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Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV faces longer delays, might not arrive until 2016

It seems every time the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV makes the news the information concerns a delay, and the reason always centers on its batteries. Four months ago the culprit was restricted battery supply from Lithium Energy Japan, pushing the arrival to 2015. This time it's no different, with Automotive News reporting that a battery-related request made by California state regulators will push the Outlander PHEV arrival back to "late 2015 or early 2016."
CA authorities want all plug-in hybrids to be fitted with a monitor for the lithium-ion batteries that will be on the lookout for degradation, the concern being that diminished batteries could change the vehicle's emissions. Getting the technology fitted and tested means something like a 16- to 22-month delay.
The extra time, however, should let Mitsubishi figure out what it's going to do about its battery supply since the current level of 4,000 per month isn't enough to support a US launch; the Automotive News article says Mitsubishi expects a volume of 63,000 plug-ins for 2016. The company hasn't said how it plans to make up the balance.

The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition debuts in Chicago

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has been on sale with only a mild refresh since 2010. For 2017, Mitsubishi is injecting some much needed life into the crossover. A Limited Edition trim, or simply LE, will be fully revealed this week at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show. Like most of the automaker's products, the Outlander Sport LE packs lots of features into a compact and relatively affordable package. The LE trim sits directly above the base Outlander Sport ES and will set you back $21,995, though it's unclear if that includes destination. An alloy fuel door, black painted door mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, HID headlamps, a rearview camera and a Limited Edition badge are all included. The trim is available in any exterior color, but the interior of the Outlander Sport LE gets a special treatment. Red stitching on the steering wheel, shift knob, and brake lever compliment heated seats, aluminum pedals, and an infotainment system packed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport may be getting up there in age, but it does pack a lot of features, decent packaging, and an excellent warranty into a reasonably affordable package. No word on how limited this Limited Edition may actually be. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition Image Credit: Mitsubishi Chicago Auto Show Mitsubishi Technology Infotainment Smartphone Crossover

Mitsubishi wants to bring a plug-in hybrid Montero to the US

As Mitsubishi's turnaround takes hold, we can talk less about the company's survival in the US market and more about what kinds of products we might see in the future: there's a hybrid Evo on the way and its joint venture with Renault-Nissan will deliver a C-segment sedan. Furthermore, it might even deliver a dividend to its shareholders next year.
In addition to Mitsubishi announcing its intent to focus on SUVs, pickup trucks and crossovers, company president Osamu Masuko gave an interview to Automotive News saying that the plan is for model lines to have two or three power train options: gas, plug-in hybrid, diesel. Believing that fuel economy standards will force the expansion of the plug-in hybrid market, Masuko wants to bring a PHEV Pajero to the US (the Montero in our market) because it will restore the brand's place in the full-size SUV segment with a well known nameplate, and help the company reach its goal of making PHEVs 20 percent of its product offering.
We love the idea of a new Montero - and we hope there's a traditional gas model that would come with the PHEV - the question is what would it look like? The Concept GC-PHEV we saw at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show could offer clues, but with Masuko listing the SUV as the company's second most popular model behind pickups, how daring could designers get with it? On the other hand, if you compare the Concept PX-MiEV shown at Tokyo in 2011, the similarity to the production Outlander is more than one might expect for a crossover that's become a major seller for the brand. With an introduction due in 2015 or 2016, we shouldn't have to wait long to find out. Regrettably, there's still no word on the return of a Mitsubishi pickup truck.