2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2wd 4dr Man Es on 2040-cars

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Automakers Renault, Nissan will become equals, with equal stakes in each other

TOKYO — Nissan and Renault have agreed to equalize the stakes they hold in each other, both sides said Monday, ironing out a source of conflict in the Japan-French auto alliance. Up to now, Renault Group has held a 43.4% stake in Nissan Motor Co., potentially giving it a larger say in how the Japanese automaker is run. It will transfer shares equivalent to a 28.4% stake to a French trust so each side will hold the same 15% stake in the other, according to the companies. The disparity between the holdings was a cause of friction, especially after Nissan became far more profitable than Renault. The agreement on the change is still being finalized and needs board approval from both companies. The companies said the shares in the French trust can eventually be sold but did not say to whom or how. They said the sale will be carried out in a “coordinated and orderly process” if a deal makes commercial sense to Renault Group, and that there is no time deadline. Until then, the voting rights would be “neutralized” for most managerial decisions, but the economic rights, such as dividends, will continue to go to Renault, the companies said. The top shareholder in Renault is the French government. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met with French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this month. The alliance has had its ups and downs since it began in 1999, when Renault sent one of its executives, Carlos Ghosn, to then-struggling Nissan to lead a turnaround. Ghosn first served as Nissan's chief executive and later its chairman before he was arrested in late 2018 on various financial misconduct charges. The alliance, which also includes smaller Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motor Corp. and remains one of the world's top auto groups, has been eager to put the Ghosn scandal behind it. Allegations against Ghosn include underreporting income, using investment funds for personal gain and illicit use of company expenses, including overseas homes and a yacht. Ghosn said he is innocent of all charges. He jumped bail in late 2019 and is now in Lebanon, which has no extradition treaty with Japan. The equalization of the crossholdings has been speculated about for some time. The companies called the move “an important milestone.” “The ambition is to strengthen the ties of the alliance and maximize value creation for all stakeholders,” said Nissan, based in the port city of Yokohama.

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition adds a bit of menace

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a competent SUV that's still trying to shed the stigma of the company's post-Evo doldrums. To give shoppers a reason to take a second glance, Mitsubishi has just introduced the new-for-2022 Outlander Black Edition, a trim package that, albeit largely cosmetic, adds a hint of sinister flair to its unique sheetmetal. The Black Edition builds off of the Outlander SE grade, and as such can be ordered with either drivetrain, front-wheel-drive or in Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel-drive. From there, it adds popular features like dual-zone climate control and a panoramic roof. Propulsion comes from the standard 2.5-liter inline-four mated to a continuously variable transmission. Of course, the selling point of the Black Edition is the black trim that sets it apart from other Outlanders. As such, it's treated to black 20-inch wheels that look a bit snazzier than the standard dual-finish rollers. Black trim covers the side mirrors and garnishes the door handles as well. And cabin-wise, the headliner and pillars are now finished in black. Apart from the rims, these are barely noticeable changes. The main visual difference comes in the front and rear bumper lower bumper areas that give the vehicle a statelier vibe. Oh, and the name Outlander is now spelled out in black letters across the prow. The Outlander Black Edition starts at $29,995, which is a pretty good deal considering that items like the panoramic roof and dual-zone climate control aren't even standard on the more expensive SEL trim. For certain buyers, the Black Edition will fall in the sweet spot in terms of options and features. Mitsubishi joins many other car companies that have put out Black Edition trims across their lineups. It can seem a bit frivolous, but if it brings a few more customers to the table, especially with the option mix, it will have done its job.

Mitsubishi North America distances itself from mileage scandal

Mitsubishi's US operations are keen to distance themselves from the falsified fuel mileage scandal that has brought the whole of Mitsubishi Motors under scrutiny. In a statement released Thursday, MMNA announced that the internal audit of US market vehicles dating back to 2013 has uncovered no wrongdoings. Mitsubishi Motors R&D North America has verified the data previously submitted to EPA, and no vehicles sold in the US from 2013 to 2017 are affected with the fuel data irregularities. According to Mitsubishi, the testing data for the US market vehicles complies with EPA procedures and a different method is used in the United States than Japan to gather fuel mileage figures – something the EPA calls "Road Load Coefficient," and the data is independently verified before submitting. So far, the scandal seems to center on Japanese market cars, even if the findings date back to 1991. Related Video: Mitsubishi Motors North America Statement Regarding Fuel Consumption Testing Data April 27, 2016 Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in Tokyo recently announced irregularities concerning fuel consumption testing data. To confirm that U.S. market vehicles are not affected by this issue, Mitsubishi Motors R&D America, Inc., working together with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, proactively conducted an internal audit of U.S. market vehicles going back several model years to check previously submitted data to the EPA. After a thorough review of all 2013MY – 2017MY vehicles sold in the United States, we have determined that none of these vehicles are affected. Our findings confirm that fuel economy testing data for these U.S. market vehicles is accurate and complies with established EPA procedures. An entirely different system is used for the United States market to determine what the EPA calls Road Load Coefficient, strictly adhering to EPA procedures. The data generated is then independently verified for its accuracy before being submitted to the EPA for their fuel economy testing. MMNA has shared this information with EPA, California Air Resources Board and DOT. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has acted quickly to address this issue and is putting in place a committee of external experts to thoroughly and objectively continue this investigation. The results of the investigation, once completed, will be made public.