Mitsubishi, just starting to show signs that its restructuring plan is working, is looking to change its image on a global scale. Don't expect to see many conservative-looking four-door sedans in its future, like the
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| This new Sportback concept is exactly the design direction the Japanese automaker should take with the next-generation production model. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America) |
current Lancer and to some extent, its slightly edgier looking Galant, but rather look forward to vehicles that are more in-tune with the brand's sporting heritage, like the new Eclipse. And such a move makes a great deal of sense. It doesn't take a Harvard-trained top-tier CEO to figure out that the Lancer isn't about to challenge Honda's Civic or Toyota's Corolla for top sales, or for that matter the Galant isn't going to upset the Accord or Camry anytime soon. Mitsubishi needs to chart its own course in the same fashion as Chrysler is doing with its model lineup. Not that Mitsubishi should come forward with a full-size, rear-drive V8-powered sedan anytime in the near future, but whatever it does bring to market not only needs to be more engaging from a driving dynamics point of view, something
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| Mitsubishi Motors Europe CEO Tim Tozer says it was designed to appeal to multiple markets, which, in translation, means that a production version could very well include North America. (Photo:Mitsubishi Motors North America) |
it already does very well in almost all market segments it competes in, but also bolder in design. And this new Sportback concept is exactly the design direction the Japanese automaker should take with the next-generation production model.
The Sportback was designed in Mitsubishi's Trebur design centre (Mitsubishi Motor R&D of Europe GmbH), near Frankfurt, and is slated to go on sale throughout Europe in early 2007. But before you get disappointed, Mitsubishi Motors Europe CEO Tim Tozer says it was designed to appeal to multiple markets.
"At the moment there's a high degree of fragmentation. We see that with the North American product," Tozer commented when speaking with Automotive News after the concept was introduced. "There will be a more integrated approach to product planning and a greater coordination between the regions."
