NORMAL, Ill., July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has started US production of the popular Outlander Sport compact crossover model at the company’s state-of-the-art vehicle manufacturing plant in the American Midwest.

The new 2013 Outlander Sport will begin shipping to US dealerships in early August with a starting MSRP of only $19,170.

Located in Normal, Illinois, this automobile plant is set to kick off production with 50,000 Outlander Sport units annually with a target of eventually producing as many as 70,000 units of the handsome compact crossover – Mitsubishi’s best-selling vehicle in North America – each year. Half of these American-made 2013 Outlander Sport units are destined to be exported to various markets outside of North America.

Having successfully launched just two years ago, the 2013 Outlander Sport receives numerous design and feature upgrades including a sleek new look thanks to a redesigned front fascia, grille and bumper and a two-tone rear bumper design; black-colored side sills; 18-inch alloy wheels now standard on all trim levels; new interior accents and fabric; a revised rear suspension for improved handling and ride comfort; and a recalibrated continuously-variable transmission (CVT) for better acceleration performance and smoother shifting feel.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact crossover was named a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Production of the updated 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact crossover from the Normal, Illinois plant will help the company to meet consumer demand in both the North American and overseas markets.

About Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 400 dealers. In November of 2011, MMNA launched the battery-powered electric vehicle Mitsubishi i-MiEV as part of a corporate mission to offer consumers more environmentally responsible modes of transportation. This battery-powered electric vehicle technology addresses the need for vehicles that produce zero tailpipe emissions and support a growing agenda for sustainability. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

SOURCE Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.