In a remarkable bit of candor, a Mitsubishi executive
stated the other day that if the upcoming all-new Lancer and Outlander are not successful, Mitsubishi may withdraw from the US. The report first surfaced in Automotive News
, and in a bit of damage control, Mitsubishi has strongly denying any intentions of pulling out of this market. Ya gotta wonder though... The only Mitsubishi that has had any sort of success here in recent years is the EVO, which is a hard-core rally-bred street brawler; not exactly a volume seller, that will pull Mitsu out of the red...
billt9 says:
12:33 AM, 06/ 2/06
I wonder how Mitsubishi dealers managed to stay open these last few years. Ah, the mysteries of life.
kurtamaxxxguy says:
12:51 PM, 06/ 2/06
Would it work for Mitsubishi to become like Morgan, or other niche car builders? I.e., Offer only a very limited number of dealers, and products, that service only the performance / enthusasist / racing market?
There are supposedly 11 - 12 million enthusasists in the USA. If only 1% of that market bought the EVO, that is still a healthy hunk of sales.
Also, if Mitsubishi became this niche provider, would there be ways for them to circumvent the federal crash and emission laws? That would let them avoid the huge EPA certification fees now required.
ateixeira says:
02:06 PM, 06/ 2/06
They'll need luck.
The new EVO X looks great, but they need for the Lancer to be a hit, and that segment looks pretty tough.
The new Outlander has a paddle-shift 6 speed auto, but it'll have to battle a very successful RAV4 and the new Santa Fe 3-row sport/cutes.
They'll hold their own, but I don't see them having a "hit", like Mitsu execs want. That's not gonna happen.
kurtamaxxxguy says:
11:32 AM, 06/ 4/06
ARGGGHHH..... I meant Noble, not Morgan.
bt1205 says:
05:59 PM, 06/ 4/06
If Mitsu bows out of the U.S. market, are they still obligated to support their 10-yr warantee programs?
shiftright1 says:
08:58 AM, 08/ 3/06
I have been keeping an eye on the Evo X, BUT after hearing about these statements from Mitsu executives that they are not very sure about keeping their US presence, I think I will keep away. Too many other tempting new cars coming up to waste one's time and money at a car company that does not know if it is here for good.