During times of economic distress, we all must cut back. Even large, recognizable companies, whose products and brand are instantly known, are cutting costs and streamlining their workflow. For Mitsubishi, the industry-wide cutbacks resulted in the closing of tuner Ralliart, which was closely associated with the automaker.

Fortunately for customers at the Mitsubishi Bloomington car dealer, according to the automaker’s spokesperson Maurice Durand, the close won’t affect Ralliart-branded Mitsubishi models sold in the United States.

The reason is because the closure applies only to the Ralliart subsidiary in Japan, which produces high-performance parts for street and race cars. Therefore, only manufacturers that import official Ralliart Japan products will be affected. In most markets, the Ralliart parts are merely rebranded components produced by another tuner.

Thus, for a Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer, the closing will signal no drastic changes, especially since the parts used on official Ralliart models sold in the U.S. are developed separately.

However, according to Durand, Ralliart vehicles might still have a future as Mitsubishi might continue producing them. For hardcore tuners, the closure of Ralliart might be considered a loss. Yet, in the current economic climate, people have drastically altered their car-purchasing habits. The demand for high-performance parts has declined, a reality confirmed by employees at a Bloomington car dealer.

The specific services and processes scheduled to cease due to the closing include the company’s support to motorsport customers (Technical Support and Mitsubishi/Ralliart Driver of the Year award); new planning, development, and merchandizing of Ralliart products; and dispatching of new product and motorsport information over the internet.

The only Ralliart products continuing production are the FIA VO parts with Mitsubishi also taking on all those remaining in development. Information concerning FIA Group-N will also now reside on the Mitsubishi website.

When the dust clears, the majority of customers at the Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer wont be affected by the change. Without a doubt, Mitsubishi will mourn the loss of this long-standing partnership. However, its dedication to customers remains strong, and the automaker will keep producing the official Ralliart models in the U.S. to meet ongoing demand.

For the past 23 years, family-owned Bloomington car dealership, O’Brien Mitsubishi of Normal, has changed the way that Illinois buys cars. They have provided clients with an easy, relaxed, and enjoyable car buying experience. Their selection is superb and their service is unmatchable. However, their current sales incentives are even more remarkable than usual, and you cannot afford to miss them.

O’Brien Mitsubishi of Normal has been in business since 1987 thanks to their loyal customers. As a way of saying thank you, the Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer is offering an unbelievable up to 23% off the purchase of a new Mitsubishi. Do the math: that is almost a quarter off the ticket price. O’Brien Mitsubishi is also offering zero-percent financing for 72 months on new Mitsubishis. So if ever there was a time to buy a Mitsubishi, it’s now. Get to our Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer today and test drive your favorite new Mitsubishi. This may be the last time anyone offers you nearly a fourth off on a new vehicle. Don’t let this deal pass you up. It may be another 23 years before you see savings like this again.

Mitsubishi has announced it will increase production of i-MiEVs, as orders have far exceeded expectations. The Nikkei reports that Mitsubishi’s battery suppliers have been told that they plan to make 9,000 i-MiEVs this year. Lithium Energy Japan, a partnership between GS Yuasa, Mitsubishi Motors and Mitsubishi Corp., will make enough packs for 7,000 cars while GS Yuasa will make an additional 2,000 packs. The car, which has been available to corporate customers in Japan since last year, goes on sale to the general public there in April.

This i minicar from Mitsubishi replaces four-speed automatic transmission with a two-position gear selector that lets you choose Drive or Eco mode. And where the tachometer normally goes on the instrument panel, this i sports a meter that indicates the charge status of the battery and the discharge rate. But the most critical innovation is the replacement of conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries in favor of the latest, state-of-the-art lithium-ion kind. Smaller, lighter and more powerful, these batteries are being co-developed by Mitsubishi Motors, GS Yuasa Ltd. and Mitsubishi Trading Co. See your Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer for more.

Powering the electric-powered iMIEV is a rear-mounted, permanent-magnet synchronous motor developing 63 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque. It jumps from rest to 60 mph in under 9.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 82 mph. Flick the gear selector into Eco and the power output drops automatically from 63 hp to 43 hp, extending your cruising range. In ideal conditions, the i MIEV gets 100 miles on a full charge. Learn more at your Mitsubishi Bloomington car dealership.

As for charging the battery, there’s a three-way system. There’s plug-in recharging using the Japanese grid, which takes 14 hours for a full charge on a 100-volt domestic outlet or half that time on a 200-volt industrial outlet. There’s also a Mitsubishi-built quick-charge system that replenishes 80 percent of the battery charge in just 30 minutes. And if you charge at night, you can reduce your running costs by 87 percent compared to the conventional gasoline-powered i. If you take into account the CO2 emissions produced by Japan’s electric power plants (most use nuclear power) that produce the electricity required to refuel the car, then the i MIEV emits only 28 percent of the CO2 of a comparable gasoline-powered i.

For for on the Mitsubishi iMIEV and other Mitsubishi vehicles, visit your Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer.

The 2010 Mitsubishi i, which is not available in the United States at this point, was tested by the professionals at InsideLine earlier this year. The reaction? Well, it works in Japan.

Not to insult Japan or the manufacturers of Mitsubishi – it’s just that the Mitsubishi i is required to meet strict limits on size, engine displacement, and power, which entitle consumers to tax breaks. Basically they are designed to meet the needs of the urban commuters – travel at low speed in congested areas and be parked easily. If the vehicle ever comes to the United States, Mitsubishi might need to make several alterations to meet the needs of the American consumer. Those interested in the 2010 Mitsubishi i can obtain information at your Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer.

With a measurement of 133.5 inches, the Mitsubishi i is more than two feet shorter than the smallest Honda model in America. However, the interior is still spacious enough to fit four average-sized people with plenty of head room. Additionally, the Mitsubishi i’s rear seats fold to create a flat load floor, allowing enough room for packing considerably large cargo. For more details on this deceptive vehicle, consumers can visit their Bloomington, IL car dealers or any other dealership lot where Mitsubishi vehicles are sold.

Many who observe the vehicle in person may not be able to figure out where the engine is, which is actually obscurely mounted under the rear cargo area. As far as the power goes, regulations limit Kei cars to engines of no more than 660cc and 63 horsepower. Therefore, the Mitsubishi i engine is equipped with a 659cc 3B20 inline-3 engine, yielding 63 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque. The engine works with variable valve timing, a turbocharger and intercooling. The vehicle also has a four-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. In addition to these features that may appear inferior to the American driver, the 2010 Mitsubishi i reaches 0-60 in a not-so-impressive 14.9 seconds. While this may work on the streets of Japan, the vehicle is not expected to be powerful enough for U.S. highways. Furthermore, the 2010 Mitsubishi i gets only 27.7 mpg – probably because the engine must work so hard to keep up with traffic. Mitsubishi owners can compare their current vehicle with the 2010 Mitsubishi i by visiting any Bloomington, IL car dealer, particularly O’Brien’s Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer.

Although the 2010 Mitsubishi i is not impressive by any means, we must keep in mind that it fulfills its purpose: commuting short distances at low speed. This vehicle definitely meets the requirements for drivers of Japan, but if a model were to ever be introduced to the United States, consumers can expect alterations to meet the needs of American drivers.

The all new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS has been receiving much praise for its rock solid structure, sleek design, and the extra enhancements available. There has been much talk surrounding this vehicle and it’s no wonder – the car has been reported to have a superior engine and strong brake power, along with an exceptionally strong chassis, giving it a solid foundation. The smooth and easy to handle power steering along with the manual clutch and shifter add to the list of attributes this car brings to the market…

O’Brien Mitsubishi, one of the top Bloomington, IL car dealers and a trusted Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer, is a great source to find the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer. You can stop in to take one for a test drive, and also see the design enhancements made to the 2010 model. The design updates are few, but they are worth a trip to the Bloomington car dealership, O’Brien Mitsubishi, just to check out. Exterior and interior design updates include new smoked rear tail lights, more pronounced side sills, a new gauge cluster, chrome accents and a color multi-information display.

This vehicle also comes with options – you can choose to add on extra options such as the sun and sound package which includes a power glass sunroof, six disc CD changer, 710-watt premium sound system, satellite radio, fast key entry system. There is also the option to add the touring package which includes leather seats, high intensity discharge lights, rain sensing wipers, heated front seats, and a sound resistant windshield. They also offer the option to choose a premium paint job, for a small price. The starting price for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS is only $19,710 and each package is under $2,000 each.

O’Brien Mitsubishi, your trusted Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer, is your number one source for more information on these all new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancers. Stop by this Bloomington car dealership for a test drive, or to chat with one of the representatives there for more information on the cars. They’re extremely helpful and O’Brien Mitsubishi is surely one of the best quality Bloomington, IL car dealers you’ll find. With so many options and such a great price, you will be sure to find exactly what you need at O’Brien Mitsubishi of Normal.

Mitsubishi is hopeful that sometime in the very near future their electric cars will be a staple on the roads of America. The automaker hopes to have electric vehicles available for purchase to the general public by winter or spring of next year. While these vehicles are not currently available at your local Bloomington car dealership, Mitsubishi believes the interest is there and that the vehicles will be widely popular when they become available in the future.

Mitsubishi has developed cars such as the i-MiEV to debut their hybrid technology and these vehicles are currently being used by government agencies around the country. Trials like these, as well as survey results that show nine percent of Japanese customers as well as eight percent of Americans are interested in purchasing electric vehicles give Mitsubishi confidence that automobiles like i-MiEV are the wave of the future. Dealerships as local as Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer O’Brien Mitsubishi of Normal report customers interested in hybrid technology.

The i-MiEV is currently on roads all over the country in prototype form, with many of these vehicles occurring in Japan where the first customer available EV Mitsubishis are expected to debut. Japanese drivers who have had the opportunity to drive the Mitsubishi i-MiEV report the car is fun to drive and simple to charge.

The i-MiEV comes with a 200 volt plug which is inserted into a socket and then charged for whatever duration of time the driver chooses. This Mitsubishi charges to 80 percent of its batter capacity in approximately 30 minutes. There are currently not many charging stations and the cost at present is free, however when EV’s become available locally at Bloomington, IL car dealers these details will certainly change.

Electric vehicles like the Mitsubishi i-MiEV are drumming up considerable interest not only because they are so environmentally friendly, they are also cost efficient and an incredibly innovative new technology. Drivers who have had the opportunity to use the i-MiEV report the car handles well and accelerates smoothly. It also is virtually silent and includes features such as a gauge reading “remaining mileage” to let drivers know how much further they can drive before power runs out. To find out more about Mitsubishi electric vehicles visit your local Bloomington IL car dealers and Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer.

There’s a possibility a new vehicle may appear on the lot at your Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer?  Mitsubishi Motors is looking into manufacturing and selling the Triton, a pickup truck,  here in the United States.  This is coming after slipping sales for the company.  In 2009, sales fell nearly45%.  In an economy where most businesses are struggling to stay afloat, this is not good news.  However, Mitsubishi Motors is not giving up!  Kudos for that, as Mitsubishi cars are great!

The car company has one manufacturing plant in the United States, in Normal, IL.  They too have felt the effects of lowered sales.  Last year, the plant made approximately 18,000 vehicles and their capacity is stated to be 135,000.  But, years ago when the plant was a joint project with Chrysler, around 240,000 autos came out of the center.  If the Triton could be made there and sales for it would be profitable, this would be a great thing for the Normal car dealer.

So, you must be thinking, what are some features of the Triton?  This truck is a big hit in Australia, for example.  So much so, that in summer 2009, inventory was running low in the country from high sales the month of June.  The Triton is both heavy duty and rugged, while at the same time a reliable family vehicle.  What a great addition it would be at Bloomington IL car dealers.

The 2010 Triton’s come with quite a few safety features.  For example, driver and passenger front side airbags come standard, as do child restraint points.  Electronic brakeforce distribution is also on this truck.  This system helps evenly apply brake pressure, based on varying surfaces, vehicle load, etc.  Your Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer is hoping to carry this durable, yet safe, truck!

What type of engine and driving system is found in this truck?  Several four wheel drive options are available (overseas, only, right now!).  There is a new turbo diesel high performance engine in the 2010 models.  One 4WD option has a 2.5L engine that gives 131 kw of power.  The fuel economy on the possible Normal car dealer truck has been improved approximately 9%.

It would be great if production could come to the Normal plant.  This may help generate new or keep current jobs and maybe improve the company’s overall sales?  In the meantime, visit your Bloomington IL car dealers for great deals!

Mitsubishi will release two versions of the JDM Outlander during 2010. The two models will be offered to customers both complete with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The difference between the two models is the second, now branded as the Outlander Roadest, has a much more aggressive cosmetic look.

Bloomington Mitsubishi dealers are eager to see both options of the Outlander, the traditional bodywork as well as the modern bodywork model, The Roadest. The Roadest will be country specific, with different fascia, grille, and fog lamps than the U.S. model. Bloomington car dealers anticipate customer reaction to the new model and hope the new style will draw in a wider range of car buyers.

The Mitsubishi Outlander and the Outlander Roadest will also be priced differently with the Outlander selling around 22,000 dollars while the Roadest will be sold closer to 27,100 dollars. The most significant difference between these two models is simply the cosmetic design to the nose of the car, with the Roadest having harder, sleeker features. Mitsubishi hopes selling both these models in 2010 will keep the simple Outlander model from being cast off as a used car. Bloomington IL car buyers are grateful to have the opportunity to pick between a new option without having the old option completely eliminated.

Bloomington car dealers believe Mitsubishi has made a smart choice in releasing two versions of the Outlander in 2010. This popular automobile now has double its appeal to car buyers. The Outlander now not only appeals to individuals interested in this crossover like automobile for its space and practicality, but now also appeals to a different kind of car buyer as well. The Roadest’s sharp features appeal to a type of buyer who is not often reached, someone looking for a fast sleek car who also needs the space and utility offered by the Outlander.

Mitsubishi is attempting something new in offering the Outlander and the Roadest and this type of innovation will certainly be rewarded. To learn more about the Outlander, the Outlander Roadest, and the difference between the two stop by your local Bloomington Mitsubishi dealership.

Trends always seem to start on the West Coast and make their way East (at least that’s what Californians like to tell themselves).  Well, if this theory holds true, within a few months, when you make a call to the Best Buy Geek Squad, they may be showing up in your driveway in the latest electric car from Mitsubishi, the i-MiEV.  As part of the continued effort to expand awareness and publicity surrounding the i-MiEV, Mitsubishi has teamed up with the Best Buy in El Segundo, California by equipping their Geek Squad with four new JDM-spec i-MiEV city cars. The move makes the West coast squad the first of its kind to be emissions free, a move that your Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer hopes will effectively continue to raise awareness on the benefits of going green and driving electric cars.

Why is this move significant for Bloomington IL Mitsubishi car drivers? Well for starters, it shows Best Buy and the Geek Squad’s commitment to doing what they can for the planet, which means a lot to someone like me who is particularly environmentally conscious.  But beyond that and from a business standpoint, by equipping themselves with affordable and efficient electric cars, the Geek Squad can continue to provide superior services in a cost-effective manner.  Not having to pay for gas mileage at a time when gas prices are always rising is good news for anyone who might call the Geek Squad frequently (ahem, like my technologically challenged husband.  Who knew setting up an X-Box 360 could be so challenging?).

Any skeptics out there who fear an electric car might not be reliable enough to make it to you in your time of need (like when your wife screws up the HD TV the night before the Super Bowl, not that I know anything about that)?  Well, no need to worry, the i-MiEV has an estimated range of 80-100 miles per charge and thanks to 133 pound-feet of torque, it has decent pick up for a rear-wheel drive electric vehicle.  Your Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer could provide you with more facts and figures, but in short this means that the Geek Squad will have no trouble making it to all of their house calls.  (So yes honey, you can relax, if our Geek Squad acquires their own fleet of i-MiEVs and the TV stops working, it can still get fixed before the big game!)

So when can you expect to see this trend in Bloomington IL? Mitsubishi car dealers hope soon, but the car is still in its trial period so it’s hard to say. To get more information on this and other trends that you won’t get from just any Bloomington car dealer, stop in to your local Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer.

As consumers begin to demand more efficient cars, manufacturers are quickly implementing new models to meet these needs. Mitsubishi has recently developed the i-MiEV, a fully electric vehicle that can reach speeds up to 80mph and be charged to 80 percent in about twenty minutes. The i-MiEV is now enrolled in a trial program in which it has been distributed to customers in the midlands of the UK.

While this car is only available on a trial basis on another continent, vendors as local as Bloomington IL car dealers hope to see this model in their lots very soon. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is an electric version of the company’s rear engined “i” city car which features four-doors and four-seats. These features are practical, allow accessibility, and offer an affordable lifestyle, details Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer believes are a great value to consumers.

More details about the i-MiEV are expected as the model continues to run trials, however Bloomington car dealerships are confident the car will only gain popularity with its growing publicity. UK city councils are so excited about the Mitsubishi trials they plan to install electrical charging points for the cars. The i-MiEV is not only affordable and convenient but it has potential to greatly reduce carbon emissions. If the trials continue as planned we hope the i-MiEV will be available at Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer in the near future.

The UK trials of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV are in the works in order to gather information for the development of this car in particular as well as electric car strategy in general. After these trials the i-MiEV will be even more consumer ready and shortly after released to Bloomington IL car dealers. Mitsubishi continues to strive to produce visually stunning, efficient and affordable cars available at your local dealerships.  Check out the current Mitsubishi models and find out more about future projects such as the i-MiEV at Bloomington IL car dealers and Bloomington Mitsubishi.