Mitsubishi Names Its New Sport Truck Raider

Previously, when this project was initially announced in December of last year, Finbarr O'Neill, Co-chairman and CEO of MMNA commented, "We are excited to expand our product

The Raider is another confirmation of Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler's willingness to join forces on strategic projects. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

offering with this new pickup, and at the same time, leverage our alliance with DaimlerChrysler to provide even greater value for our customers," (see automotive news section for Dec. 18, 2003: DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi Combine Forces for New Pickup).

While Mitsubishi and Chrysler Group have a long history building trucks together, the name Raider was ironically affixed to a Dodge SUV based off of an early Montero. It suits the new truck well, however, and will no doubt be more acceptable in today's rough and tough truck world than Mighty Max.

The larger pickup will fit Mitsubishi's North American target audience better than its current offerings in other jurisdictions.

Mitsbishi sold more than 90,000 L200 Strada pickups worldwide in 2002. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

As a note, the Japanese brand sold more than 90,000 L200 Strada pickups worldwide in 2002, a model that finished last year's Dakar Rally in fourth position - just behind three other Mitsubishi vehicles incidentally.

Also, the forthcoming Raider will differ dramatically in styling when compared to the Dakota. Where the Dodge is sharply creased, with origami angles, the Japanese truck is smooth, flowing and positively racy. The Raider was penned in the Mitsubishi Motors Design Studio in Cypress, California, while sharing the Dakota's architecture as well as the majority of its components.