This growth is an impressive achievement, particularly given the current economic and market environment, and the decision undertaken by the company to switch to full-line importing early in the 2008 calendar year.

This was the decision which saw an end to the Adelaide produced Mitsubishi 380.

"With the support of our dealers, employees and customers, Mitsubishi has not only weathered a difficult year, but with our broad based product line-up, we have achieved a significant sales increase on our imported vehicles," said President and chief executive officer of MMAL, Robert McEniry.

With overall vehicle sales for 2008 reaching 60,692, Mitsubishi ended the year with a 6.0 per cent market share.

The Lancer line-up, now boasting 11 variants in an exceptionally strong product range, was a significant competitor in a depreciating small car segment with near 20,000 vehicles sold throughout 2008, for an 11 per cent improvement over the previous year.

With over 7,000 vehicles sold, the Triton 4x2 range was a star performer for Mitsubishi in 2008. Showing a staggering 54.2 per cent sales growth over 2007 the Triton exhibited strong performance in its segment and reaffirmed its position as a versatile utility vehicle with plenty to offer any buyer.

Mitsubishi’s compact SUV, the Outlander, has also shown significant growth in 2008. In a market that saw a decline of over five per cent, the Outlander exhibited sales growth of 8.5 per cent over the previous year.

"Mitsubishi now has a very extensive and completely rejuvenated product range, so we have an extremely positive attitude going forward into 2009." McEniry said.

"With the new Lancer line-up – including Evolution, Ralliart, Sportback and Aspire – and upgraded Triton and Pajero models, we’re looking for a strong start in the new year."