Mitsubishi Pajero future uncertain – weight and fuel economy issues plaguing the iconic SUV

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Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) president and COO, Tetsuro Aikawa said that the Mitsubishi Pajero will continue on in its current guise, as it sets to weather an uncertain future, CarAdvice reports. According to Aikawa, the SUV’s fuel economy and weight are key issues, while a replacement model might only come in a few years’ time.

Aikawa said at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show that, “there is an issue about the weight and fuel economy, so the market that we can sell is going to be limited.” He further explained that the company will instead be training its focus towards building front-wheel drive SUVs instead.

Also, recently unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show is the all-electric Mitsubishi eX Concept SUV. While it previews the second-generation Mitsubishi ASX, the concept could also serve as a broader hint of the future direction in which Mitsubishi’s range of sport utility vehicles might be taking.

Mitsu EX Concept Tokyo 2015 8

Aikawa explained further that, “with regard to Europe beyond 2020, and stringent CO2 regulations, rather than this type of vehicle (referring to the Pajero) I think people will look more into vehicles that produce less CO2 and have greater fuel economy.”

With the company’s key region being ASEAN, the demand for the Pajero Sport is the main driver in terms of Mitsubishi’s sales. The president stated however, “I’m not saying this is the last Pajero for the time being.”

Meanwhile, a new premium SUV will be introduced by Mitsubishi to be slotted in between the ASX and Outlander. It will likely take some cues from the Concept XR-Phev II.

Mitsubishi Pajero facelift:


Mitsubishi eX Concept at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show:

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Graham Chin

Having spent a number of years as a journalist for a local paper, a marketing executive for a popular German automotive brand and a copywriter, Graham, a true-blue Sarawakian, knew he had to take the leap back into the motoring scene - and so he did. To him, nothing's better than cruising for hours along a scenic route, in a car that's designed and built for that purpose.

 

Comments

  • Dark side of the moon on Nov 01, 2015 at 4:48 pm

    Of course every car model will need to evolve to become more efficient and economical without sacrificing the model’s target segment. Why cant a pajero be redesigned to fit the times instead of killing off the model? Everyone seems to do that for their stable.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • FunkyPunk on Nov 01, 2015 at 5:08 pm

    Ha..ha..ha.. Even the buffalo Land Cruiser 5.7L V8 still on demand. Not long ago you tell the public no more Lancer EVO X successor, now it’s your so called iconic Pajero. Mitsubishi stop giving excuses and try figure out and do something to keep your ICONIC products coming, better be quick or otherwise you have nothing to sell. Goreng pisang, Nasik Lemak perhaps.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 0
  • nabill (Member) on Nov 01, 2015 at 5:56 pm

    From what i understand, they are saying they really hav no money to develop it further…
    Mitsubishi should have a v8 engine… In da middle east the pajero is very popular… Bt their 3.8cc is jus not enough… N most will jus go for the old school landcruiser

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • donno on Nov 01, 2015 at 6:04 pm

    Mitsubishi without lancer evolution and pajero? Might as well just quit the automotive business altogether.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
  • pajero of memories on Nov 01, 2015 at 7:39 pm

    Sadly this is the car I’ve grown up with.
    My dad bought the first generation back on 1990 as his first SUV sold it 4 Years later then he bouht the last model of the mighty Datsun pick up abandoned it and on 2003 he bought the 3rd generation used it with joy and sorrow of 11 years and still struggling to sell it and recently he bought the fourth generation and he seems to be regretting it a little bit. in total I’ve lived 15 years of my life with this car that I know it more than the assembly workers themselves the biggest issue with it is not the fuel consumption nor the wight it is the noisy ride. It is solely that problem that makes feel it is impractical and unreliable it gives a bad first impression. So killing the car is not the solution, you need to develop a proper engine that could deal with a double chassis.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  • Syracuse on Nov 02, 2015 at 1:33 am

    change to 3.0 V6 twin turbo or add hybrid powertrain from the current mitsu inventory. How can they give a bad excuse when elephant land cruiser vx still selling like nobodys business.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Rusmah on Nov 02, 2015 at 11:37 am

    Let’s potong rebadge your pajero.
    Potong help you to clear stock..
    Many department will buy it anyway.

    Use these money to invest in your R&D.

    IF NOT, YOU GOT NO CAR TO SELL ANYMORE.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
 

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