Added on May 28, 2019  The News Wheel  Mitsubishi

Incoming Mitsubishi CEO Dismisses Rumors of a Departure from the U.S. Market

Takao Kato has confirmed that Mitsubishi will stay committed to selling cars in the United States

Mitsubishi recently announced that Osamu Masuko would step down as the company’s CEO later this year, with Takao Kato serving as his replacement. Many wondered what effect this leadership change might have on Mitsubishi’s U.S. operations. Some even feared that Mitsubishi would leave the American market entirely.

Kato recently dismissed such rumors, stating that Mitsubishi has every intention of staying in the U.S. market.

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During a press conference held earlier this month, Kato had this to say:

“Sales are being continued. North America is one of the biggest markets. Therefore, exiting from the sales market would probably not be an option.”

Still, Kato’s words suggest that the sales strategy for the U.S. market may indeed change. Mitsubishi will focus on a “small but beautiful” strategy that will steadily increase profits. This will involve reworking Mitsubishi’s current lineup of cars.

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Part of that strategy could involve bringing a Mitsubishi pickup truck back to the United States. Recent rumors suggest that the platform for this pickup truck could be developed with help from Nissan and Renault, both automakers that Mitsubishi is partnered with.

Kato most recently served as the president of Mitsubishi’s operations in Indonesia. Indonesia happens to be one of Mitsubishi’s most lucrative markets.

Kato is expected to release a mid-term business plan for Mitsubishi’s operations moving forward before the end of the fiscal year in April of 2020. This plan will likely shed some light on how Mitsubishi will operate under the guidance and leadership of its newest chief executive officer.

News Sources: Motor1