(July 17, 2012) NORMAL, Ill. — Mitsubishi Motors has started U.S. production of the popular Outlander Sport compact crossover model at the company's vehicle manufacturing plant here. The 2013 Outlander Sport will begin shipping to US dealerships in early August with a starting MSRP of only $19,170.

Located in Normal, Ill., the automobile plant is set to kick off production with 50,000 Outlander Sport units annually with a target of eventually producing as many as 70,000 units of the compact crossover — Mitsubishi's best-selling vehicle in North America — each year. Half of these American-made 2013 Outlander Sport units are destined to be exported to various markets outside of North America.

Having successfully launched just two years ago, the 2013 Outlander Sport receives numerous design and feature upgrades including a sleek new look thanks to a redesigned front fascia, grille and bumper and a two-tone rear bumper design; black-colored side sills; 18-inch alloy wheels now standard on all trim levels; new interior accents and fabric; a revised rear suspension for improved handling and ride comfort; and a recalibrated continuously-variable transmission (CVT) for better acceleration performance and smoother shifting feel.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact crossover was named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).