New Mitsubishi Models For North America

Washington DC November 17, 2014; The AIADA newsletter reported that Mitsubishi Motors Corp., amid a remarkable sales rebound this year in the United States, is targeting its first profit in North America since the global financial crisis.

Now, reports Automotive News, CEO Osamu Masuko pledges to build on the company's momentum with a badly needed injection of fresh product, starting with two possible new entries as early as next year. Including a long-delayed Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid crossover and a sedan version of the Mirage subcompact hatchback. After that, Mitsubishi plans to step up its electrification push with plug-in hybrid versions of the next-generation Outlander Sport and possibly the Montero SUV, Masuko told Automotive News.

Mitsubishi's North American business is finally recovering from years of slumping sales and operating losses. In October, it increased its North American sales target to 116,000 vehicles for the current fiscal year, which ends March 31, 2015. That is up from an initial target of 109,000, and a 20 percent increase over the approximately 97,000 sold last fiscal year. The company also forecasts a North American operating profit of ¥3 billion ($26 million) for the current fiscal year.