Japanese automaker Mitsubishi was apparently going though a tough phase in the auto market when the demand for its vehicles in India hit an all-time low for the past couple of years. But the company is not ready to give up so easily. According to reports, it is now planning to introduce the third-generation Outlander SUV in India next year.
Mitsubishi had reportedly witnessed an end to its vehicle sales in India when it phased out its sedan models like the Lancer, Cedia and the Evolution X along with the second-generation Outlander. But now it looks like the company is gearing up for an aggressive comeback with its third-generation, diesel-powered Outlander. By featuring a diesel engine, Mitsubishi made it clear that it is targeting price-sensitive consumers in the country.
"The company is working on the new model of the diesel version and will launch it in early 2014. It will be a more rejuvenated model and will be placed in the UV 4 segment (premium). As Mitsubishi's partner in India, we want to focus only on the utility vehicle segment and one can see more variants/models of Mitsubishi Pajero and Outlander going forward in India," P Vijayan, COO, Hindustan Motors told Business Standard.
Hindustan Motors is also eyeing to sell around 2,500 units of Mitsubishi Pajero in the fiscal year 2013-14. According to a Carwale report, the upcoming Outlander is bigger and larger than the current model and will pack new features. The vehicle is expected to come with turbo-charged 2.2-litre engine which delivers a power of 150PS and 380Nm of torque. Although the global market is offering both petrol and diesel versions of Outlander, India is likely to get the diesel model only.
