Mitsubishi is withdrawing from the UK and Europe, confirming it will not bring any new models to the continent. Stocks of existing models, including the popular Outlander PHEV and L200 pick-up, will continue to be sold until they no longer meet emissions regulations. Aftersales support will be provided by existing dealers and the Colt Car Company, which imports Mitsubishi vehicles to the UK.
PitStopArabia.com, a UAE-based online tyre retailer, has announced that Mitsubishi Corporation has become a strategic partner and a shareholder in the company. The e-tailer described the investment as a “significant milestone” that will be used to bolster market share by expanding regionally. The value of the investment has not been disclosed.
Through a new arrangement with Mitsubishi Corporation (Mitsubishi), Toyo Tire & Rubber (Toyo) aims to “survive and remain viable” during the “unprecedented transformation” currently occurring in the automotive industry. The two parties have entered into a business alliance agreement that involves Mitsubishi increasing its shareholding in Toyo from 3.05 per cent to 20 per cent. Toyo will issue Mitsubishi 26,931,956 new shares via a third-party allotment that will be paid in between 15 January and 28 June 2019. With this share acquisition, Mitsubishi becomes Toyo’s largest shareholder.
The Dunlop Enasave EC300+ is being fitted to the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross as original equipment. Announcing the supply arrangement, Sumitomo Rubber Industries comments that the new compact SUV is being sold globally, however the tyre maker doesn’t specify whether its products will be fitted to Eclipse Cross models destined for all regions or only in specific markets. The new Mitsubishi will wear the Enasave EC300+ in size 215/70R16 100H.
Sumitomo Rubber Industries shares that its Dunlop Enasave EC300+ is being fitted as a factory standard tyre on the latest generation Mitsubishi Xpander crossover MPV in certain markets in Asia. The eco tyre is being supplied to Mitsubishi in sizes 85/65R15 88S and 205/55R16 91V.
This year’s National Franchised Dealers Association Summer 2016 survey, published today, had 1,746 respondents from a total participating dealer network of 4,090, which equates to a response rate of 43 per cent. This is the highest return ever, surpassing last winter’s high of 39 per cent. There were 28 franchise networks in the survey which represent a range of dealer sizes and ownership type from across the UK.
Following revelations of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s use of excessive tyre pressure to influence fuel consumption tests in April, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism sent out surveys to 41 manufacturers whose vehicles possess type certification in Japan. The manufacturers were required to report back on test practices by 18 May. Suzuki shared with the ministry that “some discrepancies” were found between the Ministry’s regulations covering emission and fuel efficiency and the methods it actually uses. Suzuki denies that these incongruities are evidence of data manipulating, cheating or, in its own words, “acts of injustice.”
MMC’s share price fell by 45 per cent over the last month after the company announced that fuel economy figures for models in Japan had been inflated, with around 625,000 cars believed to be affected. No announcement has been made about other markets, but investigation in the US is expected to be launched soon.
After admitting to fuel efficiency test irregularities dating back as much as two decades, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has established a special investigation committee to establish precisely what happened. As things stand the committee is made up entirely of external members. Mitsubishi admitted “Improper conduct in fuel consumption testing” on 20 April 2016.
A simple “trick” – or perhaps we should say “cheating” or “fraud” – has been common practice in the European automotive industry, to the displeasure of environmental organisations: Place a car with excessive tyre pressure on a dynamometer and – voilà – lower fuel consumption levels and emissions are recorded thanks to the ‘optimised’ rolling resistance. Mitsubishi has conceded carrying out this practice in Japan with test data submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. This time round it doesn’t affect, as in the case of Volkswagen and its ‘cheat’ software, millions of vehicles, rather ‘only’ 625,000 small cars, the majority of these off-take production for Nissan.
Toyo brand Open Country A28 tyres have been selected by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation for the firm’s all-new, Mitsubishi L200 pick up. Open Country A28 tyres, in size 245/65 R17 111S, will be fitted throughout Europe to the 5th generation Mitsubishi L200.
Mitsubishi has chosen Falken high-performance all-terrain tyres for its entry in the Baja Portoalegre 500 off-road rally. The modified racing model of the Mitsubishi PHEV, powered by plug-in hybrid technology, will tackle the 500-kilometre route with off-road tyres from Falken’s WildPeak range.
A concept tyre produced by Sumitomo Rubber Industries offers a glimpse into how future drivers of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs, may be able to enjoy both sporty handling and efficiency. The Falken concept tyre features different tread areas in order to address the conflict between rolling resistance (and its influence on range) and the need to offer the sharp, sporty dynamics that sports SUV drivers expect.
Mitsubishi, Renault, Subaru, Hyundai and Kia now offer warranties ranging from four to seven years from the initial purchase date, but a closer examination of the small print reveals major discrepancies between the advertised cover and the time elapsed.
