Mitsubishi Lancer – next-gen hangs in the balance due to lack of partners, project is “low priority”

2016-mitsubishi-lancer-facelift-30

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.”

Mitsubishi EX Concept TMS-14

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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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • inspira lancer on Nov 02, 2015 at 11:35 am

    haha before proton always help on developed the lancer.. now without proton they cant developed it self..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 5
  • Proton will always be your best partner.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 11
  • fast5 on Nov 02, 2015 at 12:01 pm

    Proton? Ophs forget that Proton cheat on NCAP safety… Mitsubishi smart enough not to join scandal !

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 11
  • donno on Nov 02, 2015 at 12:03 pm

    “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.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • trololololol on Nov 02, 2015 at 12:11 pm

    TDM most welcome if Mitsubishi rebadge Proton Preve as Lancer

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Obviously (Member) on Nov 02, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    Right…Tell us something we don’t know. They’ve been saying the same thing for a period of time now.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • pxp154 on Nov 02, 2015 at 12:17 pm

    Go for it proton!
    Replace preve & suprima

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • cukup2 la lancer tu..jemu nengok..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 6
  • nabill (Member) on Nov 02, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    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

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • gaviny on Nov 02, 2015 at 2:04 pm

    so sad to see once great giant fall from grace

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • samurai_x on Nov 02, 2015 at 5:06 pm

    In passenger vehicles Mitsui only good with Triton and Evos and not forgotten the Mitsubishi A6M Zero Japanese fighter plane, oppss different product d.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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