Mitsubishi News: Mitsubishi’s CEO Says We’re Staying In The U.S.

[William Maley]

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 12, 2012

When the news broke of Suzuki leaving the U.S., there was chorus of people who said this; “How long does Mitsubishi have in the U.S.?”

This a good question considering the evidence. Mitsubishi sales through October have dropped 29% to 50,103 vehicles. Mitsubishi’s market share has also dropped from 0.7% to 0.4% in the same period last year. Also, Mitsubishi’s dealers lead all automakers in the U.S. with backlogged inventory.

"We have no intention whatsoever of withdrawing from the U.S. market. The U.S. market is a very important market," said Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko.

Masuko says the decline in sales is due to departure of four Mitsubishi models; the Eclipse coupe and convertible, Endeavor, and Galant. While sales are expected to totaled 55,000 vehicles in this fiscal year, Masuko says he expect sales to rebound to 80,000 vehicles in the next fiscal year thanks to new vehicles including the Outlander.

Mitsubishi is also planning to expand production at its factory in Normal, Illinois from 50,000 to 70,000 vehicles to fill demand for markets including Russia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Finally, Mitsubishi has appointed Gayu Uesugi as the chairman of Mitsubishi Motors North America. Uesugi duties will include crafting a profitable product plan, strategy for growth, and manufacturing blueprint for the U.S.

Whether all of the moves work or not, we'll have to wait and see.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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[ocnblu]

Did I really just read this... or is it a Mirage?

Speaking of the newest Mirage... I don't see how it will sell well in the U.S. with its absolutely 1980's Eastern European styling. Invisible is a better name for a car that has to compete with the likes of the 500, Spark, Fit, Fiesta and Sonic. Even the Yaris looks better than the new Mirage.

[Drew Dowdell]

Notice this: They blame the decline on the ending of the Eclipse, Galant, and Endeavor, but so far, no plans to bring them back. The Eclipse and Galant made Mitsubishi back in the day.....

Suzuki actually has a more compelling lineup in the US right now than Mitsu... at least they have a mid-size in the Kazashi that by all accounts is a really decent entry in the market.

[David]

They are just covering their ass as this really just screams they have no freaking idea how to compete and could just disappear like their auto's have.

[Paolino]

They did nothing to make the Galant relevant with the current market... the eclipse was stuck with odd looks and again, not much that was competitive. I don't understand why they just "gave up" it seems.

[ocnblu]

2nd gen Eclipse was the high point. An update of that formula would have been most welcome.

[Drew Dowdell]

The Eclipse gained so much weight after the 2nd gen. They thought that people wanted a V6 instead of a Turbo-4... and while that may have been true those people didn't want a sacrifice in handling performance and acceleration due to weight gain.

[A Horse With No Name]

True that...the local Mitsu club doesn't even allow current gen Eclipse owners to join the club, the car is so disliked.

[Paolino]

2nd gen Eclipse was the high point. An update of that formula would have been most welcome.

Very true... my friend had a 99 turbo-four eclipse manual and that thing was a joy to drive. It was the first manual I ever drove.

[A Horse With No Name]

2nd gen Eclipse was the high point. An update of that formula would have been most welcome.

Very true... my friend had a 99 turbo-four eclipse manual and that thing was a joy to drive. It was the first manual I ever drove.

They are a great car.....

[Drew Dowdell]

When I was just out of high school... all I wanted was a 1997 Eagle Talon TSi AWD

[Robert Hall]

Anyone remember the 3000GT? I liked those, esp. the rectractable top Spyder version...haven't seen one in ages....

[A Horse With No Name]

Anyone remember the 3000GT? I liked those, esp. the rectractable top Spyder version...haven't seen one in ages....

Pain in the arse toi wrok on and about as reliable as a vintage british sports car...

One in pristine shape cruises around here...

[David]

Anyone remember the 3000GT? I liked those, esp. the rectractable top Spyder version...haven't seen one in ages....

Pain in the arse toi wrok on and about as reliable as a vintage british sports car...

One in pristine shape cruises around here...

But does it have the original motor and electronics? There are a couple here in Seattle that I see all the time but they are truly custom rides even under the hood. If you love the shape, then redoing all the weakness should not be a problem.

[A Horse With No Name]

5 years later they still struggle...