Little historical reminder: during the period of pandemic and discreetly at the time, Mitsubishi had decided to turn your back on Belgian market. And our country was not the only one concerned: the Japanese manufacturer had then decided to withdraw from the entire European market. The reason? It was simple: the brand no longer earned enough money on the old continent. The decision had surprised because in 2019, the Japanese still had almost 150,000 vehicles On our continent. But the decision was irrevocable and, probably anticipating the continuation of the scenario (and the difficulties that followed), the manufacturer had folded luggage.
Well, at the expense of the manufacturer, it should also be noted that Its range then left something to be desired. This then counted the rudimentary Space Star, the Eclipse Cross as light as it is unattractive, the L200 pick-up and the SUV Outlander. The latter, which was one of the pioneers of therechargeable hybridization, was a certain success, in particular thanks to advantageous taxation. But in 2020, he accused the weight of years and his economic qualities-his consumption in particular-were far beyond what the official figures promised.
Barely disguised Renault
But today, there is new and, as soon, Belgian motorists will again be able to buy a new mitsubishi, perhaps even directly in Belgium If we believe the specialized media Automotive News Europe. In several European countries indeed, the Japanese brand has already Make his return And she is also looking for new distributors on our territory. But with a change: this time, delivery will be made directly with dealerships without going through a national importer, as was the case until 2020 (then represented by the Beherman group, in Bornem).
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But there is a “but”. Because these future Mitsubishi will not be “real” Mitsubishi, but Models from the Alliance with Renault et Nissan. It will first be Renault Clio and Captur already sold under the names Colt and ASX in other European countries.
The Renault Symbioz will also wear the Mitsubishi logo and will be called Grandis. These three model names had already been used before for internally designed vehicles by Mitsubishi. Finally, it should be noted that the reconquest plan also provides for the introduction of a new Eclipse Cross Electric also based on a Renault model.
Other models to come
Mitsubishi wishes to go further and reintroduce other models in Europe. But the manufacturer did not wish to share more information at this stage. What is clear is that these models will not be 100% electric vehicles. Because you should know that the Japanese recently has canceled the development of two electric models To refocus on hybrids, whether self -tensable or rechargeable.
In addition, the Japanese would also like to introduce their Cars are in Cars in Europe. These are small cars designed for the narrow streets of Japanese cities and especially with engine of less than 600 cc and which benefit from advantageous taxation in the land of the rising sun. Mitsubishi sells a lot on its domestic market, but, problem, these models are not currently satisfying the security standards in force in our territories.
However, it must be remembered that the brand had been a pioneer about fifteen years ago with the I-Miev electric. In 2010, it had been, with the Nissan Leaf, one of the first electric vehicles produced and sold large -scale on the European market. The model was also marketed under French brands, Citroën and Peugeot which then sought to convert to electric – and especially to have a vehicle which made it possible to reduce the CO2 footprint of the range.
A known name
Mitsubishi is part of a vast conglomerate in Japan and has been building cars for over a hundred years. In 1917, he was even the very first Japanese manufacturer to produce an automobile. The Japanese arrived in Europe in the 1970s and imposed itself on it as a mark of confidence (reliability). She especially made herself known with her robust 4x4s, like the Pajero, but with the launch which then won in the world rally championship, especially with Freddy Loix. To see if this history will still be able to convince.
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