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Mitsubishi kills CHAdeMO on upcoming Outlander PHEV

Mitsubishi will be adding a number of features to its Outlander Plug-in Hybrid SUV when it introduces the model to the US this summer. It'll also be subtracting a CHAdeMO-standard fast-charging port. The Japanese automaker is saying there aren't enough compatible stations in the States to warrant it, so domestic drivers will have to settle for the SAE port for their fast-charging purposes. Mitsubishi and Nissan are the two Japanese automakers that have been pushing hardest for CHAdeMO as a fast-charging standard. Many US and German automakers have been pushing the competing SAE Combo standard for fast-charging, but the charging station companies seem to be just as happy to install EVSEs with both ports on them. Mitsubishi showed off an Outlander PHEV at a reception in advance of the North American Auto Show in Detroit starting this week, though the car won't be at the show itself. The place where the CHAdeMO port is usually placed was covered by a plastic plate, according to Automotive News. Mitsubishi Motors North America spokesman Alex Fedorak confirmed to Autoblog that the Outlander PHEV will make its US debut by late summer, and that it wouldn't have a CHAdeMO charging port. The Outlander PHEV will start sales in August, and Mitsubishi is hoping the model's introduction will push Mitsubishi's US sales above the 100,000-vehicle threshold for the first time since 2007. The automaker has repeatedly delayed the US debut of the Outlander PHEV. While Mitsubishi hasn't released specifications, the model is likely to have better fuel efficiency and more power than its Japanese and European counterparts. Featured Gallery Plug In 2014: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV View 12 Photos News Source: Automotive News, Automotive NewsImage Credit: Copyright 2016 Sebastian Blanco / AOL Green Mitsubishi SUV Hybrid PHEV

Ukraine orders 651 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs for national police

While Mitsubishi has seen happier times – with lagging North American sales and a recent fuel economy scandal – there's still at least one ray of hope for the Japanese automaker. Its plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander is quite popular in many markets, and it's about to get a whole lot more popular in another one. The Ukraine has placed an order for 651 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs for use by its national police force. Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs, Arsen Avakov, first announced the news on Twitter, and linked to a statement going into more detail. As part of a plan emerging from the Kyoto Protocol, the Natspolitsiya (as the police force is called) are ditching their aging, Russian-made UAZ and AvtoVAZ vehicles for the greener option from the less-at-war-with-them Japan. The Outlander PHEV, which was refreshed for the 2017 model year, is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine as well as two electric motors. Its 12-kWh battery provides about 22 miles of real-world, all-electric driving range. It's quite popular in Europe, so we might want to pay attention, as it will arrive in the US later this year. "So, gentlemen, Ukrainian policemen! You will receive 651 new and unique modern powerful eco-friendly hybrid crossover Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV," says Avakov in his statement. "The people of Ukraine hopes that you will be worthy of this innovation! Serve with honor!" No pressure. Furthermore, Avakov quipped in a Facebook post – with a smile and a wink – that his "advertising" for Mitsubishi ought to net the Natspolitsiya a 652nd vehicle. Related Video:

Toyota, Mazda drop Takata as Mitsubishi, Subaru weigh options

It's not a very good time to be Takata right now. Fresh on the heels of longtime partner Honda ditching them, Toyota and Mazda have both come out and said they will not use the company's airbag inflators if they continue to rely on ammonium nitrate. Bloomberg reports that Subaru and Mitsubishi are also contemplating a divorce. "The inflator using ammonium nitrate produced by Takata will not be adopted by Toyota," President Akio Toyoda said during a briefing today. "What's most important above anything else is the safety and peace of mind of customers." Mazda echoed that position, simply saying it "will not use Takata airbag inflators which contain ammonium nitrate in our new cars." When you lose three huge OEM accounts in as many days, it's certainly going to have a deleterious effect on your fortunes. In Takata's case, that's meant a staggering 39-percent drop in their share price over the last three days. Yesterday alone, the company saw a 6.2-percent fall, Bloomberg reports. As the business publication reports, though, Takata isn't going down without a fight. The company is "considering some plans to survive," including a fundraising plan that will see it potentially offer up additional shares for sale. Still, at least one analyst doesn't see whatever company survives staying involved in the airbag inflator business. "I really don't see how they're going to be able to survive as an inflator manufacturer," Valient Market Research founder Scott Upham told Bloomberg. "When your major clients publicly come out and say that they're not going to use your products anymore, it makes this very difficult to sustain your business." News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: Carlos Osorio / AP Honda Mazda Mitsubishi Subaru Toyota Safety supplier