OREANDA-NEWS. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today that cumulative engine production reached three million units on July 15 at Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi Motors Engine Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (SAME), MMC's engine joint-venture in Shenyang, China.

SAME was established in August 1997 and started production in 1998. Supplying engines to Mitsubishi Motors brand as well as several Chinese automakers in the expanding auto market in China, cumulative production at the company reached one million units in 2009 and two million units in 2012.

SAME started production of the 4A9 engine in July 2009. Used to power small cars, this low displacement and lightweight unit incorporates MMC's eco-friendly MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) variable valve timing mechanism. SAME sold 290,000 units of this engine in 2013. SAME is currently gearing up to start production of the successor to the 4G6 engine it also produces which will incorporate the latest version of MIVEC technology.

SAME is currently focusing on strengthening its product lineup and improving environmental performance in order to meet the diversifying needs of the Chinese market as it continues to contribute to the growth and development of the Chinese auto industry.