While it’s not alone in posting falling sales in 2008, Mitsubishi is in bigger trouble than other manufacturers, with only one car in demand, the fuel-efficient Lancer in short supply. While the automaker posted an 8.8 percent sales increase in 2007 — its first since 2002 — the 2008 year-do-date results are down 42.4 percent in June.
The automaker’s turnaround plan, headed by North America CEO Hiroshi Harunari, is being criticized by dealers as too stringent, according to Automotive News reports. They name high prices, a low ad budget and little choice in the showrooms as reasons for the slowing sales. The few products they have to sell are aging and based on old technology, they added. The dealers have others reasons to be worried despite the automaker’s commitment to the U.S. market, as the company closed two of its four field offices, eliminated 49 sales jobs and canceled dealer ad associations.
About the only good news retailers of the brand have is the expected return of Mitsubishi Credit, which would allow high-risk customers to finance their vehicles.
The only new vehicles coming to Mitsubishi this September is the 237 horsepower Lancer Ralliart, made to compete with Subaru’s WRX, with the Lancer Sportback due to arrive in the Spring of 2009.
07/07, 9:29 AM
posted by:
xyunya
Mitsubishi should sell their automotive division to Hyundai, the one that Mitsubishi helped to start 25 years ago.
07/07, 10:37 AM
posted by:
RaineMan
The problem with Mitsus is that they are overpriced. Their vehicles are consistantly $3000-5000 more than the cars that they are supposed to be competing with. I also wouldn’t call the Lancer “fuel efficient” by any means. 22 & 30 aren’t exactly stellar numbers for a “compact” sedan. The two top-dogs in the category, Civic & Corolla, are pulling 26/34 and 27/35 respectively.
Not to mention Mitsu doesn’t have a “B” car. Basic transportation availiable for $12-16k… that’s a big segment now-a-days.
07/07, 10:54 AM
posted by:
shaver
GO back to Colt, “imported for Dodge”.
07/07, 11:01 AM
posted by:
tino
hey Raineman,
“Not to mention Mitsu doesn’t have a “B†car. Basic transportation availiable for $12-16k… that’s a big segment now-a-days.”
What about the 2009 Lancer…starting at $13,390? :-\
07/07, 11:12 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Can’t anyone just come out and say it? Most of their lineup is just fugly, plain and simple. You know, kind of like the girl next door who when she’s undressing in front of her bedroom window you close your blinds.
07/07, 11:32 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Here’s the problem with Mitsu: if I had to choose between a new Galant and a 1976 Chevy Monte Carlo, for the same cash I’d likely buy the Chevy.
Fortunately I don’t have to make that choice.
07/07, 12:14 PM
posted by:
xyunya
mayer_ray_nagin, I wish I could find ‘76 Monte Carlo in non-rust condition. Those were gorgeous cars.
07/07, 12:15 PM
posted by:
xyunya
johnnycanuck, perhaps I’m perv, but I would look
07/07, 12:31 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Mitsubishi should stick to the big screens. At least they do those well.
07/07, 1:28 PM
posted by:
drlewis
It mentions at the bottom of the article that the sportsback is due in 2009, I thought they reported that it wasn’t coming to America or rumors suggested it wasn’t…has this changed?
07/07, 2:06 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Tino –> Versa, Fit, Aveo, Accent…. those are “B” cars. Lancer is way too big.
07/07, 3:47 PM
posted by:
t-ak-box
They should have a lower priced Eclipse model and bring over the colt, colt conv. and I cars. As well as the Replacement Galant. Mitsubishi would be stupid if they don’t bring over the sportback models to the US.
07/07, 4:18 PM
posted by:
A4
the lancer is one of the best cars in the segment, id say bested only by the Rabbit and Mazda3.
07/07, 5:32 PM
posted by:
VictorRaikkonen
Save for the new Lancer, Mitsu has an ugly line up… the 380/US Gallant, is hideous, the Outlander is forgettable, and the Pajero/Montero is a joke and looks like a bloated whale. Like GM, they need a product line up that is exciting… as as espoused by nearly everyone above me, lower priced vehicles… sorry Mitsu, you are not on par with Honda, Toyota, Mazda, or even Crapdai for that matter.
07/07, 6:37 PM
posted by:
Bubs Solo
xyunya is a chubby chaser…
07/07, 7:04 PM
posted by:
MugenSentraKen
===>>johnnycanuck, perhaps I’m perv, but I would look too! along with xyunya
07/07, 10:26 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Yeah, who the hell am I kidding. I’d have binoculars and a box of Kleenex too.
07/08, 12:54 AM
posted by:
beatusmongous
In the words of Jeff Foxworthy, “I want a beer and I wanna see somethin’ naked.”
07/08, 1:19 AM
posted by:
Kanucko
Hurry up and bring the Colt over Mitsubishi ! stop draggin your a$$. And that cool ‘i’ car from Japan can come to dinner as well. If your not planning on it then you should pack up your bags and move in with Grandma in Hokkaido.