEV’s highway capabilities make the vehicle a practical, proficient alternative to other electric and non-electric vehicles.

My friends, it appears that in recent years the term “sport” for a vehicle has gone from meaning is sporty, to meaning it’s cute. Luckily in the new Mitsubishi Outlander Sport you can have a little of both.

For the past week and for another week to come, O’Brien Mitsubishi in Normal has had tents up screaming everything must go. About a year ago when the economy fell apart, the captain in charge of the Normal car dealer, Ryan Gremore, decided that he would become the new depot for used cars. A brilliant strategy that has since paid off and kept the auto dealer not just afloat, but continuing to grow.

Bloomington is a great town, and despite some of the major corporations here, is not a very high pressure town. If you were in Chicago you would always be expected as a successful person to have a brand new fancy car, but in Bloomington, IL buy used car and save the money. Along with the money you’ll save at O’brien, you’ll carry around the same self respect you would in the city, only here you’ll have money in your pocket and not on its way to the credit union.

Head to the corner of Fort Jesse and Veterans Parkway and talk to Ryan about getting your new used car, Bloomington, IL style! Right now the ads for the tent sale are all over the radio. I see them on TV every once in a while, but they usually show me some car I wouldn’t want and I make assumptions about what else they have on the lot. When I hear the radio ads it’s different. Theater of the mind takes over and I picture they have the perfect car that I’ve been looking for. When the radio announcer tells me that they won’t be undersold and everything must go to make more room on the lot I figure that’s the place I need to be.

Living in Bloomington is great. I can get the best onion rings at Schooners, the best bbq at Bandannas, listen to Cities 92.9 on the radio as I head up Veterans to O’brien Mitsubishi.

When hybrid and electric vehicles were made possible by automobile manufacturers, this huge step in technology opened many doors for car companies. The question now is, will electric vehicles become a hit among consumers? Will sales be as successful as competing gasoline-engine models? Or will they sit in the lots of dealerships like the Bloomington, IL car dealers?

Shoppers searching for used cars in Bloomington, IL may not be as interested in new electric vehicles as other consumers are. This is the issue that car companies face. In an economy like this, many people are not willing to spend thousands of dollars on a vehicle that they are unfamiliar with – let alone one with completely different technology and construction than what they are used to. That’s where Deloitte Consulting comes in. The organization released results of a consumer survey on electric and hybrid vehicles, which revealed some details on such concerns. Consumers interested in purchasing an electric vehicle should visit Bloomington, IL car dealers for more information.

According to the survey results, Deloitte Consulting expects sales of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to approach 0.5% of the U.S. market share by 2015, and reach as high as 2.0-5.6% by the year 2020 – about 285,000-840,000 vehicles. However, the estimated number of electric vehicles to be sold (not including hybrid plug-ins) varies, depending on which consultant, critic, analyst, etc. Personally, I would love to one day own an electric vehicle – I just simply do not have the funds to purchase any new vehicle at this time. While I understand consumers’ hesitance to purchase an electric car, the rising gas prices may help shoppers come to a decision sooner rather than later. Owners of used cars in Bloomington, IL should visit their local dealer to learn the benefits of owning an electric vehicle.

The most challenging question among such analyzers is how rapidly – or gradually – this new breakthrough will catch on. Deloitte Consultant Rebecca Ranish feels that this progress requires the automotive industry to move quickly to electrification, including more investment on infrastructure (i.e. public charging stations at offices and parking lots). “The telephone, the radio, the refrigerator were all reliant on infrastructure to support adoption and in some cases may have been slowed by infrastructure. Electric vehicles will have a similar series of challenges.” Nevertheless, car companies are undoubtedly aware of this obstacle. Consumers will just have to wait to see if accommodations will be made to ensure that the purchase of an electric vehicle is worth the trouble.

It’s not often customers experience the best of both worlds. In fact, when manufacturers even attempt this feat, it frequently ends in disaster. However, Mitsubishi appears to have perfected the balance with the 2010 Lancer Sportback.

Don’t believe it? Well, the car is available to test drive at any Bloomington car dealer. After one cruise around town, you’ll agree it’s the perfect blend between sporty styling and the versatile functionality of a hatchback.

The 2010 Sportback bears little resemblance in either feature or function to the 2004 Sportback, which was essentially a wagon version of the year’s Lancer model. Instead, the 2010 version cultivates a unique look among hatchbacks: its hatch is raked forward, and it sports a standard rear-window spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels. Each addition contributes to the Sportback’s updated, sporty appearance.

Customers at a Bloomington car dealer realize recreating the true sports-car experience involves more than simply tightening a car’s suspension. Therefore, to ensure the Sportback embodied the first half of its title, Mitsubishi focused on fine-tuning the overall ride comfort to guarantee an entertaining, enjoyable driving experience. The Sportback’s suspension is perfectly balanced, and the steering responds quickly and effortlessly. Both pedals are responsive, matching the car’s overall perfect calibration. Even the brake pedal’s distance was increased to allow the driver greater control.

In addition, the Sportback provides a powerful helping underneath the hood. It boasts a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which should satisfy most drivers. However, for those craving more power, Mitsubishi offers a Ralliart edition that’s equipped with a 237-horsepower, turbocharged engine.

According to the EPA, the estimated gas mileage is 20/27 miles per gallon city/highway for manual transmission. For automatic, the numbers shift slightly to 21/27 miles per gallon for city/highway.

The Sportback is affordable, too. In Bloomington IL., new car prices are kept competitive. The vehicle retails between $19,190 and $27,590. With a starting price like that, Mitsubishi is hoping everyone might experience this car’s unique merging of sporty styling and functionality. Thus, never again will consumers struggle between these two considerations.

According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language found online, a “kludge” is a “clumsy or inelegant solution to a problem.”  In terms of the auto industry, there are those who would say this describes the hybrid.  Perhaps a tad harsh, this accusation does say something about the future of the auto industry: that hybrids are a transitional technology and the future does most likely lie in EVs, as most countries work to lessen their dependence on petrochemicals and keep an eye on their carbon footprint.  For those of this mindset, 2010 is shaping up to be an interesting year as several EVs hit the U.S. market for the first time, meaning both the New Yorks and Chicagos as well as that local Bloomington car dealership.  The Nissan LEAF, the Chevy Volt, and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV will all be available. 

In fact, Bloomington, IL, car dealers have already reported substantial interest in the LEAF, as measured by its pre-sale numbers.  Perhaps as a response to this (since the LEAF is priced at over $30,000), Mitsubishi has recently announced a $6,700 reduction to the i-MiEV, which will now come to the United States with a price tag below $30,000 (keep in mind, neither of these prices reflect the final cost, given the federal tax credit for fuel-efficient vehicles that falls under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act).  This “one-upmanship” by Mitsubishi, or whatever you want to call it, seems to suggest competitive pricing and technology innovations ahead, all good things for everyone, including that Bloomington car dealership.

For those not familiar with the i-MiEV, as it seems the least known out of the three EVs, it is based on the gasoline-driven 660cc “i” mini-car.  It is a small, lightweight four-seater that can reach a top speed of over 80 mph and requires right around 7 hours to recharge on a 220v system (the LEAF requires 8 hours with a 220v system).  The i-MiEV can be driven either in Drive or Eco mode; in the latter the power output drops from 63 hp down to 43 hp, extending your cruising range.  The i-MiEV can go 95-100+ miles on a single charge in ideal conditions, and as for its footprint, even with the CO2 emissions power plants generate for the vehicle’s charging, the i-MiEV still emits only 30% the CO2 of a gas mini-car.

So whether the LEAF, the Volt, or the i-MiEV proves to be the best buy of the EV bunch, it would appear the New York, Chicago, and Bloomington, IL, car dealers are the winners in all of this as the next progressive, competitive step in the auto industry is taken.

Mitsubishi has recently unleashed a new CUV, an all-new ASX crossover, at the 2010 New York Auto Show earlier this year. The newest addition to their Outlander family lineup has already been introduced to other parts of the world, and now the car company feels it is ready for the United States. The only problem is, it needs a name.

Officials at Mitsubishi have been calling it the “Outlander Sport,” however this name is not official. Interestingly enough, Mitsubishi is leaving it up for the public to decide what the new model should be called, by announcing a naming contest for those who are confident – and creative – enough to submit their ideas. While some people may feel “Outlander Sport” is good enough, spectators will have to wait and see what contestants come up with, and if Mitsubishi chooses a suitable name for the crossover utility vehicle. Those interested can find details at the Bloomington car dealer, or also test drive or purchase a used car in Bloomington, IL.

Anyone interested in entering the contest may need to know that Mitsubishi has designed the new model with a stunning style and a rigid, lightweight body. Furthermore, the smart-sized sleek-looking crossover combines fuel efficiency with top-of-the-notch performance. The manufacturers at Mitsubishi have enabled the new model with an estimated fuel economy in the 31 mpg range, using regenerative braking and enhanced class-leading aerodynamics. Some other premium features include Active Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Electric Power Steering, a comprehensive seven-airbag safety system, and a high-contrast LCD instrument display.

On top of all this, shoppers in the U.S. will have two trims to choose from: an ES version with standard 5-speed manual transmission or the premium SE version with standard 6-speed CVT transmission and magnesium-alloy paddle shifters, not to mention an electronically controlled All-Wheel Control system. Interested consumers should visit the Bloomington car dealer to test drive this impressive model, as it is expected to hit dealership lots – with a name – by the end of this year. Owners of a used car in Bloomington, IL may be interested to find out that both versions of this new Mitsubishi CUV come standard with 148 horsepower, MIVEC-equipped 2.0L four-cylinder engine, and has 145 pound-feet of torque. Hopefully Mitsubishi picks a name soon, as many of us are surely eager to  observe the new model for ourselves as soon as possible.

Mitsubishi has some big goals for the upcoming years. The car company aims to double its sales it the United States in the next three years, according to John Koenig, Mitsubishi North America Executive Vice President. The reason for this aspiration is that Mitsubishi sold just under 54,000 vehicles last year, a disappointing decrease of 44.5% when compared to 2008. How do they plan to accomplish such a goal? Mitsubishi has created an extensive plan for the brand, starting by redesigning their models to resemble the stylish Lancer and prepare for the unveiling of the new 2010 Outlander. Consumers should definitely visit Bloomington, Illinois car dealers and other Mitsubishi dealerships nationwide to find the new models in their lots later this year.

Additionally, two more new models are expected to appear in Bloomington, IL new car dealerships as well, although this is unconfirmed by Mitsubishi at this time. One of the new vehicles being introduced is a smaller crossover, rumored to be similar to the Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4. Considering that the compact crossover market has significantly grown over the past few years, Mitsubishi will attempt to stay in the competition by providing a new compact crossover model for consumers. The other new model to be introduced is a new subcompact model to slot in underneath the Lancer, to keep up with the sub-compact market. Rumor has it that the Colt will return to resemble a style similar to the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and also other newcomers such as the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2. Sales representatives at the Bloomington, Illinois car dealers will surely have more information about the new models as it becomes available.

Another area where Mitsubishi could use a little more improvement is with the Galant mid-sized sedan, said to be in desperate need of remodeling. Koenig admits that one cause of a decline in Galant sales is a lower demand by rental car agencies, indicating that the model is unpopular among consumers. Nevertheless, officials at Mitsubishi remain optimistic and are confident that their sales goal is easily achievable, seeing as the company was able to sell 128,993 units in 2007. The Japanese automaker also plans to focus more on advertising to enhance perception and desirability to help double sales within the next three years. In the meantime, consumers will need to visit Bloomington, IL new car dealerships to learn about the progress that Mitsubishi will achieve.

Mitsubishi has a revolutionary automobile that is still a well kept secret to most people in the US. The Mitsubishi i has been for sale in Japan since 2006, yet it is still not available in the US. The i is a tiny futuristic looking rear engine automobile that is both safe and efficient. Bloomington car dealerships along with many other Mitsubishi fanatics are pushing for Mitsubishi to release this dynamic new car in US and restore their much deserved popularity in the States.

The Mitsubishi i is an innovative automobile that has an incredibly small frame but still retains enough interior room to be comfortable and functional. The i is a five door hatchback model capable of seating 4 passengers comfortably. The i has head and leg room to spare and the rear seats recline to give passengers in the back a smooth and relaxing ride. With four passengers in place the i still offers 16 cubic feet of trunk space. For a family of two, the rear seats can be folded flat to provide incredible cargo space, 44 cubic feet to be exact from floor to ceiling. Used car Bloomington IL drivers are anxious for Mitsubishi to bring this practical automobile to the US.

This tiny little automobile may seem reserved but it is more than capable of keeping up with cars on the US highway. The Mitsubishi i has a 4 speed automatic transmission. The engine is a 0.66 liter with 64 horsepower. While the Mitsubishi i has no need to ever go higher than 60mph on Japanese roads, the automobile was able to keep a steady 70mph without any trouble when tested by Car and Driver. The i is also obviously environmentally friendly, receiving an estimated 39 miles per gallon fuel efficiency.

The Mitsubishi i is not simply a shell to affectively transport from one point to another. Mitsubishi designed this automobile with all the creature comforts Bloomington car dealerships have come to expect for their customers. The i comes equip with a touch screen navigation system, keyless ignition, power windows and a heated driver’s seat. The Mitsubishi i is not available in the US but many are hopeful Mitsubishi will soon release it in other places besides Japan. The car is currently available in its home country for the equivalent of $17,500 US.

The new Mitsubishi’s ASX has pulled down three-and-a-half times the hoped-for monthly sales in the first four weeks on the market in Japan, but is it enough for worldwide success? We’ll soon find out when the model makes its way to the US.

Tax breaks, plus the ASX’s manageable size and just-right equipment level are universal ways to connect with buyers anywhere, and was what probably contributed to its initial success. The ASX represents the brand’s move towards on-road crossovers, a move inspired by research showing that buyers of its Outlander big brother cross-shopped D-segment sedans rather than midsized SUV/CUVs. North American buyers will get the ASX badged as the Outlander Sport. It’s not yet clear what the trim levels are going to be for the U.S. market, other than the understanding that Mitsubishi’s 2.0 liter MIVEC engine will be standard equipment. Stay tuned as the vehicle makes its way to your Bloomington car dealer.

The unveiling of this smart-looking ASX crossover at the New York auto show is one of Mitsubishi’s ways to celebrate its 140th birthday this year. The ASX is the production version of the CX concept debuted in Frankfurt a couple of years ago, and it’ll reach British roads this summer with the express intention of muscling in on Nissan Qashqai territory. The car seats five and is available in both front- and four-wheel drive. There’s also plenty of green tech on board. There’s a new 148bhp 1.8-litre diesel, which gets stop-start and brake regeneration technology as standard and – in front-wheel drive form – returns 145g/km of CO2. The 1.6-litre petrol manages 135g/km. See your Bloomington car dealer for more.

And while you’re waiting for the ASX to reach your town, check out the Bloomington IL used cars selection at your local dealer. Take a look at featured vehicles like the i MiEV, 2010 Endeavor, 2010 Galant, 2011 Lancer, 2010 Eclipse Spyder, Honda CR-V, Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Fusion, GMC Sierra, and more. And now at your Bloomington car dealer get 23% off a new Mitsubishi during the month of April for their 23rd Anniversary sale. Come on down and test-drive a vehicle today!

Mitsubishi has introduced a new concept automobile that is causing chatter all over the globe. This particular car is called the RVR model in Japan and the ASX in Europe. Mitsubishi has not yet officially released the details of the American model but some are speculating it will be dubbed the Outlander Sport here in the States. Bloomington car dealer, O’Brien Normal, reveals the Outlander Sport is a crossover vehicle Mitsubishi has developed for individuals looking to purchase a great spacious vehicle on a budget.

The Outlander Sport will be a great option for car buyers looking to invest in Mitsubishi’s quality automobiles while still being cost efficient. The Outlander Sport has a four-cylinder engine but many of the other details remain sketchy. It is rumored Mitsubishi wants the Outlander Sport to be a more fuel efficient version of the Outlander, hoping to reach at least a fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon on the highway.  The Outlander Sport under other titles is available in other markets in a six-speed manual version, however for North America the details are unknown.

The European ASX debuted at the Geneva Auto show, and with the excitement that followed Bloomington car dealers expect the North American Outlander Sport model will debut at the New York International Auto Show this year as planned.  Mitsubishi designed this particular model to demonstrate the automaker’s ability to produce smaller, fuel efficient vehicles, and they have succeeded.  Not only is the Outlander Sport sleek and sporty looking it is also affordable. Auto industry experts are guessing the MSRP for the Outlander Sport will begin at $21,605.

Locally, many car buyers living in Bloomington IL buy used cars  made my Mitsubishi as an affordable option. However, the debut of the Outlander Sport may be able to sway these individuals into purchasing a brand new Mitsubishi automobile. The Outlander Sport has the attractive physique of an SUV in a condensed more manageable form. It also has five seats and storage capacity comparable to an SUV but is much more affordable and environmentally responsible.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is set to debut this year and will have many car buyers looking into this incredible new option. To find out more information about the Outlander Sport or any other Mitsubishi vehicle visit your local Bloomington car dealers or visit the Mitsubishi website.