Legendary car brand set to RETURN to UK after a decade away – but only with the right line-up
A LEGENDARY car brand is gearing up for a return to UK roads after nearly a decade – but only if the timing and model range are right, according to its European boss.
The Japanese manufacturer known for iconic models like the Shogun and Lancer left the UK market in 2020 during the Covid pandemic, when a sharp drop in sales forced a rethink of its global strategy.
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Mitsubishi is phasing out the current versions of the Eclipse Cross and budget-friendly Space Star
But now, Mitsubishi, says it's looking at Britain as a key part of its European comeback.
'If you look at the potential and size of the market, it's our preferred route to go back, basically.
But we need to have the right product line-up for that,' said Mitsubishi Europe president Frank Krol, speaking to
Since its withdrawal, Mitsubishi has re-established itself in much of Europe, using models developed through its Alliance partnership with Renault.
This includes the Colt supermini and ASX crossover – both rebadged versions of Renault cars.
Earlier this year, Mitsubishi reintroduced the Outlander plug-in hybrid SUV to Europe, a model that previously enjoyed major success in the UK and topped the PHEV sales charts.
The brand's line-up is set to grow further with the launch of the Grandis, a compact SUV based on the Renault Symbioz, which will be unveiled on 1 July.
An all-new electric SUV, built on the same EV platform as the Renault Scenic and
Most read in Motors
At the same time, Mitsubishi is phasing out the current versions of the Eclipse Cross and budget-friendly Space Star (also known as the Mirage in the UK), as they no longer comply with updated EU safety regulations.
Krol said a return to the UK would need to be led by the right models – likely including the upcoming
'These newer models would better reflect our brand values,' he suggested, hinting that they would have more appeal for British buyers familiar with Mitsubishi's legacy of practical and robust vehicles.
A new version of the Outlander could appear around 2027, given that the current generation launched globally in 2021.
Despite the long absence, Mitsubishi still enjoys strong name recognition in the UK – but that won't last forever, Krol warned.
'It is not preferred to have extremely a long period without any sales presence,' he said.
'That's something we would need to consider.'
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But now, the company says it's looking at Britain as a key part of its European comeback
Credit: simon thompson
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I'm so happy! I didn't come here to have fun… I'm here to win everything'. I would like to win everything every year! First of all, we have to do our work, I have to make my work. Florian Writz Liverpool Copy link Copied By Wirtz speaks Florian Writz has spoken for the first time as a Liverpool player and insists he has high hopes. I'm so happy! I didn't come here to have fun… I'm here to win everything'. I would like to win everything every year! First of all, we have to do our work, I have to make my work. Florian Writz Liverpool Copy link Copied By How Liverpool could line-up Here is one way that Liverpool could line up next season following the arrival of Florian Wirtz. The German could play in the midfield alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. Copy link Copied By How Wirtz will be paid? Florian Wirtz will be compensated generously following his switch to Liverpool. The midfielder has been made the club's third-highest-paid player with a weekly wage of £245,000. 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