Despite Talks, Mitsubishi Begins Working On The Next-Gen Lancer
Mitsubishi hasn't had the best of luck of trying to find a partner. Back in February, we learned that talks between it and Renault had fallen apart for a new midsize sedan. Mitsubishi shelved those plans and reportedly began talks with Nissan. We also learned that Mitsubishi moved up the replacement for the Lancer.
Now Mitsubishi has begun working on the Lancer replacement in-house while it still looks for a partner.
“We are talking with a potential partner at this time, (but) at the same time we’re doing an internal design of the vehicle. We’re running parallel because we cannot wait any longer to see if a partnership will work out. If it falls through then we’re another year behind,” said Don Swearingen, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors North America to Wards Auto.
Swearingen confirmed that Mitsubishi is still in talks with an automaker - many believe to be Nissan. Even if a deal is reached, Swearingen says the model is still 18 to 2 years out.
Additionally, Swearingen confirmed the a midsize sedan from Mitsubishi isn't happening.
“We’ve made the decision that D-segment will not work for us in the U.S. When you do the financial analysis and you look at the amount of money (needed) for advertising (and the amount) most of our competitors are spending on incentives, it doesn’t pencil out to do a partnership.”
Source: Wards Auto
Recommended Comments
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.