Transport Minister Nobuteru Ishihara commented, "It's a crucial matter that could affect the fate of the company."
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| The DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi divorce could also negatively effect ongoing projects, including the new Mitsubishi Sport Truck. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America) |
"The situation can be called a crisis for Mitsubishi Motors," Nobuaki Yanachi, auto analyst at UFJ Tsubasa Securities Co. in Tokyo, told AP, adding: "Even with the extra money, a turnaround would have taken a long time."
Development money aside, a potential DaimlerChrysler/Mitsubishi divorce could also affect ongoing projects, including the new Mitsubishi Sport Truck, developed off of the upcoming Dodge Dakota midsize pickup truck, a concept that was positively received at the Detroit auto show earlier this year.
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| Will Chrysler Lose Out on plans to develop the next-gen Sebring/Stratus off of the Galant platform? (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
DaimlerChrysler's U.S. division, Chrysler Group, also has been reported to be developing its next-generation Sebring/Stratus midsize models on Mitsubishi's critically acclaimed Galant sedan, as well as its upcoming SX2.0/SRT-4 replacement on a common architecture that will underpin the next Mitsubishi Lancer. The two companies also share a joint venture engine manufacturing facility with Hyundai.
There is no word if these projects will continue forward as planned or if they will now be shelved. Neither automaker can afford the time necessary to develop new entries into each segment. Chrysler especially needs new compact and midsize models, critical to its own revitalization plan.