Mitsubishi plans three new electrified SUVs for US relaunch
Mitsubishi will introduce three electrified crossovers to the US market within five years, focusing on its strengths in SUVs and four-wheel drive after closing its Illinois plant.
Mitsubishi will introduce three new electrified crossovers to the US market over the next five years, aiming to revive its brand presence after deciding to end production at its Normal, Illinois plant. The company’s strategy, confirmed by CEO Osamu Masuko, will see a tighter focus on SUVs and four-wheel drive models, with electrified powertrains forming the core of its US offering.
The decision to close the Illinois factory, announced in July 2015, was driven by low production volumes rather than labour costs or currency pressures. Mitsubishi will now rely on imported vehicles and intends to streamline its US range, aiming resources at segments where it retains a competitive edge. The company has confirmed that no replacement is planned for the slow-selling i-MiEV electric city car, shifting its attention to crossover and SUV models with electrified options.
Electrified crossover line-up
Mitsubishi’s electrification plan for the US will begin with the Outlander PHEV, which is scheduled for introduction in mid-2016. The Outlander PHEV will offer a plug-in hybrid option in the midsize SUV segment, a move aimed at buyers seeking lower emissions without sacrificing practicality. The company also plans a facelift for the Outlander after 2017 to keep the model current.
A new small coupe-styled crossover is expected to arrive after autumn 2017, positioned between the Outlander and Outlander Sport. This model will be offered with an electrified drivetrain alongside conventional petrol engines. The next-generation Outlander Sport, due around 2019, will also include an electrified variant, further expanding Mitsubishi’s plug-in and hybrid options in the US market.
- Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid), mid-2016 US launch
- Small coupe-styled crossover, after autumn 2017, with electrified option
- Next-generation Outlander Sport, around 2019, with electrified variant
Focus on core strengths and model range
Mitsubishi’s US line-up will centre on SUVs and crossovers, reflecting the company’s stated strengths in four-wheel drive and utility vehicles. While a new generation of the Lancer sedan is likely, electrification efforts will be concentrated on the SUV and crossover segments. The company’s approach is to allocate limited resources to areas where it sees the greatest potential for growth and brand recognition in the US market.
Until the new models arrive, Mitsubishi will update the Outlander Sport and introduce the Outlander PHEV to maintain interest among US buyers. The focus on electrified SUVs puts Mitsubishi in line with other automakers targeting the growing crossover segment with hybrid and plug-in options, as seen with competitors’ recent product plans.
