CYPRESS, Calif., January 18, 2002 – Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA) celebrates today the grand opening of Ontario Mitsubishi in Ontario, Calif., one of the company’s largest dealerships and the first to showcase the new dealership design inside and out. Dubbed the “Ultimate Dealership,” the new Ontario flagship store showcases the complete set of styling guidelines and design cues Mitsubishi Motors is rolling out across the country.
“The look and feel of our dealerships is critical to our overall brand image,” said MMSA President and COO Pierre Gagnon. “Ontario Mitsubishi epitomizes the stylish look and feel of our brand identity. It will be a great asset to our company and to the Ontario community.” At a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Ontario Mayor Gary Ovitt will join Gagnon and Ontario Dealer Principal Sperber in celebrating the new dealership’s grand opening.

“The City of Ontario welcomes Ontario Mitsubishi as the newest auto dealership in town and is happy to have invested in bringing them to the growing Ontario market,” said Mayor Ovitt. “Ontario’s many distinctive advantages will certainly contribute to Ontario Mitsubishi’s success including a prime location and pro-business environment.”

The grand opening will feature an opportunity to win a new Mitsubishi Lancer ES or one of many other prizes. The celebration will continue throughout the weekend, featuring a bouncer for the kids and food. On Saturday, Bob O’Brien, the afternoon DJ from KOLA-FM will join the party with a live remote broadcast. And for motor sports enthusiasts, the popular Lancer Evolution high-performance sedan will be on display along with vehicles from the Mitsubishi Adventure rally. Mitsubishi Motors recently announced that the Lancer Evolution will go on sale in the United States beginning in 2003.

“We’re very pleased to join the Ontario community,” said Sperber. “We have a fantastic selection of Mitsubishi vehicles on sale in a unique and exciting facility that demonstrates the new look of Mitsubishi.”

Mitsubishi Motors dealerships across the country are starting to sport a stylish new look to keep step with the cool, hip image touted in the company’s “Wake Up and Drive” advertising campaign. The new Mitsubishi Dealer Image Program is rolling out across the country. On the outside, Ontario Mitsubishi exemplifies the new look, with aluminum exterior signs designed for optimum clarity, visibility and durability, in addition to a six-foot, three-dimensional, triple-diamond icon. Twenty-five-foot vertical ‘light spikes’ and pylons are designed to illuminate the property, while logo and signage guidelines ensure the brand image is communicated consistently.

“The entire exterior space is organized to attract customers, facilitate traffic flow and introduce a new experience in our buying,” said Sperber. “On the inside, customers enjoy a comfortable environment equipped with leading-edge technology and style, from lighting and furniture to the structure itself.”

The interior of Ontario Mitsubishi features a kiosk complete with an interactive touch-screen video bar to access information on all of Mitsubishi’s vehicles, fully computerized sales pods and a customer convenience center with data access designed for the telecommuter. Accent, track and task lighting, stylish furniture design, fabrics and compatible flooring create an atmosphere designed for customer comfort and satisfaction. The showroom even includes a play area for children.

Ontario Mitsubishi offers a full array of parts and accessories in the new Parts Boutique. The sixteen-bay, drive-in service department offers bumper-to-bumper factory service with fully qualified Mitsubishi Certified Technicians. The Dealership is open for Service and Parts at 7:30 AM until 6:00 PM, and for sales from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM. For more information, contact Ontario Mitsubishi at 909.418.7300, or toll free at 866.266.8274, or visit the web site at www.ontariomits.com, for information and the latest specials.

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1981 by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicles, including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles. Its Web site can be accessed at www.mitsubishicars.com.