Mitsubishi experienced an increase in sales during the second quarter of this year. This exciting development is a great stride for the automaker with a 1.8 percent increase in April to June of 2010. The trend should continue with Mitsubishi having such a great momentum going into the high selling summer months. Recently, more and more car drivers in Bloomington IL buy used cars from Mitsubishi dealerships with great confidence in this brand.

During these still difficult economic times Mitsubishi should be extremely proud of their increased sales. Many popular Mitsubishi models are doing very well on the market. This June, both the Lancer and the Lancer Sportback performed up to par if not better. The Lancer is up 16.7 percent when compared to last June and the Lancer Sportback had its third best month since it debuted on the market last summer. Other models performing better than last summer include the Spyder and the Galant, doing 45% and 53% better in sales respectively.

Mitsubishi is planning to keep the momentum going through the rest of the year with the release of the 2011 Outlander Sport CUV. The 2011 Outlander Sport CUV has an aggressive, sporty exterior. The front end resembles the Mitsubishi Lancer, drawing the performance loving drivers into a bigger vehicle. The 2011 Outlander Sport CUV appears to be the perfect transition for Mitsubishi sport car drivers who need to upgrade to a vehicle with more room. Bloomington car dealers agree the Outlander Sport CUV will add to the increase in sales.

The Outlander Sport CUV will not disappoint Mitsubishi fans when it comes to what is under the hood. The Outlander Sport CUV is powered by a 2.0 liter MIVEC inline-four engine. The standard five speed manual transmission vehicle is capable of reaching 148 horsepower and 143 lb-ft of torque. The Outlander Sport CUV is estimated to have good fuel efficiency and decently priced, starting around $20,000. This sporty, smaller SUV is sure to add another popular vehicle to the Mitsubishi line.

Mitsubishi is demonstrating the versatility and capability of their vehicles through this increase in sales. This dependable automaker is experiencing great success and will continue to do so through the release of the new 2011 Outlander Sport CUV. Visit your local Bloomington car dealer for more information on Mitsubishi automobiles.

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.

Sit back and imagine the craziest, most unique car currently available. Got the image? Well, despite everyone’s wild imaginations, I’m sure it at least had four wheels, right? If so, then you haven’t seen the EMC3 Commuter!

The vehicle is the newest advancement in Green automobile technology, and perhaps most intriguing, the EMC3 drives atop three wheels…yes, that’s correct. However, as any EMC3 dealer notes, the wheel-reduction delivers serious benefits.

To start, the EMC3 boasts an unbelievable 60 MGP. Even popular, cutting-edge hybrids cannot compare. The engineering feat is outstanding, but it’s even more impressive considering the vehicle’s humble beginnings. Unlike the typical environmentally-friendly vehicle conceptualized in expensive R&D facilities, the EMC3 started as David Joner and his children’s summer project.

Now there’s talks of an Illinois EMC3 dealership–not a bad end to a summer project!

Although the vehicle emphasizes gas mileage, according to an EMC3 dealer, it was designed with safety in mind. In addition to a roll bar, side-impact beams, and crumple zones, the EMC3 also comes equipped with two airbags. Therefore, despite its unorthodox appearance, it has the same priority as every popular automobile: driver safety.

The EMC3 isn’t a powerful car, but it’s not expected to be. It’s equipped with a one liter, 3-cylinder gas engine and disc brakes. Like other automobiles, it’s available in either 5-speed manual or automatic transmission. The manual model begins at $13,995 and the automatic version at $14,995. The manufacturer is currently taking reservations.

Cars certainly are available in all shapes and sizes, and apparently this variety now includes number of wheels. With automakers vying to produce the most efficient vehicle, they have a new contender in the competition–one that turns traditional design on its head and gets amazing results.

Automakers continue to make strides in providing the public with affordable economical options. ECO Motor Company has created a new automobile that is reasonably priced and capable of 60 miles per gallon fuel efficiency. This new form of transportation, the EMC3 Commuter Car, may just be flooding the streets of the US in a matter of years. Although this vehicle is small, it is functional and accomplishes the task of getting from point A to point B in a very cost effective manner.

The EMC3 Commuter received the motorcycle designation from the United States federal government. Although it is classified as a motorcycle and utilizes a three wheel design, this automobile is much more like a car. The EMC3 seats two passengers next to each other with a panel of instruments between the two seats. The EMC3 Commuter Car has also been likened to a sports car due to its sleek look and luxurious interior. This car also has additional space to make traveling possible.

The ECO Motor Company is going to great lengths to make the EMC3 affordable. The car is priced at $13,995 for the 5 speed manual transmission option and $14,995 for an automatic transmission.  The EMC3 Commuter is also incredibly safe. This vehicle was designed from top to bottom with safety in mind. Almost everything is included in the sticker price from extensive airbags and roll bar to air conditioning and power locks and mirrors.

The ECO Motor Company’s EMC3 Commuter Car comes with a 10 gallon fuel tank. This is just one more aspect of the EMC3 that makes it affordable for everyone. This size tank allows the EMC3 to travel over 600 miles before drivers need to stop off for a refill. The EMC3 is ideal to travel to work and with its two seats, even a small car pool. The comfortable interior and smooth drive will just add to the need for drivers to show off this sporty new vehicle.

Car buyers are quickly realizing cost and environmental factors are two of the most important factors in purchasing an automobile. The EMC3 Commuter is one of the best new options that offers new technology at a great price.

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.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will enact new fuel economy regulations for 2011 vehicles which will ultimately result in a win-win-win situation for the environment, economy, and drivers. The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) introduced an 18 MPG regulation for passenger vehicles only when enacted by congress in 1975. While slight amendments have been made to CAFE standards over the years, the newest reform will reflect the most drastic change in their 30-year history with a 35% increase in fuel economy for cars and trucks combined. This amendment will enforce Bloomington IL new car dealers to obtain 37.8 mpg for passenger vehicles and 28.8 mpg for trucks by the year 2016.

The 2016 CAFE standards will perhaps have the biggest impact on the environment, which will benefit from the reduced greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide. The Union of Concerned Scientists says that approximately 5 pounds of global warning pollution are produced per gallon of gas. Basic math will confirm, the higher the fuel economy of a vehicle, the less pollution produced.

The next win that the 2016 CAFE standards will award goes to the economy. Increased fuel economy standards will save the U.S. 1.1 million barrels of oil a day, much of which is foreign oil. The decreased foreign oil will help cut the $1 billion dollars spent per day to import petroleum products and moderate the amount of reliance placed on foreign nations.

The CAFE regulations will also be advantageous for drivers. While the cost of a vehicle that can reach the set forth fuel economy standards will more than likely cost extra, such an increase will be compensated with the reduced fuel costs. The increased cost that CAFE standards add to vehicles is estimated to be around the $1,000 – $2,000 range and will actually be offset with the reduced fuel costs that are estimated to reach $4,000 in a vehicle’s lifetime.

While the new CAFE guidelines seem extreme, Bloomington IL car dealers acknowledge that a greener future is only a possibility with such regulations enforced. And the additional benefits that come with such a reform don’t hurt either.   

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.