Mitsubishi Motors Corp's engine joint venture in China has recently rolled out its first batch of 4A9 Mitsubishi engines at Hunnan plant in Shengyang, Northeast China's Liaoning province.

Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi Motors Engine Manufacturing Co (SAME) said initial production of this engine type is set to reach 100,000 units per year, with the number to be raised further later on.

The Mitsubishi 4A9 engine is the newest family range of all-alloy inline four cylinder engines from Mitsubishi Motors and are equipped on Mitsubishi Colt supermini and Lancer for sale in Europe, Japan and other Asia markets.

SAME signed a technology transfer agreement for the introduction of 4A9 engines back in March 2007. Besides SAME, 4A9 engines are also built by DaimlerChrysler-owned MDC Power in Germany.

Established in August 1997, SAME was jointly founded by Mitsubishi Motors Corp (25%), China Aerospace Automotive Industry Group Corp (30%) and three other partners. The company has a registered capital of 740 million yuan and an engine capacity of 300,000 units per year.