A fabled name in motor racing, Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors, plans to expand into the fast growing Indian car market with the introduction of its small car, Mirage, and its sedan sibling, the Attrage, reports Overdrive, an automotive website.
Mitsubishi also confirmed that post the end of its contract with Hindustan Motors, the makers of the now discontinued Ambassador series; it plans to bring in a new SUV in 2015, where currently its Pajero Sport battles it out with the Toyota Fortuner, the Isuzu MU 7 and the Ford Endeavour. Name of the SUV under discussion was not divulged.
The makers of the legendary Evo-series of four-wheel drive cars will have their manufacturing hub in Tamil Nadu, where both models will be manufactured.
Mitsubishi's Mirage is expected to be launched in 2016. It will take on the likes of market leader Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10 and the yet to-be-introduced Tata Bolt. The sedan, Attrage will be pitched against Nissan Sunny, Toyota Etios, and the well received Tata Zest.
The 1.2 l petrol engine, capable of 78PS power and 100Nm of torque is expected to power both models; with a five-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission.
The company is a late entrant in to the small car market and faces stiff competition from its global competitors who have developed India centric models. The company needs to invest significantly to develop a dealer network, after sales service to take its brand to the common man.
