MITSUBISHI LANCER

Nip/Tuck Keeps Mitsubishi Lancer Going

October 5, 2015 by admin 4 Comments

Updated: Mitsubishi announced on Oct.5, 2015, that it would produce 1,600 copies of a 2015 Lancer Final Edition model, making 303 horsepower and 305 foot-pounds of torque.

Mitsubishi carries the dubious “honor” of possessing the smallest market share amongst mainstream manufacturers in the ultra-competitive US market. With Suzuki, Isuzu, and Daihatsu unable to make a go of it, this Japanese manufacturer insists that it will stay put.

After bottoming out last year, Mitsubishi has been enjoying a strong rebound this year. Through September, its year-to-date sales are up 25.5 percent. Indeed, the automaker has now seen 19 consecutive months of month-over-month sales gains, including double-digit gains for the past six months. Mitsubishi is outperforming the entire industry at a rate roughly four times the industry average.

Products such as its Outlander SUVs and subcompact Mirage have propelled sales this year. One product that has performed well in the past, but has offered only a token presence in the compact model segment is its Lancer sedan. That model rolled out in 2002; the second generation Mitsubishi Lancer launched in 2008.

Although the Lancer is well nigh due for a generational update, Mitsubishi won’t be supplying one anytime soon. Instead, as the Lancer enters the ninth year of its product cycle, it receives an exterior nip/tuck along with a content update. Sadly, the performance Evo and the beloved Ralliart editions have been retired, to the chagrin of enthusiasts everywhere.

Mitsubishi has priced the 2016 Lancer from $17,595 for the base ES edition. Three other trim levels for this front-wheel drive, five-passenger sedan are also available: SE ($20,995), SEL ($21,995), and GT ($22,495).

The low price point coupled with more standard features was noted by MMNA executive vice president, Don Swearingen, in a press statement. He added, “The new 2016 Lancer builds upon the legacy of challenging what a compact car can be in terms of design, technology and performance, all at an affordable price.”

The Mitsubishi Lancer ES is the only model powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine making 148 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque. It comes paired with a 5-speed manual transmission; a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional.

All other trim levels are powered by a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine making 168 horsepower and 167 foot-pounds of torque. This engine is paired with a CVT except in the GT, which gets the manual standard — the CVT is optional.

The modifications to the Lancer’s exterior include a completely redesigned front fascia with changes to the bumper and the chrome grille styling. New LED daytime running lights as well as fog lights are present and standard across the model line. Two new paint colors have been added and the GT model features new chrome beltline molding along with redesigned 18-inch wheels.

Inside, Mitsubishi updated the cabin to include new seat fabrics found in all ES and SE editions. The SEL and GT editions continue with leather seating.

Shoppers of the base ES model will find that it has more standard equipment, including 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a color LCD display, and a FUSE Hands-Free Link System, the latter allows you to access your phone and media players with the sound of your voice. Make calls, play your favorite song, and pinpoint your location on the navigation screen with this feature.

Package shuffling brings the Lancer’s Sun & Sound package to the base model, what adds a sun roof, a rear view camera, and a 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system to the mix.

Mitsubishi Lancer Final Edition Interior

As for safety features, all models come equipped with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag. Electronic brake-force distribution, stability and traction control, and anti-lock brakes are included. The Mitsubishi Lancer has been an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for seven consecutive years through 2015. The company says that it expects to maintain its safety score for 2016.

Offering a product refresh is about all Mitsubishi could do at this point in the product cycle. The company does not have the financial resources to match the competition in updates, thus the Lancer will continue to struggle in a segment dominated by the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. The Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Dodge Dart, and Kia Forte are competing models. Small car shoppers might also consider the Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf. Furthermore, every competing model is newer than the Lancer too.

Long term, Mitsubishi needs fresh product and may only be able to attain such by partnering with another manufacturer. Moreover, the company plans to close or sell its lone US manufacturing plant by the year’s end. That means production of the Outlander Sport will shift to Japan.

When the plant opened in 1989, it represented a joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi — Diamond-Star Motors Corps. Mitsubishi bought out Chrysler’s share in 1991 and saw production steadily increase before peaking in 2000. In recent years production has fallen to less than one-third of capacity or about 70,000 units with approximately half those vehicles shipped abroad.

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer GT photos copyright Mitsubishi Motors North America.

Mitsubishi Cancels Galant Replacement Model

February 5, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

Will FCA come to the rescue?

Pity Mitsubishi. The smallest of the six remaining Japanese car manufacturers has been dealt what may prove to be a fatal blow. Well, at least a blow against its US sales aspirations.

Declining sales for years have hurt Mitsubishi’s position tremendously. However, in 2014, the company reversed course, enjoying a 24.8 percent gain that was augmented by earlier news that it would soon import a midsize sedan from South Korea to pad its thin North American lineup. That model, what was to have been supplied by a Renault-Nissan assembly plant, will not happen after all as reported by Automotive News earlier this week.

Korean Won a Loss for Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Galant.

Blame exchange rates for the cancellation as Korea’s won suddenly appreciated against both the US dollar and the Japanese yen, making exporting the prospective model unfeasible. The midsize sedan was to replace the discontinued Galant sedan; a second model to update the aging Lancer had also been discussed and is now shelved.

The proposition appeared to be a win for all parties involved. Mitsubishi would gain one or two models, it couldn’t justify building on its own. The Renault-Nissan alliance would have benefited as underutilized capacity would be put to work.

Of course, the logical arrangement would have had Nissan build the car for Mitsubishi in the US, but the company has no additional manufacturing capacity available. Moreover, those vehicles Nissan produces in the US and doesn’t sell in North America are shipped overseas, ironically to Korea where exchange rates work in its favor.

Seeking Outside Assistance

Mitsubishi isn’t throwing in the towel and will look elsewhere to flesh out its product line. Its sole assembly plant in the US is operating below capacity and would be the natural place to produce a midsize sedan. However, that model wouldn’t be sold outside of North America and volume wouldn’t be practical or profitable enough to justify designing a new vehicle from the ground up.

Two models, the subcompact Mirage and Outlander crossover utility vehicle, helped to propel Mitsubishi’s sales in 2014. Mitsubishi’s Lancer, long-favored by tuners and other small car enthusiasts, was last updated in 2008 and is now in its eighth model year. Meanwhile, the performance Lancer Evolution edition will be cancelled after the 2015 model year. Furthermore, an electric i-MiEV model is available, but its sales impact is inconsequential.

FCA and Mitsubishi

For the short term, Mitsubishi will have to rely on its two key models, while scouring the world for a manufacturing partner. FCA, also known as Fiat Chrysler, might be an alliance possibility. The companies are no strangers either as Mitsubishi long-supplied the old Chrysler Corporation with captive imports such as the Dodge Colt and Plymouth Sapporo for years. Later, Mitsubishi began to sell products under its own name and flourished for a season.

An FCA-Mitsubishi alliance could benefit FCA too. In exchange for supplying Mitsubishi with one or two models, the Japanese partner could provide FCA with improved access to Asia. Just as Renault and Nissan forged an alliance in the 1990s, FCA and Mitsubishi might look for a similar arrangement.

Mitsubishi Draws Closer to the Renault-Nissan Alliance

November 11, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Lancer replacement likely coming from the alliance.

Mitsubishi is discontinuing its Lancer as well as its heralded Lancer Evolution models, and that is not sitting well with enthusiasts the world over. Arguably, the Evolution is one of the more exciting small cars on the market, the heart and soul of this small, Japanese automaker.

Quite frankly, Mitsubishi is simply too small to go it alone and can no longer afford to produce new, small cars. In a world where large automakers and alliances are thriving, any company the size of Mitsubishi has to find a way to survive or it will die.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. — The Lancer Evolution might return thanks to Renault.

Help From Renault-Nissan Alliance

Despite our own contention that Mitsubishi is on life support and may soon go the way of Daihatsu, Isuzu and Suzuki — quitting the US market — this manufacturer apparently has no plans to leave. Instead, the company is building strategic alliances to help it survive. The Renault-Nissan alliance is one such arrangement that will provide at least two new models going forward.

We already know that the next generation Mitsubishi Galant will be based on the Korean-made Renault Latitude, what was the contention of Car & Driver, among others. Even back then — Nov. 2013 — speculation about a Lancer replacement was being discussed.

Two New Models

Well, the current buzz is that Mitsubishi has reached an agreement with the Renault-Nissan alliance to supply two new models for Mitsubishi. One model would be a midsize sedan sold in the US and Canada only, the second model would be a compact sedan marketed globally according to Automotive News. Both models would be based on an existing Renault model and may yet be a few years away from introduction.

Likely, we’ll see the Mitsubishi Galant replacement by 2017 with the compact arriving perhaps in time for the 2016 model year. If that is the case, then the compact’s timing would coincide with the discontinuation of the current Lancer/Evolution model line, scheduled to end following the 2015 model year. However, you can consider this model dead on arrival if it does not incorporate the Evo’s DNA — Mitsubishi fans won’t be fooled by a warmed over Renault.

The Much Ballyhooed Evo

Over the years, the Evo has been prized for its many special features, including its Recaro seats, a twin-scroll turbocharger and hot styling inside and out. The Evo is also all-wheel drive, giving it an edge in a segment matched only by the Subaru WRX. In other words, Mitsubishi can forge whatever alliance it wants, but the the new Lancer/Evo better have the “cred” to go with it.

Mitsubishi made a decision a year or two ago to concentrate on building crossovers going forward. The segment is booming and profitable, with the Outlander and Outlander Sport now comprising about half of Mitsubishi’s US sales. The automaker also sells the tiny Mirage hatchback, but when it comes to cars this small-time Japanese automaker seems content to rely upon alliances to fill in the rest of its thin product line.

A Second Crossover?

Beyond the Outlander/Sport, Mitsubishi does produce a larger utility vehicle for other markets. Automotive News says that Mitsubishi has a replacement larger utility coming in 2018, with plug-in hybrid models of both utilities planned. Thus, we may yet see another crossover model in the US, what would help provide better representation for the smallest of Japan’s surviving car manufacturers maintaining a North American presence.

With two supplied models on the way, will Mitsubishi join the Renault-Nissan alliance? That isn’t likely as the two companies have multiple arrangements with other manufacturers already in place. For its part Mitsubishi also has an alliance with Citroen, part of the PSA Peugeot Citroen company that competes directly with Renault.

See Also — Will Fiat Chrysler Rescue Mitsubishi?

Photo courtesy of Eric Hall.

Killed by Takata; Denied Access by the NHTSA

October 24, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

Two-thirds of the airbag recalls involve Honda vehicles.

Honda Accord. — This seventh generation Honda Accord is currently being recalled.

The news this week turned especially gruesome as the New York Times shared the account of a dying Florida woman lying in a hospital bed who appeared to have stab wounds in her neck. On further investigation, it was revealed that an airbag likely deployed, but also spewed forth pieces of metal shrapnel that eventually took her life.

Following the Times’ story the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) expanded its recall to include 7.8 million vehicles from 10 different manufacturers. Two-thirds of those recalls involve Honda models; every affected vehicle contains airbags furnished by Japanese parts supplier Takata.

NHTSA Website Goes Down

After issuing its announcement, the NHTSA’s website denied access to consumers seeking further information, specifically people attempting to verify whether their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matched the latest recall. The search function was not working and was still experiencing problems through early Thursday. The NHTSA apologized for the downtime and also for supplying an earlier list that inaccurately included Nissan models not under recall. That list has since been updated and has been shared here.

Meanwhile, Takata and Honda are both facing a monumental public relations crisis as regulators confirm that the two companies had known about the airbag problem since 2004, what has resulted in two confirmed deaths and dozens of injuries. If confirmed, the Florida woman’s death would raise that toll to three.

2004 Ford Ranger. — The Takata recall also includes 2004 Ford Rangers

The Current Takata List

The NHTSA’s Takata recall list is current as of Oct. 23, 2014. The vehicles under recall are as follows:

BMW: 627,615 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2000 – 2005 BMW 3 Series Sedan
2000 – 2006 BMW 3 Series Coupe
2000 – 2005 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon
2000 – 2006 BMW 3 Series Convertible
2001 – 2006 BMW M3 Coupe
2001 – 2006 BMW M3 Convertible

Chrysler: 371,309 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2003 – 2008 Dodge Ram 1500
2005 – 2008 Dodge Ram 2500
2006 – 2008 Dodge Ram 3500
2006 – 2008 Dodge Ram 4500
2008 – Dodge Ram 5500
2005 – 2008 Dodge Durango
2005 – 2008 Dodge Dakota
2005 – 2008 Chrysler 300
2007 – 2008 Chrysler Aspen

Ford: 58,669 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2004 – Ford Ranger
2005 – 2006 Ford GT
2005 – 2007 Ford Mustang

General Motors: undetermined total number of potentially affected vehicles
2003 – 2005 Pontiac Vibe
2005 – Saab 9-2X

Honda: 5,051,364 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2001 – 2007 Honda Accord
2001 – 2002 Honda Accord
2001 – 2005 Honda Civic
2002 – 2006 Honda CR-V
2003 – 2011 Honda Element
2002 – 2004 Honda Odyssey
2003 – 2007 Honda Pilot
2006 – Honda Ridgeline
2003 – 2006 Acura MDX
2002 – 2003 Acura TL/CL
2005 – Acura RL

Mazda: 64,872 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2003 – 2007 Mazda6
2006 – 2007 MazdaSpeed6
2004 – 2008 Mazda RX-8
2004 – 2005 Mazda MPV
2004 – Mazda B-Series Truck

Mitsubishi: 11,985 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2004 – 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
2006 – 2007 Mitsubishi Raider

Nissan: 694,626 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2001 – 2003 Nissan Maxima
2001 – 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
2002 – 2004 Nissan Sentra
2001 – 2004 Infiniti I30/I35
2002 – 2003 Infiniti QX4
2003 – 2005 Infiniti FX35/FX45

Subaru: 17,516 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2003 – 2005 Subaru Baja
2003 – 2005 Subaru Legacy
2003 – 2005 Subaru Outback
2004 – 2005 Subaru Impreza

Toyota: 877,000 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2002 – 2005 Lexus SC
2002 – 2005 Toyota Corolla
2003 – 2005 Toyota Corolla Matrix
2002 – 2005 Toyota Sequoia
2003 – 2005 Toyota Tundra

Immediate Service Pushed

The NHTSA is urging consumers to take immediate action and have their cars serviced. However, some manufacturers do not have enough parts on hand — it could take weeks or longer before repairs are made. In the meantime manufacturers, such as Toyota, have said that owners of affected models would be notified by first-class mail this week to return their vehicles to their dealer for repairs.

Under the recall Toyota says that it “will replace the front passenger airbag inflator with a newly manufactured one.” However, if a replacement part is not available, the dealer has been instructed to disable the airbag and install a hang tag on the glove box to serve as a warning that the front passenger seat should not be occupied until the repair has been made.

Toyota Corolla Recall. — Select ninth generation Toyota Corollas are under a recall

Consumers Union Weighs In

Not everyone is satisfied with the NHTSA’s handling of the recall. Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, urged the government to expand the recall to cover vehicles beyond its current geographic area.

In a letter to NHTSA, George Slover, senior policy counsel for Consumers Union, wrote, “The recalls were originally focused on vehicles registered in areas with ‘high absolute humidity,’ but the dangers could be far broader. We believe it is essential to ensure the widest possible public awareness of this hazard, and for NHTSA, automakers, and suppliers to provide consumers with prompt and effective means to address the hazard.”

Beyond disabling airbags, Consumers Union has asked the NHTSA whether regulators were looking at other options such as providing loaner cars to owners or vouchers for rental cars. CU also pointed out that the recall process for the defective inflators began more than 18 months ago and asked the agency to explain what it was doing to ensure that car manufacturers, Takata and potential other suppliers were manufacturing and supplying “safe replacement parts for all cars that need them.”

Tens of Millions of Recalls

This year will go down as the year of the recall as more than 50 million vehicles have bee recalled to date. GM has recalled about half that many as it battles its own PR crisis. Even so, the automaker reported net income of $1.4 billion for the third quarter.

See Also — Recall Roundup: October 2014

Mitsubishi: We’re Staying

November 8, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

Following on the heels of Suzuki’s announced exit from the U.S. market, speculation has turned to the fortunes of Mitsubishi, another Japanese automaker that has been experiencing declining sales. Like Suzuki, Mitsubishi is a shell of its former self, but unlike its competitor it has vowed to stay in the U.S. market. At least for now.

Falling Sales

Earlier this week, Automotive News contacted Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko about the possibility of an exit, but the chairman reiterated his commitment to the U.S. market. Mitsubishi’s sales peaked at about 345,000 units in 2002 — this year, the automaker has sold just 50,000 cars and sales are down by nearly 29 percent. Through Oct. 2012, U.S. auto sales are up 14 percent overall.

Mitsubishi Lancer Unlike Suzuki, Mitsubishi has long had an operating plant in the United States. Its Normal, Ill., manufacturing facility can be used to expand its car-building capacity especially as new models are brought to the market. That plant also helps Mitsubishi offset the cost of shipping models from Japan and suffering a currency exchange penalty in the process.

For years, the yen has performed strong against the U.S. dollar, eroding manufacturer profits. To counter this disadvantage, automakers have been moving manufacturing abroad, including to North America. Suzuki is the lone Asian car company without a North American plant, however Mitsubishi’s Illinois plant is underutilized.

Mitsubishi Outlook

What Mitsubishi has going for it is a handful of new or upcoming models that could help stabilize the company. The all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander crossover will be revealed at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show this month and go on sale next summer. Mitsubishi has plans to increase its U.S. production and may ship its excess capacity abroad. The automaker has been touting its low-volume i-MiEV electric vehicle, what basically amounts to a halo model. Its Lancer (pictured) is its best seller and the next generation modelis due out in 2014. Still, the company has retired four models in the past two years, with unclear plans as to what other models may be in the offing.

As much as this writer would love to see Mitsubishi grow and prosper, the changing fortunes of the global car industry may make short work of its revival plans. To survive long-term, smaller manufacturers must hook up with larger car companies, what Subaru has done with Toyota, and what Chrysler has with Fiat. Ultimately, consumers will vote with their wallets and with an aged and limited product line on hand, time is certainly not on Mitsubishi’s side.