Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. (MME, a European subsidiary of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation) has decided to join forces with Beherman Invest NV (BI, a subsidiary of Beherman Group), effectively reorganizing its distribution in Belgium and Luxemburg aiming to boost its long-term development in this market at the heart of Europe.

Beherman Motors NV

To this effect, an agreement has been signed today (02/02/2012) in Brussels, Belgium between BI and MME whereby BI will become the shareholder of the current Mitsubishi Motors Belgium N.V. (MMB), to be renamed “Beherman Motors NV” (BM).

Continuation

Therefore, BM becomes Mitsubishi Motors’ authorized importer and distributor for cars, light commercial vehicles, parts, accessories and related services in Belgium and Luxemburg.

BM will continue to employ all MMB staff. Existing dealer contracts (resp. 89 dealers representing 86 sales & 3 service points in Belgium and 4 sales & service points in Luxemburg) will also remain valid, whilst the Head Office will stay in Kontich.

Manufacturer’s warranties and parts supply will neither be affected and will continue as usual.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s registrations* in Belgium and Luxemburg reached 5.879 units in CY2011 ( 28,98 % compared to CY2010). Its current car park is of 60.723 vehicles (figures as of November 2011).

^{*source: FEBIAC}

Focusing

Commenting on this agreement, Akinori Nakanishi, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. said:

"Whilst a medium-sized (combined) market in Europe, BeLux is a showcase of our capabilities at the heart of Europe covering a wide spectrum of customer expectations – A very open and therefore highly competitive environment where our local MMB team’s efforts have led to an upward sales trend.

This is very important to keep in mind as Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has embarked itself in a major long term product offensive where environmentally friendly technologies such as Electric and Hybrid vehicles, Clean Diesels and other low impact technologies will play a key role as just announced at the Tokyo Motor Show.

With a most challenging economic environment to be foreseen for the years to come, we believe as we, as a corporation, shall focus our energy on developing and manufacturing the advanced products our local Distributors – such as Beherman Group – will need to comfort loyal customers and attract new ones to the Mitsubishi brand – Such is the logic of this new partnership in Belgium and Luxemburg.

In parallel, commenting on this agreement, Jacques P. Beherman, President & CEO of the Beherman Group said:

“We are happy and proud to have signed this collaborative agreement with MME.

Happy, that we are able to place our expert knowledge of automobile importation and distribution at the disposition of such a dynamic brand as Mitsubishi and to take on a new and passionate challenge.

We are also proud to have been chosen by Mitsubishi Motors to represent their particularly innovative products in Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This is undoubtedly in recognition of our long experience in the automobile environment.

I am convinced that, with the Mitsubishi team already in place, its knowledge of the network and the market as well as the expertise and the resources of the Beherman Group, we can cultivate great ambitions for Mitsubishi and enable the brand to regain the position it deserves.”

Company Profiles

- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Based in Tokyo, Japan, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is a global vehicle manufacturer and a member of the Mitsubishi group of companies, selling and servicing minicars, minivans, SUVs, LCV and passenger cars in more than 160 countries.

Reflecting the connection between cars, society and the environment, the company is at the forefront in the popularization and development of environment-friendly vehicles, such as the zero-emission i-MiEV electric vehicle.

With its seven main plants in five countries around the world, MMC sold 1,105,000 units during the 2010 fiscal year (April 1st, 2010 to March 31st, 2011)

- The Beherman Group

The Beherman Group which originated more than 100 years ago, has always been particularly active in the domain of automobile importation and distribution.

Present in Belgium, the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg and The Netherlands, over the last fifty years - through its various companies - the Group has imported almost 500,000 vehicles of several different brands that have entrusted it with their representation.

Based in Bornem, the Group holds several concessions in Belgium and is also active in semi-industrial and residential property. It also controls financial companies and is involved in the reassurance and leasing sectors.

Furthermore, it provides expertise in IT matters with a powerful dealer management programme that has been adopted by several automobile brands in Belgium.