OREANDA-NEWS. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced findings of investigations into incidents involving lithium-ion batteries used in its Outlander PHEV, i-MiEV, and MINICAB-MiEV vehicles today. Joint investigations with the lithium-ion battery supplier had been implemented to find the root cause behind the incidents and a conclusion was reached. MMC is now moving forward with verifying appropriate prevention measures.

The joint investigation revealed that the battery cell defect originated from a part of the supplier's manufacturing line, resulting in short-circuited battery cells. The defect occurred in a screening process that was added to the manufacturing line in December 2012. It was found that during this screening process the shape of an internal part of the battery cell was altered and some microscopic contaminants were generated as a result of battery cells being exposed to excessive force.

The screening process where the defect was occurring has been removed.

MMC extends its sincerest apologies for the great amount of inconvenience and worry to its customers and all of its stakeholders.