If you’ve been browsing car lots lately, you might have noticed something. The selection of new Mitsubishi vehicles seems a bit different than it did a decade ago. This observation naturally leads to a common question for many shoppers: does mitsubishi still make cars? The answer is a definitive yes, but their strategy and focus have significantly evolved to adapt to the modern automotive market.
While they may not have the vast lineup of some competitors, Mitsubishi Motors is very much in business. The company has made a strategic shift, concentrating its efforts on segments where it has historically excelled and where current market demand is strongest. This means you’ll see a distinct focus on crossovers and SUVs, which dominate consumer preferences today.
So, What Kind of Cars Does Mitsubishi Make Now?
Walk into a Mitsubishi dealership today, and you’ll find a lineup dominated by versatile and capable utility vehicles. The workhorse of the group is the Outlander, a family-friendly SUV offering three rows of seating. Its smaller sibling, the Outlander Sport, provides a compact and efficient option for urban driving. For those seeking a plug-in hybrid, the Outlander PHEV remains a pioneering and popular choice, blending electric-only range with a gasoline engine for longer trips. Rounding out the North American lineup is the Mirage hatchback and its sedan variant, which continue to be champions of budget-friendly transportation and outstanding fuel economy.
Where You Won’t Find Mitsubishi Anymore
This focused approach means Mitsubishi has stepped away from several vehicle categories. The days of the iconic Lancer sedan and the high-performance Lancer Evolution are behind them, as the company exited the traditional passenger car and sports car markets in most regions. This decision reflects a global industry trend where manufacturers are prioritizing the development of SUVs and electric vehicles over sedans and coupes.
The Future Road for Mitsubishi
Looking ahead, Mitsubishi is not standing still. The brand is heavily investing in its future, with a clear plan to electrify its lineup. They are part of the larger Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, which pools resources and technology. This partnership allows Mitsubishi to develop new, efficient models, including more hybrids and fully electric vehicles, ensuring they remain a relevant player for years to come.
In short, Mitsubishi is very much still manufacturing cars, but they are the cars of today and tomorrow. By focusing on practical SUVs and pioneering plug-in hybrid technology, they have carved out a specific and sensible niche in a highly competitive industry.
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