The Japanese automaker first brought its vehicles to the US in 1982, initially offering the Tredia, Cordia and Starion sedans. Later vehicles, now retired, include the 3000GT, Eclipse, Montero and Galant.
Despite starting off in the US with a trio of sedans, Mitsubishi is now focused on better engaging the booming crossover market. The Lancer Evolution has already been officially retired, while the standard Lancer is expected to be pulled in the next few years. Following the i-MiEV confirmed departure, the Mirage will be the only car left in the company’s US lineup.
Looking beyond just popular bodystyles, Mitsubishi is also planning to take advantage of the anticipated shift toward plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles. Slotting between the Outlander and Outlander Sport, a new coupe-like crossover is expected to be the first of the new models outfitted with a plug-in system. Hybrid and EV adaptations of the next-generation Outlander and Outlander Sport are expected to follow in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
The company recently reported its 21st consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases. Overall deliveries are up 23 percent for the year overall, driven by the revamped Outlander and other crossovers.
Looking further back, the picture is not so rosy. The automaker last year posted its first North American profit in seven years, prompting the crossover-focused turnaround strategy. The company hopes crossovers to dominate its future sales, and plug-in hybrids could account for 20 percent of its total output by the end of the decade.
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