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WM Motors releases renderings based on Mitsubishi photos

An interesting gaffe has reared its head as WM Motors has published the first images depicting its new car portfolio. The renders showing Chinese electric vehicle startup's future cars appear to have been based on Mitsubishi Outlander press photos, as discovered by Electrek's Fred Lambert. It is one thing to show mere renders of future cars – that is certainly widely accepted, as the cars are planned to be launched in 2018 at the earliest – but it's the background that gives away how the renders are based on doctored Mitsubishi shots. Details are shared between the Outlander and WM Motors' rendering, with wheels, mirrors and doorhandles directly lifted off the Mitsu; in practice, the comparison shots become a pastime of "spot the similarities." The SUV is said to be designed by a former Bentley and Volkswagen designer, Sam Sun, but it is not yet clear whether he meant the production vehicle to share its decorative rear diffuser panel with a Mitsubishi. Perhaps these were work images never really meant for official publication, as they handily show the SUV's dimensions on the road. In addition to Electrek, Google seems to also be on the game, as a reverse image search on the VM Motor shots produces Mitsubishi suggestions. According to Car News China, which circulated the images, WM stands for either Weltmeister (world champion in German), or weima in Chinese, which means a powerful horse. The company is spearheaded by Freeman Shen, formerly of Geely, and the Suzhou factory is planned to produce 50,000 cars per year starting in 2018. There is talk of the cars featuring Huawei connectivity technology, with the hardware being produced together with the German companies Bosch and Siemens. Related Video: Featured Gallery VW Motor Mitsubishi News Source: Electrek Green Weird Car News Mitsubishi Green Automakers SUV Electric

Mitsubishi president resigns in wake of fuel economy scandal

Mitsubishi has announced the resignation of two of its top executives as the company is embroiled in a scandal over its fuel-economy figures. Chief among the resignations is Tetsuro Aikawa, the company's president and chief operating officer (pictured above at left, bowing), who assumed the position less than two years ago. Joining Aikawa-san on the way out is Ryugo Nakao, one of three executive vice presidents of the company and the man responsible for product planning and quality at Mitsubishi. Though two of his principal deputies are leaving, the top executive at Mitsubishi retains his seat for the time being. Osamu Masuko (pictured above at right, seated) serves as both chairman and CEO, however with Nissan assuming over a third of the company's ownership, Masuko-san could still be replaced. A shareholders meeting is scheduled for June 24, when Aikawa and Nakao's resignations are set to take effect. According to the statement below, the company "will decide on the successors of both Representative Directors at our board of directors' meeting and make an announcement promptly." The resignations of the top officials come in the wake of revelations that Mitsubishi had falsely reported the fuel-economy figures of its vehicles for decades. The broadening scandal was uncovered when Nissan tested vehicles which Mitsubishi manufactures on its behalf and found discrepancies. As his company prepares to take control of the ailing automaker, Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn says that the greatest challenge will be restoring Mitsubishi's reputation. In a similar development, Suzuki also admitted to improper fuel-economy testing. The rival automaker claims that the measures were taken without the knowledge of senior management. Related Video: Personnel Changes (Resignation) of Members of the Board Tokyo, May 18, 2016 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced resignation of members of the board as follows: 1. Member of the Board who will resign Tetsuro Aikawa President and COO, Representative Director Ryugo Nakao Executive Vice President, Representative Director 2. Reason for resignations As our announcement today on the Report to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism concerning improper conduct in fuel consumption testing of vehicles manufactured by MMC shows, MMC has caused tremendous trouble and concern to our customers and all of our stakeholders. Considering this, Mr. Aikawa and Mr.

Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV II points the way forward with its angular look [w/video]

The Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV II on display at the Geneva Motor Show isn't really a completely new vehicle but more of thorough reworking of the earlier XR-PHEV from the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. For the latest interpretation, the Japanese brand is getting the design ready for an eventual debut for the road. While the two concepts look practically identical at first glance, the XR-PHEV II is far more possible for production than its predecessor. The grille and hood now feature openings to let the vehicle cool its plug-in hybrid system, and the rear design offers enough glass to actually let the driver see out of the back. The interior for the latest version also looks mostly functional this time and is clad in eye-catching orange upholstery. The XR-PHEV II's powertrain is a bit more mysterious, though. It's a front-wheel drive PHEV that's powered by a 12-kWh battery and offers a total output of 160 horsepower. However, Mitsubishi isn't taking about the internal combustion engine's displacement or the model's transmission. Still, the company is clear that this look is a glimpse at its future crossovers, and that would be a welcome change. XR-PHEV II's more angular design would certainly liven up Mitsubishi's somewhat staid lineup.