Mitsubishi Names Its New Sport Truck Raider

New Mitsubishi Raider Offers Truck Buyers Something Completely New

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) pointed the way towards what could very well be a profitable new market segment for the

Mitsubishi made waves earlier this year in Detroit with the launch of its Sport Truck Concept, claiming a production version would follow. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

brand with the official announcement of its new Raider pickup truck.

The Japanese automaker made waves earlier this year in Detroit with the launch of its Sport Truck Concept, claiming a production version would follow. While Mitsubishi sells its L200 Strada pickups worldwide, it has been years since the tri-diamond brand was attached to a pickup truck in the North American lineup, having previously sold the Mighty Max, also branded as a Dodge D50, back in the late '70s and early '80s.

The new Raider pickup will be built on Dodge's popular Dakota architecture. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

The tables are turned this time around, however, as it's Dodge that is providing the framework for the midsize Raider, derived from the popular Dakota.

The joint project is another confirmation of the two automakers' decision to join forces on strategic projects, therefore increasing economies of scale and decreasing development costs. DaimlerChrysler AG was previously quoted as saying it signed a contract with Mitsubishi Motors Corp. on Wednesday, September 22, 2004, to renew each automaker's commitment to joint production and development projects (see automotive news section for Sept. 23, 2004: DaimlerChrysler Secures Joint Project Deal with Mitsubishi).