OREANDA-NEWS. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has signed a contract with KLM Import-Export Sole Co., LTD. (KLM) making KLM MMC's distributor in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos). MMC had been studying ways to rebuild and strengthen its sales network in Laos and has decided on KLM to handle sales and services for all MMC-brand vehicles in the country.

A dealer opening ceremony was held in Vientiane with Dr. Nam Viyaket, Minister of Industry and Commerce in attendance. Mr. Souphavanh Sorrangkoun, President of KLM, also at the ceremony, touching on expanding operations in Laos, stated "We will aggressively move forward with marketing activities in our rapidly growing market. Then we plan to expand and enhance the sales network including establishing sales outlets in Savannakhet, the second-largest city after Vientiane, as well as in Pakse." In addition, Mr. Kenichi Horinouchi, Corporate General Manager of MMC's Asia & ASEAN Office, added "We will do our utmost to support KLM in gaining appreciation of the benefits Mitsubishi Motors vehicles bring from the Lao people."

Among the rapidly-growing ASEAN markets, Laos is also expected to show progressing economic development as well as continuous growth in its automobile market. Recognizing this, MMC, as part of its strategy to focus more resources in emerging markets such as ASEAN markets, plans to firmly establish its brand presence and further sales expansion in the country with an eye on expanding the current lineup of SUVs and pickup trucks to include passenger vehicles or other vehicles.