Mitsubishi to Stop Sales in Europe, Remains Committed to Canada

Published on July 27, 2020 in News by Guillaume Rivard

Mitsubishi today announced it would be “freezing the introduction of new products” in Europe effective immediately and putting a stop to new-car sales on that continent at the end of the current lineup’s life cycle. Aftersales will continue, though.

This decision is part of a broader reorganization of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance detailed a little while ago.

The small Japanese automaker, which anticipates a second straight fiscal year in the red including its biggest loss in at least 18 years ($1.77 billion), will now focus on its largest market—Southeast Asia—while attempting to cut 20 percent of fixed costs in two years.

Over here, the picture is somewhat rosier than in Europe—at least in the short term. The Car Guide contacted Mitsubishi Canada and got this response:

“As we announced last week, our entire showroom will transform. This is an exciting time for Mitsubishi and Mitsubishi dealerships in Canada,” said Michelle Lee-Gracey, head of public relations. “Our future is bright and we look forward to introducing our customers to all-new or substantially refreshed product.”

She was referring to the 2021 Outlander PHEV, which will receive a completely new powertrain with greater horsepower and more all-electric range (the exact numbers will be specified later), and the next generation of the conventional Outlander, due to go on sale next spring as a 2022 model. It will be bigger, more stylish and more technologically advanced, while also being the quietest and best-equipped Mitsubishi ever sold in Canada, apparently.

Moreover, the smaller Eclipse Cross will be completely revised for 2022. Expect a more modern yet less funky exterior along with a revamped cockpit featuring a new infotainment system.

And then there’s the 2021 Mirage, which was introduced a few months ago with extensive cosmetic tweaks and promises to remain Canada’s most fuel-efficient non-hybrid vehicle.