{"id":65647,"date":"2025-06-18T12:18:06","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T16:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/mitsubishi-eyes-uk-comeback-with-new-models-and-strategic-vision\/"},"modified":"2025-06-18T12:18:06","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T16:18:06","slug":"mitsubishi-eyes-uk-comeback-with-new-models-and-strategic-vision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/mitsubishi-eyes-uk-comeback-with-new-models-and-strategic-vision\/","title":{"rendered":"Mitsubishi Eyes UK Comeback with New Models and Strategic Vision"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mitsubishi is eyeing a comeback in the UK market, and it\u2019s not just a casual thought. The Japanese automaker\u2019s European chief, Frank Krol, has made it clear that returning to the UK is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the brand in Europe. But there\u2019s a catch: Mitsubishi wants to ensure it has the right products to make a splash when it returns.<\/p>\n

Why Did Mitsubishi Leave the UK?<\/p>\n

Mitsubishi\u2019s exit from the UK in 2020 wasn\u2019t a decision made lightly. The pandemic hit the automotive industry hard, leading to a significant drop in sales and prompting a reevaluation of its global strategy. The brand had to rethink its approach, especially in Europe, where competition is fierce and consumer preferences are rapidly evolving.<\/p>\n

Since then, Mitsubishi has made strides in other European markets, reintroducing itself with new models sourced from its partnership with Renault. This collaboration has allowed Mitsubishi to tap into Renault\u2019s lineup, offering rebadged versions of popular models like the Renault Clio and Captur, now known as the Colt and ASX, respectively.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next for Mitsubishi in the UK?<\/p>\n

Krol\u2019s enthusiasm for re-entering the UK market stems from its potential. He stated, \u201cIf you look at the potential and size of the market, it’s our preferred route to go back.\u201d However, he emphasized the necessity of having a robust product lineup to support this move. <\/p>\n

Mitsubishi has already launched the Colt and ASX, but these models are closely tied to their Renault counterparts. The brand is looking to expand its offerings with more distinctive vehicles that better represent Mitsubishi\u2019s identity. Upcoming models like the Grandis compact SUV and a new electric SUV, likely named Eclipse Cross, are on the horizon. Both vehicles are expected to showcase the brand’s values more effectively than the current offerings.<\/p>\n

The Importance of Compliance and Innovation<\/p>\n

One of the challenges Mitsubishi faces is compliance with new EU regulations. The brand is winding down sales of the Eclipse Cross and the budget Space Star due to non-compliance with the EU’s General Safety Regulations 2. This highlights the need for Mitsubishi to not only innovate but also ensure that its vehicles meet stringent safety standards.<\/p>\n

Krol hinted at the possibility of a new Outlander PHEV, which could further bolster Mitsubishi\u2019s presence in the UK. While he didn\u2019t provide a specific timeline for its launch, the current Outlander was introduced globally in 2021, suggesting that a refresh could be anticipated around 2027.<\/p>\n

Is There Still a Place for Mitsubishi in the UK?<\/p>\n

Despite its absence, Mitsubishi remains a recognized brand in the UK. However, Krol acknowledges that time is of the essence. \u201cIt is not preferred to have an extremely long period without any sales presence,\u201d he noted. This urgency underscores the importance of a strategic and timely re-entry into the market.<\/p>\n

The big takeaway? Mitsubishi\u2019s return to the UK isn\u2019t just about selling cars; it\u2019s about making smarter adjustments to align with market demands and regulatory standards. If they can successfully launch models that resonate with UK consumers, we might just see Mitsubishi reclaim its spot on the roads. So, keep an eye out\u2014this could be the start of an exciting new chapter for the brand in the UK.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\"Mitsubishi<\/a><\/p>\n

\n Mitsubishi currently sells a rebadged version of the Renault Clio named the Colt<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Japanese brand’s “preferred route” is to return to the bountiful UK market, but only if it has the right product<\/p>\n

\n

Mitsubishi\u2019s \u201cpreferred\u201d plan is to return to the UK as part of a broader strategy to rebuild its business in Europe, its European boss has told Autocar.<\/p>\n

The Japanese brand left the UK in 2020 amid the Covid-led sales collapse that forced a fundamental rethink<\/a> across its global markets, including Europe.<\/p>\n

However, Mitsubishi<\/a> has since returned to most of its former European markets with the aid of new models sourced from Alliance partner Renault<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Mitsubishi would like to include the UK in that plan, said Frank Krol:\u00a0\u201cIf you look at the potential and size of the market, it’s our preferred route to go back, basically.\u00a0But we need to have the right product line-up for that.”<\/p>\n

Last year, Mitsubishi launched rebadged versions of the Renault Clio<\/a> supermini\u00a0and Renault Captur<\/a> small crossover, named Colt and ASX.\u00a0<\/p>\n

And earlier this year, it began European sales of the self-developed Outlander<\/a> plug-in hybrid SUV, a replacement for the model that topped the UK PHEV charts for so long.<\/p>\n

It will further expand its range with the Grandis compact SUV, a version of the Renault Symbioz<\/a>\u00a0being\u00a0revealed on 1 July,\u00a0and in the autumn with a new electric SUV built by Renault on the same CMF-EV platform that underpins the Renault Scenic and Nissan Ariya, expected to be called Eclipse Cross.<\/p>\n

Mitsubishi is currently winding down sales of the current Eclipse Cross<\/a>\u00a0and budget Space Star (Mirage<\/a>) small car\u00a0\u2013 both of which were sold in the UK – because they don\u2019t comply with the EU’s new\u00a0General Safety Regulations 2<\/a>\u00a0legislation.<\/p>\n

Mitsubishi\u2019s preferred models for a UK market return include the forthcoming\u00a0Scenic sibling\u00a0and potentially a new Outlander PHEV,\u00a0Krol said.<\/p>\n

Both models would better showcase the values of the brand than the Colt and ASX, which have helped Mitsubishi re-establish itself amid changing regulations but are little differentiated from their donor Renault models.<\/p>\n

Krol gave no timing for the launch of a new Outlander, but\u00a0the current model was launched in 2021 globally, suggesting a refresh is due around 2027.<\/p>\n

Mitsubishi is still a recognised brand in the UK, but it will have to move fairly quick to capitalise on that advantage.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is not preferred to have extremely a long period without any sales presence,\u201d Krol said. \u201cThat’s something we would need to consider.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":65648,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"Default","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,137],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-65647","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-featured","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65647","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=65647"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65647\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/65648"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65647"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65647"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65647"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}