Mitsubishi to make a comeback with new cars?
Mitsubishi, a brand once known for its cars like Lancer, Cedia and Pajero in the country, is now just limited to after-sales services here, with its entire lineup dried. However, the presence of after-sales service centres to date might be an indication of something positive for the brand as well as customers. In this article, we will look at Mitsubishi as a brand & its current position in the global market and if the brand is planning a comeback in the country. Let’s go.
Mitsubishi’s global position
Mitsubishi in the global markets was known for its powerful fun-to-drive cars like the Eclipse & the Lancer Evo. However, the brand after seeing losses in its automobile business decided to go with the regular cars which include compact cars, light cars, minivans, SUVs and even hybrids. As of now, the brand is planning updates for some of its existing models in the global lineup. This strategy has worked in bringing sales back up for Mitsubishi.
Ralliart revival plans
Ralliart, Mitsubishi’s performance division was shut down back in 2010. Ralliart basically dealt with the development and preparation of the brand’s cars for Rally Racing. It was also involved with the development of high-performance models for Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi earned quite a name for itself in the World Rally Championship (WRC) space. The Lancer Evo brought 4 consecutive WRC titles for the Japanese brand. It also brought 12 victories in the Dakar Rally. However, over the years, financial losses in the company took the best of Ralliart and it had to be shut as mentioned above. With the latest news flowing in, the brand is reviving the iconic Ralliart sub-brand. The revival plan will include custom-made Ralliart accessories for their current lineup. These could include styling kits, spoilers, mud flaps and other such additions. We also expect the brand to get back into the tuning space and bring something in that direction for the enthusiasts. Also, the brand will re-enter the motorsport space around the world. Mitsubishi will mostly bring its Triton in the Ralliart avatar the first. We hope to see Mitsubishi back in action soon.
Mitsubishi comeback plans for India
In India, Mitsubishi is tied via a JV with Hindustan Motor Finance Corporation Limited (HMFCL). It was a result of this JV that the Pajero, Lancer & other cars were brought to India by HMFCL in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors, Japan. Last year, the news that HMFCL is looking for a partner to tie up with in order to give away the control of Mitsubishi emerged. It was even brought to light that HMFCL was in talks with a Jamshedpur-based component supplier. However, if the latest news is to be believed, the tie-up plan has been called off. This leaves Mitsubishi at the same place from where it had started towards a positive future. However, Mitsubishi has a different take on the whole scenario. The brand is apparently working on some BS6 models for the country, the plans for which have been delayed due to the ongoing pandemic. Only time will tell if the BS6 models being worked on will ever make it to the country to start the brand’s second inning here.
This was our information on Mitsubishi comeback. Join our new WhatsApp update list by clicking here. For more such content stay subscribed to the Motoroctane Youtube, Google NEWS, Facebook and Twitter. We also have a paid car consultancy service for all your doubts – Know more before one of your largest investment.
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