Mitsubishi Motors unveils North American spec i-MiEV at LA Show; expected MSRP of about $30,000

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. unveiled its North American-spec i-MiEV at the LA Auto Show. The North American i-MiEV, when compared to its Japanese- and European-spec compatriots, features a slightly larger body to provide even more interior comfort for four adults, along with redesigned front and rear bumpers for enhanced protection in the event of a collision.

Active Stability Control (ASC), a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and airbags that control deployment force are standard features on the North American i-MiEV.

The North American i-MiEV is expected to have a MSRP of around US$30,000 (before federal and available state financial incentives) and will be available in California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii in November 2011 before rolling out nationally within one year’s time of its initial launch.

Best Buy/Eaton Corporation Collaboration. Mitsubishi Motors is partnering with consumer electronics retailer Best Buy and Eaton Corporation on residential Level 2 charging systems. Eaton will manufacture the systems; Best Buy, through the company’s Geek Squad division will sell the systems and use its Geek Squad for site analysis and managing the installation.