Last March 11, 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit Japan's Tohoku region and triggered a destructive tsunami carrying 10 meter high waves that left thousands dead and millions homeless. In the wake of the tragedy, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) expressed in a recent statement their “sincere condolences and sympathy to the victims of the Tohoku Earthquake. We pray from the depth of our hearts that the devastated area attains recovery as soon as possible.”
Due to the earthquake's aftermath, MMC has suspended operations for March 14th and 15th in all of its three plants located at the Aichi Perfecture (Nagoya Plant), Okayama Prefecture (Mizushima Plant), and Gifu Prefecture (Pajero Manufacturing Co., Ltd.). Operations will only resume on the 18th of March after careful deliberation, according to the surrounding circumstances.
The MMC group in Japan has confirmed a donation of 30 million Yen to assist the victims and damaged areas. In addition, MMC will supply vehicles to accommodate the circumstances and needs of local authorities in the area. Mitsubishi's electric vehicle, i-MiEV, as well as its 4WD pick-up truck, Triton, were provided to the areas affected by the Tohoku earthquake for disaster relief purposes.
Many of the afflicted areas are suffering from gasoline shortage. Therefore, electric vehicles have been called upon for its ability to run without any specific facility as long as there is an available electric supply. Also, the circumstance calls for a vehicle with high road-performance, large cargo capacity, and reliable accessibility on rough terrain. With these factors in mind, i-MiEV and Triton were chosen to be sent as support effort.
As the first step, 30 i-MiEVs were shipped out on March 18, 2011. Additional vehicles will be sequentially sent out according to the afflicted areas' needs.
In conjunction with MMC’s overseas distributors and business partners, they are figuring out ways to most efficiently render further assistance to those affected.
