Ex-Hyundai Boss Finbarr O'Neill to Lead Mitsubishi to Profitability

A few models, such as the Diamante, now outclassed by the Galant, and Montero Sport, seriously outdated by its

Some of Mitsubishi's vehicles, like the Montero Sport (shown), are seriously outdated compared to the competition. For this reason it will be cut from the 2005 lineup. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

competition, are selling poorly for good reason. Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) has announced both will be discontinued for 2005. While these two won't be missed, it is a shame that the brand also plans on dropping the larger 7-passenger Montero sport utility, as it offers Land Cruiser off-road capabilities and Lexus-like luxury appointments for a competitive price.

A new Dodge Dakota-based sport pickup truck is on the horizon, which should help bring new customers into showrooms, and a redesigned Eclipse sport coupe and convertible is expected within the next year too, although sports car sales are currently extremely soft, prompting Toyota to discontinue its Celica and U.S.-only MR2 roadster, joining Honda which killed off its Prelude a few years back. The lack of coupes on

Mitsubishi is getting back to business basics, refocusing on key brand attributes and cutting costs. One of the cuts will be the flagship Montero SUV (shown), later in 2006. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

the market may work to Mitsubishi's favor, however, if consumer buying habits change.

But deadwood must be purged when restructuring, and the Japanese automaker is rebuilding from the ground up. Mitsubishi is getting back to business basics, refocusing on key brand attributes and cutting costs in the process.

In an interview with Detroit News, Finbarr O'Neill, the new head of Mitsubishi Motors North America who joined the firm in September of last year after leading Hyundai's North American operations to strong quality and resulting profits, commented, "The past is the past and there's not a thing I can do about it. The question is what can we do about the future?"