Looking to gain an early lead in the emission-free vehicle market, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. Friday launched a compact, four-door electric car that it will market in Japan to corporate customers starting in late July. The lithium-ion battery-powered i-MiEV, which can travel 160 kilometers on a single charge, is the first step into the eco-friendly car market by the small Tokyo-based auto maker better known for its brawny SUVs like the Pajero. By bringing its electric car to market this year, Mitsubishi is hoping to gain a lead over Nissan Motor Co., Japan's third-largest auto maker by sales units, which plans to sell its own electric vehicle starting in 2010. But sales volume will be small. Mitsubishi expects to sell 1,400vehi