Mitsubishi to launch business-use EV

Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors Corp. said it would aim to launch a small business-use electric vehicle (EV) in Japan by the end of 2011, with a target of selling 10,000 units as soon as possible. Mitsubishi Motors President Osamu Masuko said initial demand for zero-emission electric vehicles may be greater from businesses than from individuals because of companies’ growing drive to reduce their carbon footprint. Mitsubishi Motors aims to offer the electric vehicle for less than ¥2 million (US$24,404), initially relying on subsidies from the government. (October 14, 2010)