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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.

2023 Mitsubishi Triton pickup unveiled, rally-bound model announced

Developed for global markets, the new Mitsubishi Triton made its debut with a rugged-looking exterior design, a more modern interior and a new frame, among other improvements. The brand will show off just how tough its new truck is by entering it in a grueling rally later in 2023. Sold as the L200 in some markets, the sixth-generation Triton is new from the ground up. It's bigger than its predecessor, built on a beefier frame, and it wears a more angular design characterized by a tall, upright front end, a boxier cab, and squared-off wheel arches. Buyers can select a single, club or double cab, and the truck's exterior appearance varies significantly depending on the trim level selected. Mitsubishi's press images show a nicely-equipped trim level aimed at private users; more basic trucks designed for commercial buyers are available, too. The same applies to the interior; what you get largely depends on what you paid for. Upmarket trim levels benefit from an almost SUV-like interior with a wireless device charger, USB-C outlets, a touchscreen-based infotainment system and Mitsubishi Connect compatibility. The truck hasn't forgotten its roots, however: all of the switches and knobs were designed to be comfortably used while wearing gloves. Power for the Triton comes from a new, 2.4-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine called 4N16 internally. It's offered in several states of tune. The base engine develops 146 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, the mid-range version posts figures of 181 and 317, respectively, while the range-topping variant puts 201 horses and 347 pound-feet of twist under the driver's right foot. Rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission come standard, while four-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission, or both can be added at an extra cost. Mitsubishi redesigned the suspension system with an eye on on-road comfort, though it stresses that its engineers didn't sacrifice the truck's off-road capacity. The front end carries on with double wishbones, while the back end gets lighter leaf springs and thicker shock absorbers. Several small but important changes round out the updates, including wider side steps and a repositioned engine oil pan drain plug. On sale now in Thailand, where it's manufactured, the new Mitsubishi Triton will gradually be launched in numerous global markets over the next few months. It will notably be available on the Japanese market for the first time in 12 years starting in early 2024.

Recharge Wrap-up: Fiat 500X emissions, Japan EV sales down

The Fiat 500X exceeds EU emissions limits, according to environmental lobby group DUH. In dyno tests, DUH found NOx emissions in the diesel-powered 500X to be 11 to 20 times the limit with a warm engine, but closer to the limit with a cold engine. Testing of vehicles from Fiat and other automakers "point towards defeat devices," says DUH campaigner Axel Friedrich. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) offered no comment in response to the accusations. Read more from Reuters. A UK study finds that about 20 percent of the benefits from fuel efficient vehicles are negated by a tendency for people to drive them more. The study, which covers the years 1970 to 2011, finds a significant "rebound effect," when consumers use more of a cheaper energy source. It suggests these drivers drive more not because of the fuel efficiency, but because of the lower operating costs. "Until now, we didn't know the size of this effect for British motoring," says Dr. Lee Stapleton, Research Fellow for the University of Sussex Centre on Innovation and Energy Demand. "We found evidence of a significant, long-term rebound and expect our results to be of interest for public policy." Read more at Green Car Congress. Japanese EV sales have declined for the first time ever. Sales of electric vehicles slid 22 percent in 2015, leaving them at the same levels as 2012. Low gasoline prices are to blame, as well as the late arrival of the updated Nissan Leaf, which caused potential customers to hold off on their purchase. This allowed the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to take the lead as Japan's best selling EV. The Toyota Prius Plug-In came in third place in EV sales, with the BMW i3 close on its heels. Read more from EV Sales. Featured Gallery 2016 Fiat 500X: First Drive View 34 Photos Related Gallery Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S: Paris 2014 View 12 Photos News Source: Reuters, Green Car Congress, EV SalesImage Credit: Copyright 2016 Drew Phillips / AOL Green Fiat Mitsubishi Nissan Emissions Fuel Efficiency Electric recharge wrapup