Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has expanded its business in China with a new engine plant, and GAC Mitsubishi Motors, the joint venture business in China between MMC, the Guangzhou Automobile Group and Mitsubishi Corporation, has also begun production of its 4B4 and 4J1 engines.
The new facility, which will be completed in 2020, has an annual production capacity of 200,000 units. It will produce the new 1.5-liter direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine (4B4), which will be fitted to the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV. In addition, the plant will also manufacture the 4J1 engine for the locally-produced Mitsubishi Outlander SUV.
The company has decided to produce the engines locally to enhance cost competitiveness and further strengthen market position. In addition to increasing employment at the new factory, the production will result in more employment opportunities throughout the supply chain.
GMMC has also agreed with Changsha City to expand and relocate to a newly established R&D center. This new site has an area of 410,000m² and includes a vehicle testing course.
The center will further strengthen GMMC’s technological development functions in order to meet the local market needs for China.