Mitsubishi Motors has introduced a 0% finance
scheme and a new low monthly rental plan to help boost sales of its
i-MiEV electric vehicle (EV), which it claims was the first
mass-produced EV in the UK market when it was released in 2009.
In January this year the car was modified in
line with EU specifications, at around the same time as the UK
plug-in car grant (PICG) was introduced. Since then, Mitsubishi has
sold 170 models, approximately 10% to contract hire and leasing
customers.
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“We’ve been testing the water,” said
Mitsubishi spokeswoman Vanessa Nalder. “We were the first
manufacturer into the market with an EV. We’ve been looking at
people’s perceptions and infrastructure.
“It’s not just the vehicle; it has been a case
of seeing what the market is like. Other vehicles are now coming in
and initially there was no benchmark. We can now see more of the
picture and a clearer picture on price.”
Under the monthly finance scheme a new i-MiEV
costing £24,045 (including PICG and registration fees) is available
for £285 over 60 months, £333 over 47 months or £420 over 35
months, including VAT.
The 0% APR finance offer, available on both
regulated and non-regulated plans, with or without balloon
payments, is dependent on a minimum deposit of £5,871, and runs at
£259 over 47 months, with a final payment of £6,000.
Mitsubishi will primarily offer the deals at
12 EV centres, most of them in London, and Nalder reports a “very
positive reaction” from dealers.
“It’s early days,” she added. “We’re having a
dealer forum soon and we have a dedicated EV manager in discussion
with the dealers. It’s very interesting seeing where the new
technology is going and pricing is part of that. The offers give
our dealers an outstanding position.”
richard.brown@vrlfinancialnews.com
