Mitsubishi released the first details of its new, global small car as the foundations for the factory it will be made in are being laid in Thailand.
The supermini will use a new platform and 1.0- and 1.2-litre engines. It is designed to be compact, affordable and fuel efficient - and has been designed with Thailand's 'Eco Car Project' guidelines in mind. No name has been revealed for the new model: it is simply known as 'global small' and it will be sold as an entry-level model around the world.
Mitsubishi's new factory is the company's third in Thailand. When it is completed it will have a capacity of 150,000 units a year, which can be increased to 200,000 if required. The facility is scheduled to open in 2012.
Sales for the Irish market have yet to be confirmed.