Mitsubishi Motors is part of one of the largest industrial firms in the world. It is the fifth largest automaker in Japan and 15th largest in the world by global unit sales. Part of the Mitsubishi keiretsu, the biggest industrial group in Japan, it was formed in 1970 from the automotive division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Early association with Chrysler permitted to gain a reputation for reliability and longevity. The company has seven vehicle manufacturing facilities in Japan, The Netherlands, Philippines, Thailand, and the United States, besides 20 plants co-owned in partnership with others. Since 2009, it has allied with PSA Peugeot Citroen and developed the Peugeot 4007 and Citroen C-Crosser sport utility vehicles based on the Mitsubishi Outlander. The car-maker has always attached a lot of importance in being competitive in motorsport, especially in circuit and off-road racing. Its debut in the sport was in a touring car racing in 1962 held to promote sales of its first post-war passenger car, the Mitsubishi 500 Super Deluxe. In WRC, Mitsubishi homologated the Lancer Evolution,winning the drivers title four years in succession under the hands of Finland's Tommi Makinen. The team also won the manufacturers’ championship in 1998. In total, they have won 34 WRC events since 1973. Mitsubishi is also the most successful manufacturer in the history of the Dakar Rally having won in 1992, '93, '97, '98, and from 2001-07 - an unprecedented seven consecutive victories and 12th overall with nine different drivers. The flagship of the brand has always been the Lancer. The super performer Lancer Evolution is available for those who want to get in the world of a rally driver. The Colt is more convenient for a city ride while the Grandis is just fine for large families, with the Outlander and Shogun models for those interested in feeling free. GREEN CREDENTIALS Mitsubishi Motors new electric mini-car, the iMiEV, is ready for sale this year. The automaker had initially planned to start leasing the vehicle to businesses and municipalities in the summer 2009 and to wait until 2010 for the retail launch but has now changed plans.