Autoblog

Japanese government chides Mitsubishi over recall delays

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Japan, Recalls, Mitsubishi

An official with the transport ministry in Japan has some stern words for Mitsubishi, taking the carmaker to task for not being more proactive and honest about its recalls. An investigation into The Tri-Star last December found Mitsubishi was tardy investigating problems and didn't explain itself forthrightly to the transport ministry about the issues. None of Mitsubishi's actions were illegal, and we should stress that this is a dialogue with Mitsubishi in Japan, not Mitsubishi Motors North America.

The official advised the automaker to, "Come up with plans for improvement, implement them and report them to the ministry." It looks like the company will get more practice than it wants in that department, having to announce another recall for the Outlander PHEV over software and hardware glitches. Those recalls come just after Mitsu finally figured out the problem with overheating lithium-ion batteries that caused a production halt of the plug-in hybrid SUV.

Japanese government chides Mitsubishi over recall delays originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi prices 2014 Outlander from $22,995*

Zach Bowman — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi will gladly sell you a 2014 Outlander ES for $22,995, excluding an $835 destination fee. Buyers can step up to the middle-tier Outlander SE for $23,795, or around $200 less than last year. That stack of cash will net you 18-inch aluminum wheels, a 6.1-inch LCD information display, dual-zone climate control and other goodies. Somewhat more impressively, Mitsubishi has cut the price tag for the Outlander GT by $800. That machine will run you $27,795, and throws in a more potent V6 engine, the company's Super All-Wheel Control system and HID headlamps.

The 2014 Outlander bows with an all-new exterior design, and base models receive a 166-horsepowr 2.4-liter four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. That driveline is good for 24 miles per gallon city and 29 mpg highway. Check out the full pricing press release below and our own Jonathon Ramsey's first drive here.

Continue reading Mitsubishi prices 2014 Outlander from $22,995*

Mitsubishi prices 2014 Outlander from $22,995* originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi leaving US? No, it's doubling its marketing budget

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Mitsubishi, Earnings/Financials

We rarely hear any major news coming out of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) annual meeting in Orlando, FL, but Mitsubishi executives found this a fitting place to announce a big push for increased advertising here in the US. A report in Automotive News states that the struggling Japanese automaker is returning to advertising in prime time television for the first time since 2005, with the push slated to begin in June and July for the launch of the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander shown above.

Despite dwindling sales and a shrinking lineup, Mitsubishi's new North American chairman, Gayu Uesugi, has said on multiple occasions that the automaker has no plans to abandon the US market. Spending extra money on marketing and advertising should be a good start to help improve sales, but a lack of fresh and competitive products is also keeping showrooms empty. Aside from the new Outlander, the AN report says that Mitsubishi spokesman Roger Yasukawa said that a "yet-to-be-named subcompact" will arrive this year, which suggests the unnamed hatchback shown below (known elsewhere as the Mirage), could be heading to the US after its North American introduction at the Montreal Auto Show last month.

Mitsubishi leaving US? No, it's doubling its marketing budget originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Mitsubishi Outlander GT

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mitsubishi, Quick Spins

I'm not a gambling man, but if there were a pool for an automotive death watch, my money would be on Mitsubishi... Lincoln is a close second. To understand the plight of Mitsubishi, you only have to look at its current lineup; they all just look, feel and drive about 10 years older than they really are. With the departure of the Endeavor and merciful killing of the Eclipse (the Galant lives on, but is on hiatus for the 2013 model year), one of the worst remaining offenders is the Mitsubishi Outlander, which I recently drove in top-level GT trim for this Quick Spin.

If we had a time machine and took the 2013 Outlander GT back to 1998, it would be revolutionary. If we could take it back to 2004, it might be near the top of its class. But in the current highly competitive crossover segment of today, the Outlander just falls short. Yes, the all-new 2014 Outlander is on its way later this year, but from what we've seen both inside and out, the new design would look great in 2008. That being said, spending a week with any vehicle can point out surprising highs as well as lows, and there are still plenty of reasons to enjoy Mitsu's midsize CUV.

Driving Notes

Unfortunately, I have to kick off my driving impressions on a negative note. There are few utility vehicles on the market that make the third row an enviable seating position, but the Outlander GT's rear-most seat is downright insulting. Not only is this the worst third-row seat currently on the market, it could very well be the worst ever created - that includes the uncomfortable rear-facing third row of a certain 1977 Impala station wagon I was relegated to as a kid during family road trips. The operation is clunky, the padding is lacking and the snap-on headrests are as tall as the seat back itself.
On the opposite end of the scale, the best part about the Outlander GT is its drivetrain and platform. Replacing the base four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission, the GT trim level brings a well-aged 3.0-liter V6 paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Since it shares its underpinnings with the Mitsubishi Lancer, the Outlander also has a pretty good ride quality in just about any road condition.
My tester was equipped with Mitsubishi's dynamic Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) sending the engine's 230 horsepower to all four wheels, improving traction or performance depending on which driver-selectable mode has been chosen (Tarmac or Snow), and there is also an active front differential that that splits engine torque across the front axle or fully locks (in Lock setting) for better off-road performance. I didn't have the chance to do any serious off roading in Outlander, but I was able to test out the S-AWC along sandy, gravelly roads, which the Outlander handled like a champ.
Thanks to a 2010 styling refresh, the Outlander is one of the better-looking budget crossovers on the market. With its gaping grille and angular HID headlights, the Outlander GT has a pretty imposing face, and the clear-lensed LED taillights are also a stylish touch to the overall look of the Outlander. While this tester's dark blue color didn't do its lines any favors, it's is still a reasonably handsome midsize CUV.
Try as it may to look like the Lancer Evolution, the Outlander does not live up to its "GT" trim. Its car-based platform and raised stance just make it feel like a tall car rather than a sporty crossover. I didn't have the time to put the performance aspect of S-AWC to the test, but you can tell that the Outlander is designed to be the budget-minded crossover in its segment rather than performance-minded. Speaking of budgets, the Outlander GT's fuel economy rating of 19 miles per gallon city and 25 mpg highway is about par for V6-powered vehicles in this segment, but it also requires premium gasoline.
Aside from the after-thought of a third-row seat, the rest of the Outlander's interior isn't all that bad. Front occupants can enjoy heated seats (with the button buried between the seat and the center console) and Mitsubishi's easy-to-use Fuse hands-free system as standard equipment. Even the middle row provides a surprising level of comfort with a 60/40 split seat that can slide and recline allowing ample legroom and space for the unfortunate passengers in the way back. Another quirky benefit of the Outlander is the fold down tailgate that sits flat with the cargo floor making it easier to load and unload bulky items.
Then there's the matter of price. Even though the Outlander starts at a reasonable $22,695, this GT tester came practically fully loaded with a $2,500 Touring Package and a $2,000 Navigation Package, which boosted the as-tested price to $33,920. You can get a lot more utility from a more stable brand for that much or lower.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Mitsubishi Outlander unveiled with new look, standard seating for seven

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi

The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander wears the new face previewed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, and adds a host of features on top of its seven standard chairs. Ditching the shark-nosed Lancer-inspired front has reduced drag, increased use of high-tensile steel means a 200-pound weight loss and the reworked 2.4-liter four-cylinder paired a CVT will all result in what Mitsubishi says is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the seven-passenger segment. Looks-wise, around the rest of the vehicle come sharper sculpting and more character lines.

Reaching higher inside, the IP is now soft-touch, and a heavily restyled interior with woodgrain accents is more somber, but more elegant. Mod-cons have gone up a step, too: the 2014 Outlander getting a next-generation nav system, a power tailgate that can be opened from the driver's seat and safety tech like Lane Departure Warning.

There's a press release below with more info, and high-res shots from the LA Auto Show floor above.

Continue reading 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander unveiled with new look, standard seating for seven

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander unveiled with new look, standard seating for seven originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi previews 2014 Outlander and 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi

We've seen the new Mitsubishi Outlander in European form a few times already, but the 'ute has yet to make its roaring debut in the States. That's soon to be rectified, as Mitsubishi has formally announced plans to show the US-sped 2014 Outlander at the upcoming LA Auto Show.

Mitsubishi promises that the 2014 Outlander will be "among the most fuel-efficient compact [crossovers] with seven-passenger seating as standard." In addition to its new aerodynamic bodywork, the 2014 Outlander will bring with it advanced tech like Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control, each with its own fancy sounding acronym.

Also on display will be a new Limited Edition of the 2013 Outlander Sport. Said to commemorate the brand's 30 years in America, the LE will boast blacked-out side mirrors, center bumper (whatever that means...), wheel arches and roof rails. Other tweaks include dark-chrome alloy wheels and the necessary badging. Interestinglu, Mitsubishi says it has fitted a new balance shaft to make the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine a smoother operator.

Have a look at the darkened teaser of the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander above (note: we lightened the image a bit to bring out some detail, click on the image to see the original in high-res), and feel free to peruse the press release below for more.

Continue reading Mitsubishi previews 2014 Outlander and 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition

Mitsubishi previews 2014 Outlander and 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi boss confirms new Mirage for US; i EV enduring dismal sales

Chris Tutor — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hybrid, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Electric

By March, Mitsubishi expects to have sold just 55,000 cars in the US this fiscal year. That's a tiny sum - by comparison, Honda has sold over 276,000 Civic models thus far this year - and that's just one vehicle, not an entire brand. Mitsubishi president Osamu Masuko recognizes this is not a tenable position, and he's hoping the company will shift 80,000 units next fiscal year. Warding off speculation, Masuko has repeatedly stated that his company will not retreat from the US market like competitor Suzuki.

We reported on one part of Masuko's plan, the updated Outlander, and now he has confirmed that the small Mirage will be sold in the US beginning next September. The cut-price hatchback is selling well enough that Mitsu's Thailand plant is at its full capacity of 150,000 cars. "And even at that level it's not keeping up with orders," Masuko tells Automotive News. Masuko went on to say the plant would be expanded next year to handle an extra 50,000 units. We can also expect the Outlander plug-in early 2014.

The company's Normal, Illinois, plant will also get an expansion to increase output of the Outlander Sport crossover. That facility will go from 50,000 a year to 70,000. Much of the additional production will be exported from the US to Russia, Latin America and the Middle East.

In other news, Masuko admits the company's bubble-shaped i electric subcompact is selling far more poorly than expected. At one time, the company had optimistically planned on 20,000 sales a year of it little EV, but thus far, Mitsu has only shifted 469 units through October. Because of that, don't expect to see the electric Mirage any time soon. In fact, Automotive News reports that the company plans to move away from pure electric vehicles and focus on hybrids and plug-in hybrids for the US market.

Mitsubishi boss confirms new Mirage for US; i EV enduring dismal sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is world's first production plug-in hybrid CUV [w/video]

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi, Electric

Though Mitsubishi first showed us the form of its 2013 Outlander in Geneva a while back, the company saved its plug-in hybrid crossover for this week's Paris Motor Show soiree.

Mitsubishi is quite proud to offer what it says is the world's first production PHEV utility vehicle, a new model that makes use of established technologies within the company. Learnings from the company's i-MiEV electric car have worked there way into a vehicle that can travel up to 55 kilometers (34 miles) on lithium-ion battery power. Two electric motors independently power the front and rear wheels of the Outlander, while the gasoline-powered engine can be used as a generator for the motors, or to power the vehicle directly. The target combined fuel economy for the Outlander PHEV is 61 km/liter, or roughly 143 miles per gallon.

The Outlander PHEV will be introduced in the Japanese market in the first part of 2013, with European and North American markets to follow on. There is no word about an on-sale date, but while you're pondering the possibilities, check out an official video by scrolling down and peruse our high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is world's first production plug-in hybrid CUV [w/video]

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is world's first production plug-in hybrid CUV [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi drops details on plug-in hybrid Outlander

George Kennedy — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Japan, Technology, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi, Electric

Another entrant in the Paris Motor Show has been revealed, as Mitsubishi has announced that it will unveil a plug-in hybrid version of its updated Outlander SUV. According to Mitsubishi, this is the first ever plug-in hybrid SUV and will join a freshened version of the ASX crossover (Outlander Sport over here), and the i-MiEV Evolution electric racecar which competed in the 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb.

Mitsubishi is apparently into that whole multi-dimensional theory, because it describes the Outlander PHEV as "The best of three worlds: The environmental performance of an electric vehicle (EV), the cursing range of a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and the on- and off-road performance of an SUV."

Though few will venture the Outlander off the smooth tarmac, it would be very interesting to experience the driving characteristics of the Outlander PHEV in electric mode off the beaten path.

According to Mitsubishi, the powertrain can run in full EV mode, series hybrid mode or parallel hybrid mode. There is no mention of pricing, and although it is set to hit the Japanese market in early 2013, there is no word as to whether this plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander will reach our shores. To read more on this PHEV CUV, click though to the press release.

Continue reading Mitsubishi drops details on plug-in hybrid Outlander

Mitsubishi drops details on plug-in hybrid Outlander originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi Australia CEO: "I don't know why people buy a Mitsubishi"

George Kennedy — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Mitsubishi, Australia

While we appreciate candor among executives, it is generally unwise for the CEO of any company to slight their own brand - even if they really dislike their product. Mutsuhiro Oshikiri may not have gotten the memo.

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, the new CEO of Mitsubishi Australia isn't mincing words, saying "the product is too old...the prices are too high." Oshikiri took over the Australian branch of the Japanese automaker just ten weeks ago, and says the brand needs to be updating its product portfolio more quickly.

"I don't know why people buy a Mitsubishi...What is the benefit?...I have to find out."

The comments are more introspective to the brand than outright defamation, but that doesn't mean that Oshikiri's comments aren't making waves.

Struggling Mitsubishi is set to roll out three new models in the Australian market shortly, including a new Outlander and a revival of its low-cost Mirage subcompact (above). The next question Oshikiri may be asking is, "Will it be enough to make the brand relevant?" Only time will tell.

Mitsubishi Australia CEO: "I don't know why people buy a Mitsubishi" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi promises Outlander plug-in hybrid for Paris *UPDATE

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi, Electric

We've been waiting since the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show - when Mitsubishi first talked about the PX-MiEV, a plug-in CUV concept - for some sort of real-world plug-in Outlander. It looks like we're finally going to get our wish during the 2012 Paris Motor Show this fall. Today, Mitsubishi released the not-very-revealing teaser image you see above, and it says the plug-in Outlander will "share its architecture with the soon-to-be-introduced New Outlander's ICE versions." Mitsubishi also claims the Outlander will "be the first permanent 4WD electric car in series production."

The New Outlander PHEV will have three drive modes, all of which are 4WD: Pure (all-electric drive), Series (electric drive, supported by the gas generator) and Parallel (ICE engine supported by Twin Motor 4WD). Mitsubishi says the New Outlander PHEV will have a total driving range of 800 km (497 miles) and emit fewer than 50 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

As previously noted, the PHEV version of the Outlander should arrive in the spring of 2013. Given the coming pack of plug-in crossovers (see: Tesla Model X, Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid, Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Amp's offerings), if Mitsubishi can get the cost comparatively low, the way the i is compared to the Nissan Leaf, without making it quite as spartan, this thing could carve out a niche for itself. For the moment, though, it sounds like Mitsubishi is only going to sell the new Outlander PHEV in Europe.

*UPDATE: As DaveMart points out in the comments on AutoblogGreen, Mitsubishi reps have told Inside Line that the plug-in Outlander will come to the U.S. in late 2013 or early 2014.

Continue reading Mitsubishi promises Outlander plug-in hybrid for Paris *UPDATE

Mitsubishi promises Outlander plug-in hybrid for Paris *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Made in America: 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Not every reveal at the 2012 New York Auto Show was as exciting as the SRT Viper. As evidence, we present the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The compact crossover joins the Honda Crosstour and Toyota Venza in the "subtle change, seemingly just for change's sake" category at the show.

Mitsubishi has endowed its bestseller with a modestly revised front fascia, while giving it a new rear bumper, black side sills and standard 18-inch wheels. Inside, some new fabrics and chrome are on display. More importantly, the 2013 Outlander Sport does boast some mechanical changes in the form of revised rear suspension tuning and a recalibrated CVT. Some new exterior colors round out the package.

The biggest news regarding the Outlander Sport, however, is that production will be shifted to the U.S. in July, but we already knew that.

Be sure to check out our gallery of high-res images of the refresh, and skip past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading Made in America: 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Made in America: 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport grabs IIHS Top Safety Pick

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Safety, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi may be one of the smallest auto manufacturers, but it's on its game when it comes to safety. The Outlander Sport compact crossover joins Mitsubishi's Lancer on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety list of Top Safety Picks.

The designation applies only to 2012 models, as Mitsubishi made changes to the roof design this year that helped the Outlander Sport score a "Good" rating on the roof strength test. It also earned "Good" marks on frontal offset and side impact tests, and with standard stability control it met all the criteria for the IIHS award.

See below for the full press release.

Continue reading 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport grabs IIHS Top Safety Pick

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport grabs IIHS Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Mitsubishi Outlander lets it all hang out

Chris Paukert — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 04:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi, Design/Style, Diesel

Despite staying rather quiet last year product-wise, Mitsubishi actually enjoyed a very strong sales comeback, led by its new Outlander Sport compact crossover. That crossover's larger cousin, the Outlander, has remained largely under the radar for most consumers, with a modest 2010 facelift eking out a bit of sales life for a model that has been making the rounds since 2006. That will change in 2013 with the introduction of this new Outlander, which moves away from the single-frame grille in favor of a more horizontally oriented look.

It isn't immediately clear to what extent the Outlander is all-new, as the vehicle appears to have some unusually large overhang that suggests a revision of an older chassis, but we understand that this is a new architecture underneath. Offering a size that's similar to the outgoing model, the Outlander will continue to offer both five- and seven-seat configurations, with the third row reserved for small children. In addition to a range of gas and diesel models available in various markets paired with a new six-speed automatic or manual gearbox, a plug-in hybrid variant is in the cards as early as later this year.

For more, see our gallery of live shots and the official press release after the jump.

Continue reading 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander lets it all hang out

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander lets it all hang out originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Mitsubishi Outlander revealed, will debut in Geneva

Alex Nunez — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Remember when we said that the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II (worst name ever) shown in Tokyo was basically the next Mitsubishi Outlander? We weren't lying. The 2013 Outlander will debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show, and Mitsubishi has released the first photo of the new crossover. What's more, the fancy PX-MiEV II concept apparently wasn't a vaporware showcase; Mitsubishi says that a plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander will join the roster later in 2012.

The Euro-spec Outlander launches this summer with 2.0-liter gas and 2.2-liter turbodiesel power, three seating rows, and an eco-driving coach feature designed to help drivers eke out the best possible fuel economy. Furthermore, the diesel version will offer an automatic start-stop feature to help maximize efficiency and minimize emissions.

Available driver aids include Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control systems. There's not much else to tell right now, other than that Russia gets the new Outlander first, followed by a global rollout that includes North America. Follow the jump to read the press release, and click the image above to see a larger version.

Continue reading 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander revealed, will debut in Geneva

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander revealed, will debut in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi ceases production in Western Europe

Dan Roth — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Mitsubishi

The problems for Mitsubishi and its Dutch factory, NedCar, began with that common bogeyman, the Smart ForFour. At the end of ForFour production, there was no vehicle in the pipeline for Mitsubishi or then-partner DaimlerChrysler that could be built in the Dutch factory and put its 180,000 cars-per-year capacity to use. Now that the European economy is teetering on the edge of implosion, Mitsubishi is pulling its Colt and Outlander models from Born and putting the plant up for sale. The latest production figures report that NedCar is building just 50,000 cars per year, and since Mitsubishi has a factory under construction in Thailand, located closer to more robust emerging markets, it makes more sense to move where the food is. NedCar workers are naturally unhappy, with about 1,000 recently protesting the decision to move production.

The plant, which started life in the 1960s building both the DAF 44 and 55, was partly underwritten by the government of Holland to provide employment to a regional workforce that had lost a lot of jobs when the mines in Limburg closed. Volvo bought DAF and kept the plant busy with the 66 and 343 through the 1980s. Mitsubishi and the Dutch Government joined Volvo as joint stakeholders in the plant in 1991 as a way to keep it humming at capacity, since Volvo could only manage 120,000 cars per year on its own. Ten years later, Mitsubishi bought out the other two-thirds of the plant and now the Outlander and Colt are going to be out by December 2012.

You can pick up the NedCar facility for a mere dollar, but Mitsubishi Motors President Osamu Masuko will want to see your plan for the 1,500 workers before selling the factory so cheaply. All hope is not lost for the workforce just yet, there are rumors of a potential new owner looking to swoop in and start building a new car in the plant by 2015, creating about 800 jobs in the process. The logical money is on that automaker being Volvo, though Gothenburg has been mum so far.

Mitsubishi ceases production in Western Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi teases mystery reveal ahead of Geneva

Chris Paukert — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi, Design/Style

Mitsubishi has been something of a punching bag among both analysts and critics in the United States for some years now, with lukewarm reception to new products and meek sales figures. But while few were paying attention, the Japanese brand's pendulum made a mighty swing in the right direction in 2011, with sales finishing up over 40 percent year-over-year, making it the second fastest-growing brand in the States. Of course, total brand sales were just 77,995 (2010 sales: 55,683), but one has to start somewhere.

Buoyed by increasing demand for new products like the Outlander Sport, Mitsubishi isn't quite "feeling its oats" just yet, but it's alive and kicking. As further evidence, the company has just released a teaser image of an unnamed vehicle it plans to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Significantly, Mitsubishi indicates that this is the first time it has ever chosen to stage a global product reveal in Europe. The mystery vehicle, which appears to be a crossover - likely the next-generation Outlander - will go on sale in 2012. The second-generation Outlander has been on sale here since 2006, with a facelifted model arriving for the 2010 model year.

Mitsubishi says this is the start of a new, "re-focused design language," which evidently means moving away from the massive Lancer Evolution-inspired grille that currently adorns the Outlander. We like what we see here, from the gaping lower air intake to the U-shaped hood pressing and assertive headlamps. We'll probably have to wait until closer the Swiss show starts to get a closer look at the rest of the vehicle, but for now, check out the image above and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Mitsubishi teases mystery reveal ahead of Geneva

Mitsubishi teases mystery reveal ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mitsubishi building crossovers and sedans Stateside in two years

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Mitsubishi

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite posting a three-percent increase in sales year-over-year in 2010, Mitsubishi is struggling here in the United States. The vast majority of the products in the automaker's portfolio are slow-sellers, with only the Lancer and Outlander families gaining much in the way of high praise from both the media and consumers alike. Still, Mitsubishi has plans to soldier on, and a report from Automotive News states that the Japanese automaker is looking to shift production of some of its sedans and crossovers to the United States within the next two years.

Currently, the automaker's plant in Normal, Illinois builds the Galant, Endeavor and Eclipse, but these vehicles are scheduled to be phased out by 2013. Moving forward, Mitsubishi's new family of vehicles based on the platform that underpins the Lancer, Outlander and Outlander Sport - vehicles that are currently built in Japan - will be assembled in Illinois. Currently, Mitsubishi has not cited any plans to create replacements for any of the outgoing models currently built here in America.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Photos copyright (C)2011 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Mitsubishi building crossovers and sedans Stateside in two years originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts at $19,275, tops out near $38K! [UPDATE]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 13:51:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Mitsubishi

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Shortly after finding ourselves strapped in the driver's seat of the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, we called it "a right-sized CUV that takes the core components of its bigger brother (the regular Outlander) and distills them into a smaller, lighter package."

Smaller and lighter doesn't necessarily mean cheaper, though. While the Outlander Sport's starting price of $19,275 (*after destination charges) undercuts the Outlander's by about $3,500, it's not terribly difficult to option up a Sport beyond the $30,000 mark.

In fact, ticking off very available Outlander Sport option on Mitsubishi's Build & Price page will darn near double its base MSRP (none of those options is an engine upgrade, either - all Sports use the same 148-horsepower four-cylinder). Granted, a more realistic set of options still keeps the Outlander Sport well under $30k, but even that pricing seems remarkably close to the bigger, more powerful Outlander V6. Hat tip to Clayton!

UPDATE: Turns out you can't really option up the Outlander Sport to $38K in real life. Mitsubishi's online configurator isn't all that smart and will let you add individual options to the car that are already included in other option packages. Thus, if you check all the boxes like we did, you'll end paying twice for expensive items like the navigation system.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

[Source: Mitsubishi]

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts at $19,275, tops out near $38K! [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Nov 2010 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi CEO: We will not withdraw from U.S. market

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Mitsubishi, Earnings/Financials

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi has had a very rough road the last few years. Its sales have fallen steadily since a peak year in 2002 when the brand pushed 354,111 units out the door. According to Automotive News, Osamu Masuko, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, says he is often asked if the Japanese automaker is ready to pull out of the U.S. market. "It never enters my mind," he says.

The company with the triple diamond logo has big plans and lofty goals for the near future. Currently, Mitsubishi moves around 50,000 vehicles per year and Masuko's personal goal is to push that figure to 200,000 vehicles - an increase of 400 percent. He believes the path to his goals is through new products and moderate incentives, both of which will help drive steady and sustainable growth.

The product lineup is shifting away from a past littered with larger sedans and SUVs. Mitsubishi is going to aim for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles as well as all-electric vehicles such as the i-MiEV. In addition, it plans to move away from regional vehicles to develop consistent global platforms. Since the U.S. market only accounts for less than 10 percent of global sales, this sounds like a smart move, but smaller vehicles often bring smaller profit potential, so it will be interesting to see if Mitsu can thrive with this sort of a business plan.

Osamu Masuko's bottom line is that changes are coming, Mitsubishi is going to turn its ship around starting this year with new offerings like the Outlander Sport, and it remains committed to regaining its past success in the American market.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Mitsubishi CEO: We will not withdraw from U.S. market originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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