- Mitsubishi’s N.A. boss promised dealers a major “strategic shift” is coming.
- A rebadged Nissan Leaf-based EV is scheduled to arrive next summer.
- A rugged Outlander and larger crossover are expected to follow by 2028.
Mitsubishi sales soared 25.8 percent in the United States last year, but their fortunes quickly reversed as year-to-date sales have fallen more than 11 percent through the third quarter. On top of that, the company killed off the popular Mirage, while its aging lineup continues to grow older.
Needless to say, things are looking bleak and that’s before mentioning tariffs and economic uncertainty. However, the automaker is planning a “strategic shift” that promises to “significantly strengthen” their position in the United States.
More: Mitsubishi Will Launch A Second New SUV For The Great American Outdoors
That’s according to a new letter sent to dealers by Mitsubishi Motors North America CEO Mark Chaffin. Autonews says the executive was coy on specifics, but teased this represents a “game-changing moment.” He also reassured dealers that “North America is a priority” for the company.
The lack of substance isn’t very reassuring, but Mitsubishi recently announced a couple of new models for North America. The first is an electric vehicle based on the redesigned Nissan Leaf.
It arrives in the summer of 2026 and will presumably share powertrains with the Leaf. This means we can expect a 75 kWh battery pack as well as a front-mounted motor producing 214 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 261 lb-ft (353 Nm) of torque.
The model could also offer an entry-level variant with a smaller 52 kWh battery as well as a 174 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) motor.
It will be joined in late 2026 by a rugged version of the Outlander. The company has previously said the crossover will have unique styling inside and out as well as performance upgrades and off-road focused drive modes.
Additional models are in the works and one is said to be a mid-sized crossover that would slot above the Outlander. It could arrive in 2028, offer three-rows of seats, and be built in the United States by Nissan.
Dealers are also hoping for a mid-size sedan and a truck, potentially based on the Nissan Frontier. “We could use an entry-level sedan as many OEMs are leaving the segment,” said Mitsubishi dealer board Chairman R. C. Hill, speaking to Automotive News. “Every Mitsubishi dealer would like a truck.”
While it remains to be seen if they’ll get what they want, Chaffin told them the company will be “expanding our focus beyond BEVs to include ICE, HEV, and PHEV models.”
Source: Auto News
