Mitsubishi Auto Leasing developed MAL mobi, a unique smartphone app for managing vehicle fleets, and started offering it on the market in February 2025. The app provides solutions to various challenges encountered in corporate fleet management. We interviewed Yutaka Ishigahara and Yohei Inaba, who are both members of the company’s Sales Strategy and Solution Development Department, to explore their behind-the-scenes aspirations.

“We regard MAL mobi as a key interface through which Mitsubishi Auto Leasing delivers diverse mobility services to its customers. We were therefore determined to ensure that the MAL mobi service benefits both customers and society at large,” recalls Mr. Ishigahara, leader of the development project team.

Determined to promptly develop the app in anticipation of future digitalization, the project team completed development within two years of initial planning. MAL mobi enables its users to perform troublesome tasks such as reserving a vehicle, checking alcohol levels, and recording routine inspections and daily operation logs via a smartphone instead of on paper or across multiple data files.

Mr. Inaba kept the user’s viewpoint in mind throughout the development of the app. When faced with unexpected needs, such as adding unplanned functions, he devoted his energy to making adjustments with partner companies. Along with all the other project members, he overcame difficulties by thoroughly considering what constitutes optimal service for customers.

Mr. Inaba explained, “We had several development partners involved in the MAL mobi project. Some of them were located far away, so we held a series of remote meetings to develop the app. Although working mainly online was a new experience for us, remote meetings greatly helped us achieve smooth and seamless communication with multiple partners. This was a groundbreaking experience for both me and the company.”

MAL mobi embodies the project team’s commitment to customers and society. Its users simply need to follow instructions as they appear on the screen. The user-friendly procedure has been well-received. The operation status entered into the MAL mobi app is synchronized with MAL portal, a web service provided by Mitsubishi Auto Leasing for vehicle fleet managers. This enhances their efficiency and visualizes vehicle operation status.

Furthermore, MAL mobi features a digital key, which no other auto leasing companies offer on their fleet management apps. The digital key allows users to lock and unlock car keys through the app. Using the digital key with the app’s reservation function eliminates the hassle of handing over physical keys. In addition, digital keys facilitate sharing of auto fleets across multiple departments, which reduces the number of vehicles required and lowers costs. This is a distinctly unique feature of MAL mobi.

The digital key can also be connected to alcohol detectors to prevent the car key from being unlocked when the alcohol level exceeds the limit. This helps to deter driving under the influence. The alcohol test results registered in MAL mobi are automatically recorded in MAL portal, contributing significantly to strengthening compliance.

“As the Mitsubishi Group’s leading auto leasing company, we handle vehicle fleet management for many Group companies. All vehicles leased under our company’s contracts are automatically registered in the MAL mobi system. This means clients don’t need to update their vehicle information, which enables them to use the app without hassle. This is a major benefit for everyone in the Mitsubishi Group,” said Mr. Ishigahara.

Approximately nine months have passed since the launch of MAL mobi. During the initial development phase, the project team assumed that the app would be used primarily by existing Mitsubishi Auto Leasing customers. In reality, however, it was through the app that many of its users actually learned about the company, with some of them subsequently signing their first lease contract. This was a pleasant surprise that exceeded expectations. The data entered into MAL mobi also creates new business opportunities for the company, such as suggesting new services to users based on their usage status.
“MAL mobi has strong potential to help customers resolve their issues through data utilization. We have high hopes that it will become a key tool for driving the digital transformation (DX) strategy of Mitsubishi Auto Leasing,” Mr. Ishigahara added.

“I recommend MAL mobi to all vehicle fleet managers and drivers alike. I’m confident that once they use it, they will realize how convenient the app is,” said Mr. Inaba.

Mr. Ishigahara added, “We take pride in being the leading auto leasing company in the Mitsubishi Group. If you are experiencing any issues concerning mobility, please rely on the expertise of our company. We will strive to help customers resolve their challenges by providing them with a wide range of solutions, including MAL mobi and MAL portal.”

Users of the MAL mobi app have expressed their expectations for new functions to be added. The project team will continue to update the app to make it even more user-friendly and convenient, while also taking into account legislative amendments that aim for stricter penalties.