It looks like the future of the Mitsubishi Lancer is pretty bleak at the moment, as Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has yet to commit to a next-generation model – after the deal with the Renault-Nissan Alliance fell through due to cost issues.
According to Australian portal CarAdvice, the company is still looking for a partner to develop a new version of its C-segment sedan and hatchback, but no one has come up just yet. MMC president Tetsuro Aikawa told the publication that even if it did want to develop a new Lancer on its own – which the company itself was uncertain – it did not have the budget or the resources to do so.
“We’re going to be still looking for OEMs…One thing I can say is for us to actually develop a sedan independently…it’s very difficult to do that,” he said. “What I feel is it’s not a matter of priority. Fact is it’s very difficult to find a partner. If we can find one then as soon as possible we’d like to get OEM supply but right now we are not able find any partner.”
CarAdvice adds that while Mitsubishi is waiting for a new partner, it remains committed to building the current eight-year-old model, keeping it up-to-date regularly with new equipment, revised styling and added value – much like what it does to the now 16-year-old Pajero.
Right now, however, the company is focused on building new SUVs, including a next-gen ASX – previewed by the recent eX Concept – which is expected to become smaller, finally competing squarely in the same B-segment field as the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3.
There will also be a new crossover that will slot between the ASX and Outlander, along with a next-generation Mirage; the current budget car is said to be have been successful in drawing in new buyers in the ASEAN region.
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Facelift
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haha before proton always help on developed the lancer.. now without proton they cant developed it self..
Proton will always be your best partner.
Proton? Ophs forget that Proton cheat on NCAP safety… Mitsubishi smart enough not to join scandal !
“we’d like to get OEM supply”?
The great lancer badge to be reduced to just a rebadged car from other manufacturers?
The mitsubishi brand is now officially more pathetic than its students, Hyundai and Proton.
TDM most welcome if Mitsubishi rebadge Proton Preve as Lancer
Right…Tell us something we don’t know. They’ve been saying the same thing for a period of time now.
Go for it proton!
Replace preve & suprima
cukup2 la lancer tu..jemu nengok..
They should just shelve all their products, and concentrate on their l200/triton pickups and their truck business, i can only see them doing alright business wise, other products are just old and havnt aged gracefull, u catn live off ur rally heritage n all forever…. Do like Isuzu, concentrate on one or two products n go on from there, otherwise, their bankrupcy is looming large
so sad to see once great giant fall from grace
In passenger vehicles Mitsui only good with Triton and Evos and not forgotten the Mitsubishi A6M Zero Japanese fighter plane, oppss different product d.