Mitsubishi Pickup Truck in the Pipeline
How much does a brand's warranty factor into your new vehicle purchasing decision? That's a question Mitsubishi needs to consider before modifying its warranty program, the latest consideration since ex-Hyundai Motor America boss Finbarr O'Neill has taken over the lead of the Japanese automaker's U.S. division.
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| After a challenging sales year, Mitsubishi head Finbarr O'Neill announced the possibility of a warranty upgrade. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Hyundai's extended warranties, 5-year comprehensive and 10-year powertrain in the U.S. (3-years and 5-years respectively in Canada), have caused many potential customers to take a closer look at their cars, the first step in making a sale. The strategy could do the same for Mitsubishi.
During a national dealer meeting in Las Vegas earlier this month, O'Neill announced the possibility of the warranty upgrade which no doubt was a breath of fresh air at the tail end of a very challenging sales year.
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| Mitsubishi dealers got the chance to try out the completely redesigned, larger, and more upscale Galant, which will be available to the public later this month. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
He also teased dealer principals with hopes for a Mitsubishi pickup truck, a category the tri-diamond brand hasn't filled within North America for decades. O'Neill was reportedly in development of a pickup truck for Hyundai before he left the Korean manufacturer. Speculators have pointed to the next-generation Dodge Dakota as the most likely donor platform.
The Las Vegas event offered dealers the chance to drive the completely redesigned Galant sedan, a strong entry in the hotly contested midsize sedan market. Available later this month, the larger, more upscale Galant is targeting what analysts consider to be a conservative 100,000 U.S. sales per year, up 20,000 units over the 80,000 2003 Galants sold this year.
The Galant is built at its Normal, Ill. facility, a plant shared with its own Eclipse sports coupe and convertible and second cousin Chrysler Group's Sebring and Dodge Status - DaimlerChrysler controls a majority stake in Mitsubishi Motors. The Chrysler Group cars will be phased out in 2005, when Normal will be dedicated to Mitsubishi products.