2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, No Reserve on 2040-cars

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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.

Renault invests in sailing ships to reduce its carbon footprint

Renault is taking a page from the golden age of sailing as the company looks towards reducing its carbon footprint through the use of cargo sailing ships. The French automaker recently announced its partnership with Neoline, a start-up enterprise based in the west of France. The firm specializes in reducing the cost and emissions of typical cargo ships, by reintroducing sailing into the transportation equation. Renault's goal is to reduce its global carbon footprint by 25 percent in 2022, as compared to where they were in 2010. This plan also includes a separate target, to lower supply chain emissions - which includes shipping methods such as trucks, trains, and cargo ships - by 6 percent, compared to levels in 2016. Two prototype cargo vessels, complete with a full set of sails, will be introduced by 2021-22. These two ships will travel between the U.S. eastern seaboard (exact locations are TBD) and the French port cities of Saint-Nazaire and Saint-Pierre & Miquelon. Specifics about what exactly the ships will be carrying has not been released, though Renault is part of an extensive global auto alliance that includes Nissan and Mitsubishi. "For nearly 10 years, we have been working to identify the most environmentally sustainable solutions," said Jean-Francois Salles, Alliance global director, production control. "For example, optimizing the fill rates of the containers and trucks, producing eco-friendly packaging, and implementing a multi-modal system." The current demonstration vessel measures in at 446 feet in total length and has more than 45,000 square-feet of sail. For all you big ship fans out there, the Titanic was about double this size, stretching about 882-feet in length. When powered solely by the wind, Neoline CEO, Jean Zanuttini, says that total emissions drop by as much as 90 percent, versus the carbon footprint of a traditional cargo vessel. Related Video: Green Mitsubishi Nissan Renault Green Culture Technology renault-nissan greenhouse gases shipping ship cargo ship

Here's what you had to say about the Tokyo Motor Show

We obsessively covered the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. You, our readers, provided the color commentary. Read on and, of course, leave your comments below. Subaru Viziv Performance Concept: Remember the WRX concept they showed in 2013, and what the production version looked like in 2015? Pepperidge Farm remembers. wooootles 2 foot high wing on the trunk or gtfo :) sc0rch3d Mazda Kai Concept : Dear Honda, this is how you dynamically style a hatchback. Thank you. Dfelix70 Kudos to KODO design. There are so many things I love about this "Kai" car: the awesome split panoramic sunroof, the Jaguar-esque tails (sporting an "eyebrow up"... ala The Rock), a sleek family resemblance to the already beautiful CX-5 and CX-9. Seems suspiciously close to being a production ready Mazda3 — save for a few fanciful bits (door handles, mirrors etc). If it doesn't get too watered down by the time it hits the streets ... take my money! Randy Ross Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept: As an 06 IX and 12 X owner, this is so upsetting. I will never buy this or care to give it another look. Hope you are glad you killed my favorite track-ready car to produce this electric junk. AcidTonic Picture the GT-R going away for a few years and coming back as an SUV. This is ridiculous. Surely someone in marketing could've came up with another cool name. Evo The Evo sedan is dead, whether this exists or not. I don't mind. Lada1200 Honda Sports EV Concept : I sure would like to see this "less is more" design aesthetic spread to their gas-powered production line. RustyShackleford Love it. I see glimpses of late 1970 Scirocco with Honda flair. Gintonics I just want ONE question answered in the affirmative, and that is... "RWD?" Henadenk AND A FEW FROM FACEBOOK: Toyota's press conference: Wake me up when they talk about the Supra. David Levinson Yamaha Cross Hub Concept: All I can think is modern day Brat, which has its own kind of charm. I'm assuming that it's a unibody design, but it seems happy to be its own thing rather than that crossover pretending to be a pickup called the Ridgeline. Would definitely take the Yamaha over the Honda, although I doubt it'll come to the states. Cole Henry Mazda Vision Coupe Concept: Face: KIA K7, Tail: Aston martin. Harold Shin A bit British, no? Jim Lykas Related Video: News Source: Honda, Toyota, YamahaImage Credit: Subaru, Mazda, Mitsubishi Auto News Green Tokyo Auto Salon Tokyo Motor Show Honda Mazda Mitsubishi Subaru Toyota 2017 tokyo motor show