Mitsubishi Won't Build Another Montero/Pajero
According to a report last week from Japan’s Nikkei, the Mitsubishi Montero — known as the Pajero in other global markets — is totally, completely, and utterly dead. Mitsubishi will instead focus on crossovers and electrification going forward.
Mitsubishi had teased “The Return of a Legend” earlier this year before the Chicago Auto Show, which many in the automotive press — including TTAC — thought might be a replacement for the flagship SUV. The automaker showed instead its Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV.
According to the Nikkei report, Mitsubishi has all but stopped development on a new Montero/Pajero. The large SUV was last redesigned for the 2006 model year, but that generation didn’t make it to the United States.
The latest news comes during a time of awkward growth for Mitsubishi.
While sales are up for Mitsubishi in the United States, the brand is relying on lower-margin product like the Mirage and Outlander Sport. And while sales were up earlier this year for the aging Lancer compact, that model is slated to go out of production in March with no successor planned, reports Nikkei. Mitsubishi’s electric car, the i-MiEV, also won’t get a second generation in the United States.
Mitsubishi did show an Outlander Sport-sized electric crossover in Tokyo earlier this year, which will likely spawn a production model for 2017. In Los Angeles, the brand showed off a heavily-facelifted Mirage subcompact.
To fill gaps in its domestic lineup, Mitsubishi has tapped Suzuki to provide kei-class microcars and Nissan to provide luxury sedans, reports Nikkei.
Mitsubishi closed its only assembly plant in North America, responsible for producing the Outlander Sport, in late November. About 300 workers will remain until May 2016 to produce parts.
More by Mark Stevenson
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Nobody knows how to make a 4WD utility vehicle properly anymore anyway. This is too bad, Mitsubishi was on the short list of companies I hoped would prove me wrong. I’m starting to think it wouldn’t be so crazy if I bought another Wrangler Unlimited and shrink wrapped it for the day my current one needs replacing.
Was just thinking about the dearth of non pickups with decent wheel well clearance while clearing caked on snow/slush preventing even 1 mm of wheel travel today with a hammer today.... When the last guy throws in the towel, and everyone is a naysayer, it is generally the best time to buy......