2023 Highlights for Mitsubishi Motors
2023 had some very big changes for Mitsubishi Motors. With new developments behind the scenes with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, a lot has happened to push forward the Alliance 2030 business strategy. Mitsubishi Motors is securing more investments for a new electrified lineup, and we’re sure the Ampere company is just one part of the solution. Thanks to the Alliance, Mitsubishi is getting exposed to a lot of new tech and battery-electric vehicle (BEV) solutions. Just check out what some of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance (Alliance) worked on during 2023.
Joint Ventures
As mentioned, in 2022, Renault proposed the idea of a new company and BEV facility called Ampere to take over the load for upcoming BEV models for the Alliance, specifically new BEV models for Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan. To make sure Mitsubishi has enough BEV power modules, its subsidiary company, Mitsubishi Electric, made an investment in Coherent, a company known for its silicon carbide (SiC) power devices. The brains behind a lot of technological developments for Mitsubishi Moots, Mitsubishi Electric also partnered with Commsignia Ltd V2X Software this year to improve the development and implementation of autonomous car technology.
New Models
This year, Mitsubishi Motors released a new model overseas, called the Mitsubishi xForce. Strictly a model only being sold in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, we won’t see it in America, but Mitsubishi says this could be a core model for new vehicles coming to the lineup. We’re not sure how this could impact the Mitsubishi Vision Ralliart concept, a BEV concept said to get the green light for production in 2024, since the xForce is a gasoline model. Mitsubishi is slowly introducing more electrified options into its lineup to match the Outlander PHEV while offering consumers more variety with a rebadged Renault Clio, the Mitsubishi Colt with a hybrid option. Mitsubishi Motors also discontinued the Mitsubishi Mirage in 2023, making the Mirage the most affordable car in America. Mitsubishi also revealed the specs for the 40th Anniversary Special Edition Outlander and Outlander PHEV, winner of the title of SUV of the Year by Puros Autos.
Awards
Mitsubishi Motors won its share of awards in 2023. Along with the Outlander PHEV earning credit with Puros Autos, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was also named “2024 Family Green Car of the Year” by Green Car Journal. In fact, the Outlander PHEV is possibly the most popular vehicle in the Mitsubishi Motors lineup. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) also named the Northwest Automotive Press Association Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV also shared some of the spotlight with the Mitsubishi Mirage, both winning Money’s Best Autos of 2023 Awards. Not just known for its vehicles, Mitsubishi Motors has also become known as a great automaker to work with according to its consumers. In 2023, Mitsubishi Motors scored high during the 2022 J.D. Power Customer Service Index Study (fielded in 2022, results in 2023), and Mitsubishi Motors North America ranked First in Reputation’s annual 2023 Automotive Reputation Report.
Mitsubishi Motors has had some interesting developments this year. We hope to see more come from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance with the new Ampere BEV facility. Be sure to look for any year-end deals for a new Mitsubishi at Miami Lakes Automall. Have a safe and Happy New Year!