In its bid to regain its strength, Mitsubishi Motors is likely to focus on its SUV and light commercial range of models instead of sedans – a move which puts the future of the Lancer range further into doubt.
“The world is really changing and it’s going in one direction, going more towards SUV type of vehicles. Gradually but surely, country by country, it’s going from sedan type vehicles to SUVs and I think that’s where we’ve got to consolidate our strength, because at our size we can’t be spread too thin,” said Trevor Mann, chief operating officer of Mitsubishi Motors to Car Advice.
“We only have a finite resource in how much we can invest in new platforms and new car technologies, so we really have to consolidate where we are strong, and where we are strong happens to be where the market is going at the moment,” he added.
What does the future hold for normal passenger cars, in light of the brand’s focus on the SUV segment? “We can never say never, obviously we have a short term focus, we have a pipeline with vehicles that we have developed, but this is the design direction that symbolises what we are going to do in the future,” Mann said.
“Some of the older cars and the stronger names might not continue, but I don’t think that’s a problem. And you look at many brands and their history, they’ve changed their names and designs and you got to keep changing to move forward and keep with what customers want,” he continued.
The Japanese marque’s COO appears to take a cold, hard objective view to progress, with little room for sentimentality. “You shouldn’t keep banging the same drum just because you have that drum. With the scale, we will be able to share common platforms, common powertrains and have similar product line ups to those of the Renault-Nissan alliance if we want.”
“I am questioning internally ‘what do we want and what do our customers want?’ Because if you start saying ‘we have always had a Lancer so we should always have another Lancer’, I will say, ‘should we’?”, Mann said. If the curtain does fall on the Lancer nameplate, the end is all but certain for the Lancer Evolution high-performance AWD sedan.
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Iconic and ahead of the pack for years. But not anymore. If they want to keep the Lancer, it needs to be at the Huracan level at half the price. Can they do it? No.
Increase the ground clearance by 5cm higher than normal sedans, and increase the front & rear tracks so that it is equally or more stable compared to ordinary SUVs. Put in turbo. Remove Milo tin feel typical of Japanese vehicles.
Just do what Altis doesn’t.
Don’t be an idiot.
If you’re so good, perhaps you can build a car yourself?
Mitsubishi used to be a top car manufacturer when their Pajero’s & Evo’s dominated the Rally scene.
Sad to say, MMC are no longer relevant now bcos the world has changed for the better. MMC must think what do they want ?? A car/SUV/MPV for the masses or Performance for a target market(Rallying & 4-WD).
As for the latter, U can forget it bcos Peugeot, Ford, Renault, VW & Toyota have already made better, more efficient & powerful Rally machines.IMO, the best bet is with Renault-Nissan alliance.
Proton-MMC alliance best
Proton’s marriage never last. Proton is a bitch that is never loyal
Proton likes to main tiga kayu and as a result, Ertiga is born
If they come up with new lancer with updated interior, more refined engine, improved nvh, efficient cvt gearbox I think they can still maintain the Lancer variant.
Honda have done well on the civic evolution.
Why cant Mitsubishi?
At least he is saying practical things. People like their hrv more than their jazz. Proton has to realise that the market is shifting from sedans to suv
PSA & Geely has SUVs in their range…
mitsubishi needs a new starion….
Theres still a market for c segment sedan. Nameplate like Corolla and Civic still relevant till today but I guess both sold more than the Lancer after all this time. Lancer only recognizable because of it Evo line. I believe this SUV trend will not last long and people will back to normal sedan for fuel economy.
I agree with you. The SUV trend feels pretty much like a clothing fashion for me. The market is having a high demand on it, but user never put the SUV into real practical use.
I love my 2010 Lancer just wish the suspension that comes stock was a little more stable and I didn’t have to use 93 octane plus a booster kind of gets expensive other than that it’s an all around great car you can expect performance parts to be pricey as is with all cars
Nowadays Mitsubishi cannot afford to spill their ego and maintain the so-called “heritage” anymore due to LIMITED RESOURCES… therefore they have to think of a short term solution to boost their market share first..
Once everything turned stable and they have enough cash flow, i believe they will revive some of the legendary models from the past, which will be very well anticipated.
Mitsubishi is going to dig their own grave if they choose to discontinue Lancer Evo high-performance AWD sedan. That’s Evo has achieved legendary status. Most sought after.
i’d freely give my money to MMC if they develop a rear wheel drive next-gen standard Lancer.
an affordable, street legal, tyre burning and proper rwd sedan on the Malaysian roads are indeed a rarity nowadays.