2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Mr Sedan 4-door 2.0l on 2040-cars

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Mitsubishi scores record global operating profits

In the minds of many auto enthusiasts, Mitsubishi has become an afterthought. It has transformed from a company known for its turbocharged, all-wheel-drive rally machines into an automaker with a very boring lineup. Maybe we are being unfair, though. While the company doesn't have much of a performance presence anymore, the Japanese brand is doing quite well financially.
According to Reuters, Mitsubishi Motors had an operating profit of 123.4 billion yen ($1.2 billion) worldwide for the fiscal year that ended in March. That's twice as much as last year and a new all-time record for the Japanese automaker. It's even paying dividends to investors for the first time in 16 years, and its expected profit of 135 billion yen ($1.3 billion) in the new fiscal year matches a goal it had set for itself to achieve two years from now.
The automaker currently focuses much of its efforts on Southeast Asia, which accounts for about a quarter of its sales. It will put even greater attention there in the coming years with more local production, according to Reuters.

Mitsubishi's 2024 updates include free maintenance, new trim levels

Mitsubishi is making several changes to its portfolio for the 2024 model year. It's expanding its range with new trim levels that benefit from a longer list of standard features and several specific styling cues, and it's giving buyers free maintenance for two years or 30,000 miles. Starting at the top of the range, the hybrid and non-electrified variants of the Outlander get a new Platinum Edition variant characterized by Black Diamond paint, a roof panel finished in Alloy Silver for a two-tone look, a Light Gray interior, and silver-colored interior trim, among other accents. Mitsubishi will fully detail the trim level later in 2023. The Black Edition package offered during the 2023 model year returns for 2024. It's compatible with the SE and SEL trim levels, and the latter gets black exterior trim as well as black leather upholstery. SE and SEL variants of the Eclipse Cross receive a power-operated hatch with a kick-motion sensor, while the SE's list of standard features grows further with adaptive cruise control, a USB port for rear-seat passengers, and a leather-upholstered steering wheel. The LE model gets a free two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect and FAST-Key keyless entry technology. The range will expand later in 2023 with a Special Edition model that will feature "rugged, off-road-inspired styling enhancements," according to the Japanese company. Positioned as Mitsubishi's entry-level crossover, the Outlander Sport highlights Mitsubishi's off-road heritage with a Trail Edition model that's characterized by black graphics on the hood, black exterior trim, mud flaps, and all-weather floor mats. Photos of the model haven't been released yet, however. And, don't look for a 2024 Outlander Sport GT on your local dealer's lot: Mitsubishi changed the trim's name to SEL. Updates to the Mirage hatchback and the Mirage G4, which are both nearing the end of their life cycle, are relatively minor. The LE trim level positioned near the bottom of the range benefits from a longer list of standard features, including a driver's armrest, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers. Graphite Gray and Jet Black join the color palette to replace Mercury Gray and Mystic Black, respectively.  Every member of Mitsubishi's 2024 range regardless of size, price, and trim level benefits from free maintenance for two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Renault delays decision on merger with Fiat Chrysler

PARIS — Renault has delayed a decision on whether to merge with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, a deal that could reshape the global auto industry as carmakers race to make electric and autonomous vehicles for the masses. The deal still looks likely, but faced new criticism Tuesday from Renault's leading union and questions from its Japanese alliance partner Nissan. The French government is also putting conditions on the deal, including job guarantees and an operational headquarters based in France. The French carmaker's board will meet again at the end of the day Wednesday to "continue to study with interest" last week's merger proposal from FCA, Renault said in a statement. A Renault board meeting Tuesday to study the deal was inconclusive. The company didn't explain why, but a French government official said board members don't want to rush into a deal and are seeking agreement on all parts of the potential merger. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government policy, told The Associated Press the conditions outlined by France's finance minister still "need to be met." France and Italy are both painting themselves as winners in the deal, which could save both companies 5 billion euros ($5.6 billion) a year. But workers worry a merger could lead to job losses, and analysts warn it could bog down in the challenges of managing such a hulking company across multiple countries. And a possible loser is Japan's Nissan, whose once-mighty alliance with Renault and Mitsubishi is on the rocks since star CEO Carlos Ghosn's arrest in November. Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa cast doubt Tuesday on whether his company will be involved in a Renault-Fiat Chrysler merger — and suggested adding Fiat Chrysler to the looser Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance instead. Saikawa said in a statement that the Renault-Fiat Chrysler deal would "significantly alter" the structure of Nissan's longtime partnership with Renault, and Nissan would analyze its contractual relationships to protect the company's interests. If Renault's board says "yes" to Fiat Chrysler, that would open the way for a non-binding memorandum of understanding to start exclusive merger negotiations. The ensuing process — including consultations with unions, the French government, antitrust authorities and other regulators — would take about a year. A merger would create the world's third-biggest automaker, worth almost $40 billion and producing some 8.7 million vehicles a year.