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The minicar would be available for sale in 2012 under the agreement, while Nissan will supply a light van and wagon to Mitsubishi in Japan. Mitsubishi will sell a sport-utility vehicle to Nissan in the Middle East, the automakers said today in a joint statement.
“This agreement is important for Nissan as it supports our expansion in emerging markets, meets immediate capacity needs overseas and enables us to grow our minicar business in Japan,” Nissan Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn said in a statement.
The partnership gives the manufacturers greater economies of scale while allowing them to enter market segments with less investment. The two carmakers already cooperate by supplying minicars, with engines no larger than 660cc, and commercial vehicles. Nissan, which makes the Leaf electric car, and Mitsubishi, which sells the i-MiEV, are in talks about possibly cooperating on electric vehicles, the automakers said.
“The alliance of the two automakers seems to be a good one as we can expect more cooperation in electric vehicles going forward,” said Takeshi Miyao, an analyst at consulting company Carnorama in Tokyo.
Ghosn today said that no details have been decided on electric car cooperation with Mitsubishi Motors. Mitsubishi Motors President Osamu Masuko today said it is possible that the minicars could become a global strategic model.
Market Reaction
“The alliance seems to help Mitsubishi Motors, and the market reacted ahead of the press conference,” said Kenichi Hirano, general manager and strategist at Tachibana Securities Co.
Mitsubishi Motors surged 8.5 percent to 128 yen at the 3 p.m. close of Tokyo trading, the biggest gain since Dec. 3, 2009. Nissan shares gained 0.3 percent to 809 yen.
Nissan currently produces the Lancer Cargo commercial vehicle for Mitsubishi, which in turn builds the Minicab, Town Box, eKWagon and Pajero Mini models for the larger carmaker.
Mitsubishi Motors plans to build Nissan's Navara pickup truck at its factory in Thailand and the automakers are evaluating a plan to collaborate on manufacturing and engineering for a new one-ton pickup, they said today.
“The expansion of the agreement will complement each other's regional characteristics and product lineup and the one- ton pickup and minicar projects will be the best solution to strengthen each other's competitiveness,” Mitsubishi Motors' Masuko said today.
Mitsubishi has a partnership with PSA Peugeot Citroen, while Nissan and Renault SA share projects with Daimler AG, the world's second-biggest luxury carmaker.
The Nikkei newspaper reported the Nissan-Mitsubishi agreement earlier today. The companies' statement was released after markets closed in Japan.
--With assistance from Takako Iwatani in Tokyo. Editors: Kae Inoue, Dave McCombs.
http://news.businessweek.com/article.asp?documentKey=1376-LDENKY6K50XW01-7CO3QCO- GCOGBRP5UMOLTUOEE7H
GM's Geo lineup, Subaru building Toyotas, companies cooperating on engine development, etc. The meaning of a vehicle's brand is becoming more and more diluted over time.
Too bad this news doesn't seem to affect the Normal plant.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
We simply need Mitsu to come up with an all new Galant platform and tool Normal for it. Keep the Endeavor on it but maybe shrink the Eclipse to run off the Lancer platform.
So...MMC got exactly what they wanted with this vote, by an overwhelming margin to boot. Will they reward the workforce with a new platform or not?
Also, I haven't been able to confirm this but it has been rumored that Mitsubishi Ned Car is being closed.
I too doubt that the new minicar collaboration talked about with new partner Nissan will be tooled and ramped up for the Normal plant. I wish Americans were more minicar friendly but they're just not.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
On the Global Small Car front I believe the new Thailand plant will probably be able to fulfill demand, at least in the beginning of 2012 - 2013, and who knows what kind of production deal might come down the pike with the recently announced tie-up with Nissan. Chance of producing Mitsu Global Small Car here in NA are slim to none. I think it's possible MMNA might get a shot at the upcoming PX-MiEV. MMC claims that the PX plug-in hybrid SUV is now in its final development stages and if they do have a new Galant in the works they are doing a pretty good job of keeping it a secret.
North America was not even mentioned in the press release concerning Mitsubishi / Nissan collaborations but Nissan is building a li-ion battery plant in Tennessee I believe. Maybe there will be some production / re-badging / platform sharing going on here with electric cars. I do think that if I can eventually buy a Mitsu i car at Best Buy then I should be able to get the full line of Mitsubishi TVs there as well for crying out loud.
Also, the Ralliart cars could be built at that facility since the official Ralliart branch is dead. The Outlander Sport will most likely get the Ralliart treatment as well since it has the 4B11 engine.
Lastly, my opinions are free and most likely wrong. Ha!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I don't know what would make the most sense for Mitsu to do with Normal, but the Galant and it's platform cousins need a big modernization.
Perhaps Mitsu & Nissan could expand their relationship like Mitsu & Chrysler used to have; move the Galant to the (next gen) Altima platform and co-produce Nissans & Mitsus @ Normal. Mitsu gains a platform & Nissan gains manufacturing capacity.
Really, since car companies share costs & tech so much nowadays practically anything could happen. Subaru could sell it's Lafayette plant to Toyota (since some Toys are already made there) and take control of Normal or do a relationship/tech exchange.
Mitsu & Suzuki could merge US operations. Bring Kizashi production to Normal & rebadge it as the next Galant. Both companies benefit. Thought the resulting sales would still be under 1% US market share.
Something's gotta happen. I can't imagine Normal to be profitable as it stands.
Maybe Mitsu and PSA/Peugeot-Citroen could make better use of the facility (Normal) like they're already doing in Russia and Europe.
VW just bought Suzuki late this year. I doubt if any Mitsu/VW joint ventures will happen.
Well, the next few months will be exciting when it comes to the Normal site.
Again, I'm just speculating.
And it could be more, depending on how you count stuff. Ford supposedly spent $550 million to transform its Michigan Assembly Plant to build the Focus. Amazing chunk of change.
Don't Nissan and Mitsu already have some kind of joint venture tie-up? Since Nissan is headquartered in TN now and Normal isn't that far away, maybe some platform sharing could happen (or let Nissan have the excess capacity, since Nissan seems to making money lately).
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I'm just of the opinion that Mitsu's best bet to take advantage of Normal is to partner. Not sure who with at this point.
Sat in a Cruze LT (not loaded) at the mall yesterday (got a $10 Macy's gift card for giving them our info). Not a bad interior. I had enough headroom though it would be real tight with a sunroof. Also, the curvature of the roof was such that driver's seat entry requires a little ducking. Still, it's a solid competitor to the Lancer and will be on my wife's short list when she decides to replace her '01 Elantra. She's already said no to the OSport as she doesn't want us to have 2 CUVs.
At least our '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS has a center console to rest our right arm on while driving. Love that! I was taking a casual look at the 2011 Ford Fiesta sedan and hatch and I like what I see, only the Fiesta looks a bit small inside, and, there is no center console to rest our right arms on! Just cupholders, plug-ins for i-Pods and different things. The Fiesta is electronically well up-to-date, depending on the model selected, but that lack of center armrest would bum me out to the max. I don't really see room to add your own armrest in the '11 Ford Fiesta, either.
Hey, is the Mitsubishi i ICE egg-car coming to the U.S.? If not, what small car is coming here, if any? As it is the Lancer is the smallest Mitsubishi offered here until the i-MiEV comes, and they're gonna call the i-MiEV the i in the States, right? The all-electric one will just be called the "i", have you guys read that too?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Outlander, Lancer, Outlander Sport Fuel Mitsubishi Gains In December
http://media.mitsubishicars.com/releases/581a8676-bb5c-8d38-4492-1d514d2372b8
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported December sales of 4,874 units, an increase of almost 12 percent compared to December 2009. Mitsubishi sales for the year (Calendar Year 2010) were up more than 4 percent.
"We were delighted to see increases in almost every aspect of our retail business in December," said MMNA President & CEO Shin Kurihara. "Customers are returning to Mitsubishi showrooms in large numbers, and the sales results indicate that they like what they see."
2010 was Mitsubishi’s first annual sales increase compared to the prior twelve months since 2007, and the monthly increase represented the largest percentage increase for December sales since 2001.
Sales of the all-new Outlander Sport continued to grow dramatically, increasing more than 41 percent from November.
Other December sales highlights include:
• Outlander sales were up more than 13 percent for the month up more than 21 percent for the year.
• Lancer sales were up more than 16 percent for the month and represented the highest December total since 2007.
• Lancer Evolution sales were up more than 95 percent for the month and represented the largest single month of sales for the vehicle since April 2009.
• Eclipse Spyder, Endeavor, and Lancer Sportback also showed sales increases compared with December 2009.
I've tried a few times but access to good, detailed sales data seems harder than it should be. Rarely I've found charts listing sales data (monthly, yearly) for all manufacturers let alone some way of comparing sales by model. Sure you can get Top 10 lists but that just scratches the surface.
For instance, sales are up for the year and that's good. But how does Mitsu's 4% rise compare to other smaller players, the big guys, and the industry as a whole? If Mitsu is up 4% but the market is up 10% then they're still falling behind the competition in terms of market share.
(BTW, nice to see sales, esp. Outlander, are up compared to December '09 when I made my contribution to their numbers.)
And, I agree, Mitsu's increase is well below the industry average. My rig is rather old and I need to step up and add to Mitsu's sales numbers in the near future.
You make a good point about granular sales data not being readily available to us common folk. I'm surprised that Edmunds.com doesn't publish that info...
Probably due to that Top Gear segment. I swear, I was tempted to go buy one after seeing that show.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I've driven quite a few older EVOs, and it's just like they say it is----but you know, for a street car, it would be kinda rough to use everyday. It's pretty harsh and spartan, or at least was a few years ago. My MINI's ride is plush in comparison, and that's pretty scary.
Another 500 customers is large numbers? :confuse:
Mitsu's increase appears to be well below the industry average for December, and even more below the average for the year. But at least they are doing better than Toyota in percentage terms! ;-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
After all, you do have one in the long term fleet. And, interestingly, I've seen a couple of OSports on the road already even though I've yet to see a Cruze or new Elantra in the wild.
Thanks.
For those that missed it, here's the one in the Edmunds' fleet:
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC Long-Term Test
I haven't talked to her about it yet, but I'm pretty sure the owner of our local pizza/Italian place traded her Endeavor for an Outlander Sport. Mitsu is running a $199/mo lease deal.
Quite a few of the Lancers' I see on the street are the basic ES trim. if the Sportback was available in a no-frills version then the sales would probably be much higher. I am really enjoying my Sportback. I have put a few graphics on it to pretty it up some and considering some minor performance upgrades (exhaust system ) this summer if I have the $$$. Have to make sure I don't screw up my warranty though. I still get a lot of looks when I drive it so the fact that it's a bit of a rarity on the road doesn't bother me at all.
After my oh-so insightful post on Sportback sales I decide to check out the Mitsu auto website and what should I see but a Lancer Sportback available in ES trim.
When did these become available ???
Well, if Sportback sales improve a bit now I guess my thesis is correct, if not, I have no taste.
hahaha. I got a good laugh out of your last post.
2011 is the first year of the ES trim for the Sportback.
Mitsubishi will assemble a new family of vehicles at its Illinois plant within two years, a source familiar with the company's plans said.
The vehicles will be based on the platform underpinning the Outlander and Outlander Sport crossovers and Lancer sedan, the source said. Those models are assembled in Japan.
Mitsubishi's plant in Normal, Ill., builds the Galant sedan, Endeavor crossover, Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder. Those vehicles will be phased out by the company's 2013 fiscal year, Japan's Nikkei reported.
When production of the new models will begin is unclear. Mitsubishi sold 55,683 vehicles in the United States in 2010, up 3 percent from 2009.
Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110117/CARNEWS/110119914#ixzz1BO0nekcy
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
As to retiring the names, that'd be a shame. Endeavor could go as it never truly caught on and larger SUVs won't help Mitsu meet future CAFE requirements.
But I'd really like to see the new vehicles get Galant & Eclipse names. Those names are well established, especially Eclipse. Eclipse needs to be a 2-door Evo, though, with the high-end trim offering a turbo 4 and optional AWD.
As a side note, Mitsu also needs to get MPG numbers up for the bread & butter vehicles. Start using DI like GM & Hyundai are doing.
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Thanks for the suggestion!
I agree 100%. Even though I like the room in my last generation Eclipse I think it's just too big and heavy to appeal to the boi racer crowd. The Lancer is very roomy and if you could put the Evo mechanicals in a stylish 2-door body, I would be a buyer.
In the Top Gear episode where the guys raved about the Evo's performance they also called it "ugly".
"...start using DI like..."
I seem to remember reading that Mitsu introduced DI (direct injection) years ago, long before it became the rage with competitors. That, and turbo technology should make for some very fast fuel efficient cars.
Why Mitsu hasn't incorporated all those elements in their car may be just a cost thing. Maybe they should rethink that now.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I'm not sure what the difference is. Maybe advances/changes in oil. Maybe a refinement to the DI tech itself. Maybe a hardware redesign. *shrug*
Regardless, the benefits seem to be there in terms of higher engine output & potentially better economy. I'd be surprised if an ICE car could remain competitive without it in the next few years.
Outlander Sport Sparks Mitsubishi's Fast Start For The New Year
Tue, Feb 01, 2011 - CYPRESS, Calif.
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported January 2011 sales of 5,714 units, an increase of 37 percent compared to January 2010.
"We are pleased with the steady growth in sales of our Outlander Sport," said MMNA President & CEO Shin Kurihara. "As we expected, the impetus provided by this all-new crossover SUV has gotten our year off to a very good start."
Outlander Sport sales were 1,065 in January, which is an increase of 10 percent over the prior month (December 2010). Outlander Sport sales have grown in each of its four months of sales since its introduction last October.
Other January sales highlights include:
January sales represent Mitsubishi's highest monthly sales total since August 2009, and the second highest sales total in more than two years
Galant sales were 2,549, up 80 percent from January 2009.
Lancer Evolution sales were up more than 18 percent from last January
Regardless, that's a huge jump compared to last January and, should that monthly sales volume be sustainable, would lead to a healthy jump in sales for the year.
Mr Kurihara was accompanied by several guests including Illinois Governor Pat Quinn ( who forked over $29,000,000.00 in financial incentives courtesy of the Illinois taxpayers ) and UAW president Bob King.
Hopefully a lot of questions concerning performance upgrades and engine options will be answered soon.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I read that the Normal plant has a capacity of about 250,000 units. It would be nice if they produced more that one model there.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
50K units a year is still just a single shift for Normal so they'll have plenty of potential to grow should the market reward them with the sales.
"ONE DAY. TWO CUVS. FIVE GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS.
To demonstrate Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control technology we set out for some unforgiving terrain in Alberta, Canada, with our Outlander crossover family. We came home with a handful of official Guinness World Records."
300 m - The greatest distance by a vehicle in reverse on snow in 30 seconds - Outlander Sport
56.2 m - The shortest braking distance by a vehicle on ice (30 mph to 0 mph) - Outlander Sport
3 laps - The most vehicle figure-of-eights on ice in two minutes - Outlander
1:11 min - The fastest vehicle slalom relay on ice (1/4 mile) - Outlander & Outlander Sport
19:31 sec - The fastest driven square lap in a vehicle (gravel, 100 ft. x 100 ft.) - Outlander
To me the most impressive are the figure 8, slalom, and the ice braking. The ice braking looks especially boring, , which is exactly how you'd want it to be. And the figure 8 & slalom show how the AWC system can benefit in everyday winter condition driving.
The dealer I bought from also does a fair bit of radio advertising.
Next week I'll give my Chicago Auto Show report on them.
Interesting. They talk about extra precautions they're taking when crash-testing EVs.
CYPRESS, CA - March 1, 2011: Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported February 2011 sales of 6,893 vehicles, which represents a marked sales expansion of more than 72% in comparison to the 4,019 total vehicle sales reported from the same month in 2010.
“With Outlander Sport sales increasing each month since it was launched last October, this demonstrates that our American customers appreciate a value-priced/well-equipped vehicle that is stylish, versatile while also delivering impressive fuel economy and electronic All-Wheel-Control,” said MMNA President & CEO Shin Kurihara. “Thus far, the Outlander Sport sales mix has been over 50% well-equipped All-Wheel-Control models which exceeds our expectations for this equipment level. With the addition of increased sales from other models in our lineup, the February sales are an indication of the excellent work performed by all of our employees and our dealer partners.”
The new 5-passenger Outlander Sport was named “Best Compact Crossover for the Money” for 2011 by the prestigious U.S. News & World Report based on such important criteria as overall value, appeal within its vehicle class and five-year total cost of ownership data.
Mitsubishi also announced that the popular Outlander Sport CUV will begin production at the company’s world-class manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois by the middle of 2012.
Other February sales highlights include:
Highest monthly sales since October of 2008
Outlander Sport sales of 1,290 units
Lancer Evolution sales up 17.9% from February 2010
What I'm liking is that the Sport's numbers appear to be new customer draws. By that I mean overall sales volume is up significantly and OSport sales don't appear to be stealing sales from the regular Outlander or any other Mitsu model. Put another way, year-on-year sales would have been up even without the addition of the Outlander Sport to the lineup.
According to the AutoCar report, the decision is part of a brand makeover destined to turn the company boring green by focusing on EV technology."
Mitsubishi EVO X Rumored Dead (Straightline)