Abstract: A heat pump type air conditioner for an automotive vehicle has a compressor to which an outer heat exchanger and a first inner heat exchanger are connected through a three-way valve. The outer heat exchanger is connected at its refrigerant outlet to the first inner heat exchanger through one-way valve. The refrigerant outlet of the first inner heat exchanger is connected to a second inner heat exchanger through an expansion valve. The refrigerant outlet of the second inner heat exchanger is connected to the compressor. The second and first inner heat exchangers are disposed in turn downstream of a blower for generating an air flow for air-conditioning a passenger compartment of the vehicle. During a cooling drive the three-way valve is set to lead the refrigerant from the compressor to the outer heat exchanger. During a heating drive the three-way valve is set to direct the refrigerant from the compressor to the first inner heat exchanger while bypassing the outer heat exchanger.