The FINANCIAL -- Mitsubishi Motors North America delivered six brand-new 2012 Mitsubishi i electric vehicles featuring Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle technology to the Town of Normal and Mayor Chris Koos in a ceremony held in the hometown of Mitsubishi Motors’ U.S. vehicle manufacturing plant,according to mitsubishi motor company.

In addition to Mayor Chris Koos, other speakers at the event included Jerry Berwanger, EVP & COO of MMNA Manufacturing Division and Ryan Gremore, General Manager of O’Brien Mitsubishi in Normal, Illinois.

Upon conclusion of their remarks, these dignitaries handed the keys to the new Mitsubishi EVs to six Normal Town Council members who then experienced the fun-to-drive 100% electric-powered vehicles for themselves by driving around Normal and visiting charming locales including the Normal Theater and Carl’s Ice Cream Store - settings featured in the Japanese auto manufacturer’s advertising campaign for the 2012 Mitsubishi i.

"Putting these six all-electric cars into our fleet is the next major step in the EVTown initiative, which has put Normal-Bloomington in the national spotlight as a forward-thinking community," said Normal Mayor Chris Koos. "The Town of Normal is eager to get these cars into service and to show our community how well EVs work for a variety of tasks, even in our cold January weather."

The event marked the first delivery of the all-electric 2012 Mitsubishi i to a customer outside the states of Hawaii, California, Oregon, or Washington.

Related Stories

• OPEC spare capacity in the first quarter of 2012 at lowest level since 2008
• Scion tC Receives Autobytel and AutoPacific 2012 Vehicle Satisfaction Award
• Two new board members in Hydro