Legendary car brand set to RETURN to UK after a decade away – but only with the right line-up
START YOUR ENGINES Legendary car brand set to RETURN to UK after a decade away – but only with the right line-up
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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 Autocar.
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 Nissan Ariya, is also due this autumn and is expected to carry the Eclipse Cross name.
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 electric SUV and a next-generation Outlander PHEV – rather than the Colt and ASX, which are less distinct from their Renault counterparts.
'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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