"This project marks another milestone in DaimlerChrysler's alliance strategy," stated Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President - Product Development of the Chrysler Group. "Ultimately, this will allow us both to reduce development, production times and costs while adding to our respective portfolios with distinctly different, high-quality products."
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| Mitsubishi sold more than 90,000 L200 Strada pickups worldwide in 2002. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors) |
The larger pickup will fit Mitsubishi's North American target audience better than its current offerings in other jurisdictions. As a note, the Japanese brand sold more than 90,000 L200 Strada pickups worldwide in 2002, a model that finished this year's Dakar Rally in fourth position - just behind three other Mitsubishi vehicles incidentally.
On the truck alliance Finbarr O'Neill, Co-chairman and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) commented, "We are excited to expand our product offering with this new pickup, and at the same time, leverage our alliance with DaimlerChrysler to provide even greater value for our customers."
No doubt the new as yet unnamed model will strengthen MMNA's brand image and bottom line, while DaimlerChrysler will benefit by increased component production volume. Mitsubishi is expected to debut a concept of its upcoming pickup soon.