Mitsubishi will kill the Eclipse and Galant models to concentrate on B- and C-segment models, including the Lancer, Outlander Sport, and a lineup likely to be based largely on the Colt, including a small crossover. We first revealed the product plan, sort of, a year ago in April 2010 "Trend."
We presented two scenarios. One, reported from Tokyo, said Mitsubishi was considering a hybrid-powered Evolution XI. The other, from Detroit, suggested the concentration on B- and C-cars, though it didn't predict the expiration of the long-forgotten Eclipse.
The second scenario is much closer to the automaker's emerging plans. If there is an Evo XI, it will probably be based on the B-segment Colt. Think of Ford's Fiesta-based rally car, and you get a good picture of Mitsubishi's direction. As a niche automaker in the U.S. and elsewhere, Mitsubishi also will build up its electric and hybrid powerplants, featuring its i-Miev pure electric. Mitsubishi has showed a Chevrolet Volt-style plug-in gas/electric hybrid, and if it makes it into production, it's likely to power a new B-segment crossover or a future version of the Outlander Sport.
Mitsubishi, which early in the last decade was bigger in the United States than Subaru, sold just 55,683 cars and trucks here last year, up about 1700 units from 2009. Much of that came from its Normal, Illinois, assembly plant, which will concentrate on its compact platform in the future.
Last year's best-seller was Mitsubishi's Lancer, with 21,416 units sold.
