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Mitsubishi turning Montero into crossover, Outlander Sport may get PHEV variant

Mitsubishi is getting more and more forthcoming about its plans for the US market. Among the tidbits revealed during a chat with Edmunds at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, MMNA Executive Vice President Don Swearingen said that "We are committed to huge investments in capital as well as huge investments in R&D." The marquee product of that investment could be a new Montero for the 2017 or 2018 model year, suggestions of which were raised with the Concept GC-PHEV at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show and again at the end of last year. Swearingen said the proposed SUV is a little smaller than a Ford Explorer and that dealers have seen a picture of it. A decision on whether to bring it to the US will be made later this year.
Below that, incremental improvements will come to every model over the next couple of years. The Outlander will get a facelift next year before a major restyle in 2016, when the Outlander PHEV is also expected to finally make it here. In 2015 the Outlander Sport will be fitted with larger engine and a new, quieter CVT returning better acceleration and fuel economy. In 2016 it will also be redesigned, and it will be equipped with the company's new telematics system that goes into the Outlander the following year.
At the other end of the line-up, the Mirage will get a big dose of love in two years. Detail changes like better fabric inside and outside-mirror indicators are slated for 2015, and in 2016 the bargain hatchback gets "a sleek, aerodynamic" reskin. The Mirage G4 sedan could join the US range if the Canadians turn out to be fans of it. The Lancer gets only meager attentions, while the i-MiEV gets the cold shoulder and won't change at all. We get the cold shoulder as far as a next-generation Evo - Swearingen didn't say a word about that, apparently.

Carlos Ghosn to step down as Nissan CEO on April 1

Carlos Ghosn announced he will be stepping down as CEO of the Nissan on April 1, to be replaced by current Nissan co-CEO Hiroto Saikawa. The move comes after close to two decades of leadership and the rebuilding of a company that was close to disaster. Ghosn isn't finished with the company he helped rebuild, as he will remain on as chairman of the board and continue on as leader of the Renault-Nissan Alliance following the change of guard. In addition to running Renault-Nissan, Ghosn has taken over as chairman of Mitsubishi Motors after acquiring a 34-percent stake in 2016, a move he spearheaded. Ghosn stated, "I am confident that the management team I have developed at Nissan over the past 18 years has the talent and experience to meet the company's operational and strategic goals. Having recently taken on new responsibilities at Mitsubishi Motors, and taking into consideration the upcoming Nissan general shareholders meeting, I have decided that the time is right for Hiroto Saikawa to succeed me as Nissan's CEO." A release from Renault-Nissan said the move allows Ghosn to focus more attention on bringing together the three companies. Saikawa, his replacement, has been with Nissan since 1977 and has overseen operations in the company's markets worldwide. Related Video: Image Credit: Reuters Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Mitsubishi Nissan Renault ceo nissan renault

2017 Mitsubishi Model Year Preview and Updates

This ain't your father's Mitsubishi. And for those focused more on 'economy' than 'Evo', that's probably a good thing. The Evolution is no more, Mitsubishi's truck-tough Montero is no longer sold in the States, and the Mirage sedan and hatch serve as little more than price holders in a constricted lineup. With that, sales are up and Mitsubishi is working hard on a revamp of its entire lineup. The newest addition comes this fall in the form of a small crossover, the 2018 Eclipse Cross, pictured above. MITSUBISHI i-MIEV: The least expensive EV available in the US market obtains an optional navigation package. The nav unit includes a seven-inch touch screen, Fuse hands-free link, USB port, rearview camera and steering wheel controls. LANCER: The Lancer lives, albeit without the mojo intrinsic to the high-performance Evo, now discontinued. For '17 a rear camera is standard on the small four door, along with new wheels and an optional Sun and Sound package. MIRAGE: Mitsu's entry-level hatch and sedan receive an aggressive refresh for 2017, with an enhanced exterior (new front fascia, hood, grille and wheels), a bump in horsepower and improved suspension. Also, two new colors are added: Wine Red and Sunrise Orange. OUTLANDER SPORT: While awaiting an all-new Sport, Mitsubishi's compact crossover adds automatic climate control, upgraded seat fabric and – as announced at this year's Chicago Auto Show – a Limited Edition trim. OUTLANDER: Mitsubishi's large three-row crossover receives a new, entry-level All-Wheel Control 4WD system and enhanced technology.