OREANDA-NEWS. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced the start of production of the ASX compact SUV at a factory in Catalao, Brazil through its exclusive distributor and assembler MMC Automotores do Brasil Ltda. (MMCB).

Brazil became the fourth largest automobile market in 2012 with annual sales of 3.6 million units. World attention is soon to focus on Brazil with the 2014 World Cup along with the 2016 Olympics set to be held there. Hopes are that the automobile market will further grow with the series of these major events.

MMC first commenced production through MMCB in September 1998, and have been producing three SUV models in the recent years. The ASX is a global strategic vehicle and a core model for MMC which its production started first in Japan, then the United States, Indonesia, and China prior to Brazil.

The ASX compact SUV has already sold more than 26,000 units since its introduction to Brazil as an imported model. It has been highly regarded as meeting the needs of Brazilian consumers for
* its exterior design that reflects a sense of quality fused with the toughness of an SUV
* high fuel economy
* versatility in a number of situations
* ease of use with a small turning radius inherent to its compact body
among others. MMC will work to further build on the competitiveness of the ASX for Brazilian consumers through local production.

MMC aims to bolster its operating base in Brazil - one of its important markets - and provide Brazilian consumers with products that meet their needs. MMC will aggressively develop its business in Brazil.