Mitsubishi Confirms Crossover and SUV-Focused Future
Mitsubishi will focus on producing more crossovers and SUVs like the brand’s popular Outlander model
For a while now, Mitsubishi has been hinting at its plan to offer mainly crossovers and SUVs in the US market. Now, the Japanese carmaker has officially confirmed this new direction. In a recent interview with Automotive News, Mitsubishi Motors CEO Osamu Masuko outlined the brand’s future in America—and I have to say, it’s looking mighty bright.
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From now on, Mitsubishi will focus on building its American lineup, strengthening the brand as it rebounds in popularity. And Mitsubishi believes the best way to do this is with a large vehicle-heavy lineup. This shift is set to begin within the next five years, as the carmaker introduces three electrified crossovers in the US.
The first addition to Mitsubishi’s lineup will be a coupe-styled crossover that will arrive in the fall of 2017. This will be followed by the debut of a redesigned Outlander sometime after 2017, then the next-generation Outlander Sport, which will arrive in 2019.
In the middle of next year, the US market will also get the much anticipated—and much delayed—Outlander PHEV after what seems like years of waiting.
It’s Electric: Check out the official Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV debut
Sadly, while the brand’s new direction just might be what it needs to gain more popularity in the US, it also means that there will be no replacement for the Lancer sedan. There will also be no dedicated electric vehicle to replace the subcompact i-MiEV.
Along with focusing more on crossovers and SUVs, Mitsubishi Motors America is also planning on bolstering its regulatory listening post in Washington, DC, and opening a new advanced technology office in Silicon Valley.
News Source: Automotive News
A born-and-raised Jersey girl, Caitlin Moran has somehow found herself settled in Edinburgh, Scotland. When she’s not spending her days trying to remember which side of the road to drive on, Caitlin enjoys getting down and nerdy with English. She continues to combine her love of writing with her love of cars for The News Wheel, while also learning more about the European car market—including the fact that the Seat brand is pronounced “se-at” not “seat” as you might think. See more articles by Caitlin.