Mitsubishi announced at the 2008 Beijing Motor Show that it is developing a new global mini car. The new car — which is slated to hit the market in 2010 — will likely be sold in Europe, Japan and Southeast Asia and will ride on an all-new rear-wheel drive mini car platform.
According to Automotive News, the new car will be built to meet Japanese mini car standards — meaning the car will be no longer than 11.2 feet long and 5 feet wide — but will also have the flexibility to be sold outside of Japan. For example, Japanese mini car standards limit engine size to 660cc, but the car could be fitted with a 1.0L unit outside of Japan.
Mini cars are extremely popular in Japan — for their small size, low cost of entry, low maintenance costs and tax breaks — and account for about one third of all new cars sold in Japan.
Other details on the new car remain scarce, but Mitsubishi president Osamu Masuko indicated that the car will be built in the same regions that it is sold.
