5 Classic Nameplates That Mitsubishi Could Use for Its New Vehicles
As Mitsubishi looks to add new vehicles to its growing lineup, it could utilize these classic vehicle names for a bit of a nostalgic boost
Photo: Mitsubishi
In recent years, Mitsubishi has introduced a number of new models as its U.S. sales have started to climb upwards. Rather than develop new monikers for these Mitsubishi vehicles, Mitsubishi has looked to its past for inspiration.
The latest addition to the Mitsubishi lineup, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, already draws on the legacy of the classic Eclipse sports car. As Mitsubishi plans to introduce even more models to its growing lineup, it could utilize one or more of these classic Mitsubishi nameplates.
What’s in A Name?: Mitsubishi model names across countries
Mitsubishi Lancer
The Lancer was the latest Mitsubishi model to exit the automotive market, with production officially coming to an end back in August of 2017. Still, it wasn’t long after production of the Eclipse ended that Mitsubishi revived the nameplate.
Mitsubishi may end up naming one of their crossover models after the Lancer. On the other hand, if Mitsubishi wants to enter the compact sedan segment again, then the Lancer namesake is the perfect moniker to go with.
Mitsubishi Galant
The Mitsubishi Galant was another classic sedan in the Mitsubishi lineup. With a name meaning “chivalrous” in French, the Galant’s luxurious design matched its namesake.
Mitsubishi could always benefit from a luxury addition to its lineup in order to turn more of a pure profit. The Galant name would be appropriate for such a vehicle.
Mitsubishi Montero
The Mitsubishi Montero still exists in markets all across the globe. In these markets, however, it’s not always called the Montero.
In Japan, it is named the Pajero, while it is called the Shogun in the U.K. Any of these nameplates would be perfect for a new crossover or SUV in the Mitsubishi lineup.
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Mitsubishi Starion
If Mitsubishi wants to get really nostalgic, it could always look to the Mitsubishi Starion nameplate. The Starion was sold in the 1980s and early 1990s, an era that is more popular than ever now.
The “Starion” name was a corruption of the “Star of Arion,” with Arion being a mythical Greek horse. While this name was originally intended to allude to the incredible horsepower and a grand tourer like the Starion could produce, it could also reflect the horsepower that Mitsubishi’s SUVs generate.
Mitsubishi Raider
Mitsubishi’s Raider pickup truck didn’t last long in its lineup. The pickup was only sold between 2005 and 2010.
Yet, with rumors of a Mitsubishi pickup truck on the way, now would be the perfect time to reintroduce the Raider name to Mitsubishi’s portfolio.
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As Mitsubishi is currently set to introduce a number of new models in the upcoming years, we are likely to hear all about the new Mitsubishi nameplates in the next few months. Time will tell if Mitsubishi decides to utilize these nostalgic titles for its vehicles.
Zachary Berry currently resides in the Dayton, Ohio area. However, he enjoys traveling from place to place, as he was born in Oklahoma City and has also lived in Albuquerque and Orlando (such is the life of a military brat). Zachary graduated from Ohio University with a major in Strategic Communication, which is fancy talk for advertising and public relations. Beginning his career at The News Wheel as a lowly intern, he was able to climb his way to the top, eventually claiming his place within the last cubicle on the left. Other jobs that Zachary has held include driving around a safari truck at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. When he’s not putting his nose to the grindstone, Zachary enjoys watching and critiquing movies and television. See more articles by Zachary.