Mitsubishi not only lacks seriousness in the Indian market but also globally where it is on an axing spree of its popular models like the Lancer, Evolution and Pajero/Montero.
When it comes to off-roading, there are few well established vehicles where customers wouldn’t even give a second thought before buying them, and a vehicle which fits in this category is a renowned SUV from ‘The land of the rising sun’, the Mitsubishi Pajero. The Pajero was introduced to the world 34 years ago and is now set to join the ‘Hall of Fame’. It is now official that Pajero is completing its life cycle and the production of this legendary vehicle will soon come to a dead end.
Recently in an interview, the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, Osamu Masuko, said that the Pajero (known as Montero in the US) was not going to make a comeback, the vehicle was discontinued a decade ago. When asked the reason for taking that decision, he said that fuel consumption for a full-sized 4X4 was not the American cup of tea anymore. He also confirmed that his firm will eventually be pulling the plug off the Pajero/Montero in all markets as there is no successor planned. The current model is in its fourth generation and was launched 9 years back.
“We are strong in SUVs and four-wheel drives. And that is what we would like to focus on as core models in the US market. We have changed direction. We are going to allocate more resources to the areas where we are strong in the US.” said Masuko.
Mitsubishi will now be developing keeping American market focused vehicles in mind. For that they have already planned to deploy a team in the USA, which will closely work with the American regulators for emissions, especially California which has one of the toughest norms on this planet.
Mr. Makuso further added that Mitsubishi will now launch plug-in hybrid SUVs which includes a new Outlander PHEV and a coupe-styled crossover which would probably replace the Lancer. With this move the Lancer will also be discontinued and so will be the Galant. Currently Mitsubishi is selling only one model in India which is the Pajero Sport.
