(July 2, 2011) CYPRESS, Calif. (PRNewswire) — By the numbers its not much to brag about. June sales of 8,299 for an entire company puts it in the role of niche player.

But by percentage, Mitsubishi Motors, indeed, has earned some bragging rights. The sale of 8,299 units nearly doubled June 2010 sales representing an increase of 97.7 percent.

Mitsubishi says the increase continues a sales surge that, for the first six months of 2011, makes it the fastest growing automaker in the United States.

"We are pleased that Mitsubishi's message of styling, fuel efficiency and value are resonating with customers," said Mitsubishi North America President & CEO Yoichi Yokozawa. "We feel that we are just at the beginning of an extended period of growth in the U.S. market."

It marked the first month of more than 8,000 Mitsubishi sales in nearly three years (since August 2008). It was the highest June sales total since 2007 and the 10th consecutive month that the company has achieved a year-over-year sales increase.  Year-to date sales are up 66.5 percent.

Sales in 2011 have been sparked by the introduction of the Outlander Sport small CUV, with its fuel-efficient powertrain. Outlander Sport and its larger sibling, the Outlander, were recently featured in the acclaimed "World's Most Dangerous Road" advertising campaign, highlighting its advanced All Wheel Control system.

In July, Mitsubishi's "Own Every Road" summer sales event will expand on that theme.

"Adding to the excitement for our company and our dealers is the fact that we're also only a few months away from the American sales launch of our all-new, all-electric Mitsubishi 'i'," Yokozawa said. "We'll begin digital advertising for the 'i' this month."

Other sales highlights include:

• Sales of Mitsubishi cars were up 41 percent in June and are up 43 percent year-to-date.
• Sales of Mitsubishi SUVs and CUVs were up 260 percent in June and are up 119 percent year-to-date.
• Sales of products assembled at MMNA's U.S. facility in Normal, Ill., were up 243 percent in June and are up 116 percent year to date.