Mitsubishi Dealers Get Revved-Up in Vegas

Mitsubishi dealers had much to cheer about at the automaker’s recent dealer meeting held in Las Vegas, Nevada, last week. Unveiling a line of new products,

Mitsubishi Motors North America boss Rich Gilligan told the crowd of dealers, “that he turned around the company plant in Normal, Ill., and he would not settle for less for the entire company,” reports Automotive News.

Gilligan gave dealers an insider’s peak at the redesigned Outlander SUV, which hits showrooms late next year, the redesigned Eclipse Spyder, which goes on sale next spring, and upcoming fall releases, which include the new Raider pickup and Lancer Evolution 9. "Our No. 1 priority is dealer profitability," Gilligan said. "And we’re going to help make that happen with new product."

One Mitsi dealer interviewed by the News, suggested an improved tone from retailers. "Last year the dealers were just hoping to make it another year," said Tom Croxton, president of Huntington Beach (Calif.) Mitsubishi. "We saw some product in New Orleans, but it was a ways away. Now we’re seeing the actual product, and I see the dealers becoming engaged again."

As part of the meeting, “The company challenged the dealers to do what they do best - sell. Sales chief Daniel Kuhnert, hired in April, said the brand should meet the lofty goal of 143,000 units this year. Mitsubishi sold 55,132 vehicles through May,” reports the News.