We're guessing this sketch of the next Mitsubishi crossover, based on the ferocious little Concept cX, will not actually be called "game changer" when it goes into production next year. Seriously, it's not the game it's the player.
Mitsubishi admits in their press release they're going to make a strategic shift from "being an SUV-focused nameplate to a manufacturer of environment-friendly passenger cars & crossovers, with a presence in the "authentic off-roader" segment." We look forward to the authentic off-roader segment and a move away from utterly forgettable cars (with the exception of the EVO and Lancer Wagon). They claim this to be "pre-empting" the change in the market, which we think is a charitable description of where the market is. Either way, it's a step in the right direction.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announces today the forthcoming introduction of its all-new on-road Compact Crossover, to be retailed first in Japan from February 2010 onwards.
Derived from the much-acclaimed 2007 Concept-cX show car, it is the latest development of MMC's mid-size global platform ("Project Global").
This most important product will further support Mitsubishi Motors' strategic shift from being an SUV-focused nameplate to a manufacturer of environment-friendly passenger cars & crossovers*, with a presence in the "authentic off-roader" segment** – itself pre-empting structural changes in market demand.
As such – and after i-MiEV – this on-road Compact Crossover will be the Corporation's next game changer towards lower impact vehicles, in their format and/or in the innovative MMC proprietary technologies they will feature.
The European premiere is scheduled for the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.