New Lancer, Galant Plans Falter As Mitsu-Renault Talks Stall: Report
Mitsubishi’s plans for a new-generation Lancer small sedan and Galant midsizer may be in peril, according to reports out of Europe this week. The Japanese carmaker had previously been understood to have struck a deal with the Renault-Nissan Allia
Mitsubishi’s plans for a new-generation Lancer small sedan and Galant midsizer may be in peril, according to reports out of Europe this week.
The Japanese carmaker had previously been understood to have struck a deal with the Renault-Nissan Alliance for a new medium sedan, with a new Lancer rumoured to follow.
This week, however, Mitsubishi Motors North America executive Don Swearingen reportedly told dealers at a regional franchise meeting that discussions between the companies had come to an impasse.
“I told them that the plan has stalled,” Swearingen told industry paper Automotive News. “And I said that’s really all I can tell you at this time.”
It remains unknown if or when talks with resume, but Swearingen told the paper that “all options remain open”.
This report follows comments to TMR from Mitsubishi chief Osamu Masuko early last year, who confirmed that a plan for the next Lancer was in the works.
The carmaker is known to be heavily investing in SUV models, targeting one of the world’s best-selling automotive sales segments.
New replacements for the ASX and Pajero are on the way, and a new-generation Triton pickup has also been revealed.
Likewise, a sharp new update to the Outlander SUV is also expected to launch soon, based on the Outlander PHEV Concept S that debuted in September.
The Outlander PHEV has also been awarded TMR’s Best Buy 2015 title this week.
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