SCOOP! Mitsubishi to massively step up the pace in India

    With the acquisition by Renault-Nissan, Mitsubishi’s India plans get a boost with access to resources and the low-cost CMF-A platform.

    Published On Mar 08, 2017 10:43:00 PM

    18,943 Views

    SCOOP! Mitsubishi to massively step up the pace in India

    After 20 years of a sideline performance, Mitsubishi seems all set to play in the big league thanks to its recent acquisition by Renault-Nissan. Mitsubishi’s presence in India had so far been limited to only a product-by-product technical collaboration with Hindustan Motors (HM), where HM either imported or built and sold specific models like the Pajero, Outlander and the Lancer which did find a good market. The model-specific technical collaboration meant that updates and new-generation models were not automatically on the radar, and the partnership never benefited from the strategy like a full local presence would have.
     
    However, with this acquisition of Mitsubishi, this is set to change. When asked if Mitsubishi would now re-evaluate its India operations, alliance boss Carlos Ghosn said, “Without any doubt, India is a very big future market for any carmaker and for Mitsubishi in particular.”
     
    But don’t expect these changes soon as Mitsubishi has a lot on its plate globally and the management will have to prioritise tasks. Also for India, new products would need to be engineered on the alliance platform to justify costs. 
     
    Interestingly, Ghosn also confirmed that the CMF-A platform that underpins Renault’s most successful car in India, the Kwid will also be available to Mitsubishi. “Today you are having a Renault product (on the CMF-A platform), tomorrow you are going to have a Nissan product, but this platform will be open to Mitsubishi,” he said.
     
    What will also be interesting to see is which Mitsubishi products will make it to India, apart from the alliance models. The Lancer, which found success in India and built a strong brand value and fan base, could be a compelling choice as would some of the SUVs given the rising popularity of these vehicles in India.

     

    Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.

    Comments

    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now

    Search By Car Price

    Poll of the month

    The Creta will be the third Hyundai N-Line model in India. Should more mass-market brands have sporty sub-brands?

    Yes, it's something special for enthusiasts

     

    18.32%

    Yes, but only if there is increased performance

     

    44.40%

    No, it's just a gimmick to increase the price

     

    29.39%

    It doesn't always work; just look at Tata JTP

     

    7.89%

    Total Votes : 1572
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe