Mitsubishi Motors Corp. announced plans to introduce its first compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicle. The new Minicab CNG is the automaker’s first such vehicle since sales of the previous model were discontinued in November 2007. It was co-developed with subsidiary Mitsubishi Automotive Logistics Technology Co. Based on the Minicab van, its engine was improved to run on CNG fuel. It comes equipped with an 81-liter tank and can travel up to 290 kilometers on a single fill-up. In addition to improving engine control technology, the automaker said it also boosted fuel efficiency. Outperforming comparable gasoline-powered vehicles, the CNG model has 20% better fuel economy. At the same time, its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have been reduced by 15%. The Minicab CNG, which qualifies as an eco-car, is fully exempt from Japanese automobile acquisition and weight taxes. The company said it is initially looking to sell 90 of the new vehicles a year, primarily to businesses and municipalities. (April 22/ May 7, 2009)