"We've got three new products (this fiscal year) and there should be a lift in 2005 sales versus 2004," Gilligan added.
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| Mitsubishi has high hopes for the new Dodge Dakota-based Raider midsize pickup truck. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The other two models arriving this year will be the Dodge Dakota-based Raider midsize pickup truck, also introduced at the Detroit show, plus a convertible version of the Eclipse, once again dubbed the Eclipse Spyder.
The Eclipse coupe is expected to arrive in dealerships this summer, while the pickup is due later in the fall. The new Spyder should arrive early in 2005, just before MMNA's fiscal year end finalizes in March.
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| Gilligan stood behind Mitsubishi's plan for returning to profitability in North America by the company's fiscal year end finalizing in March of 2006. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Adding interest to the potential for Mitsubishi selling its cars in European and Middle Eastern markets, a spokesman of the Japanese automaker admitted that there was potential for a possible joint venture with France's PSA, which makes Peugeot and Citroen.
"It is true that Mitsubishi Motors is studying the possibility of a business tie-up with PSA Peugeot Citroen," company spokesman Junji Nishihata offered. "(But) there are no concrete details decided at this point."
Gilligan declined to comment on the topic, however, but quickly interjected that Mitsubishi would be "excited" to produce vehicles for any automaker to fill the Normal plant's capacity.
After stating that he realized the U.S. remains a "very tough market" for any automaker, Gilligan stood behind Mitsubishi's plan for returning to profitability in North America, a region considered critical for MMNA to succeed in by auto market analysts, by the company's fiscal year end, which draws to a close in March of 2006.