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Mitsubishi previews diesel hybrid pickup concept, next-gen EV for Geneva

Mitsubishi has a long history of tidy little pickup trucks, and the Japanese automaker is apparently looking to extend that heritage in a bolder, bigger way with the Concept GR-HEV, a "sport utility hybrid truck."
The future-think show star, slated to be unveiled at next month's Geneva Motor Show, is actually tipped to be a much larger effort - Mitsubishi says it's applying its hybrid technology to a one-ton truck for the first time. The GR-HEV is powered by a complex powertrain composed of a diesel engine and electric motors, which the company believes is better suited to the sort of heavy-duty work required in the segment. The concept also employs full-time four-wheel drive and a development of Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control system (which governs things like stability and brake force control along with an active center differential) as seen on the production Lancer Evolution.
In related news, Mitsubishi has also confirmed that it will show a next-generation electric showcar at Geneva dubbed Concept CA-MiEV. With this new concept (inset photo), the company says it is looking to build on the learnings of its i citycar and take EVs out of their limited urban roles. To that end, the CA-MiEV boasts "next generation EV systems and high density batteries" that give it a range of 186 miles.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Sedan in Montreal could mean US debut soon

The official word on the North American plans for the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Sedan is that the Japanese company wants to ask Canadians what they think of the four-door, three-cylinder before deciding if the car will go on sale here. There are hints, though, that the plan is a bit more set in stone than Mitsubishi is letting on. Speaking with AutoGuide, Mitsubishi manager of product communications, Roger Yasukawa, said that, "We are considering making it into a North American car but are still working on the timing of the launch." If they're already figuring out timing, it sounds like this is a question of when, not if. The Mirage G4 is built in Thailand and is sold throughout Asia as the Attrage. It just made its North American debut at the 2014 Montreal Motor Show, a move that could preview a US debut as well, since that's how the Mirage hatchback was introduced. We were not all that impressed with the hatch, but sometimes you just want a highly efficient car for not a lot of money. The car does get 37 miles per gallon in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, all for $12,995, after all. We'll see what the news is when the New York Auto Show starts up in April. Mitsubishi Reveals Mirage G4 Sedan Consumer Feedback to Influence Launch Plans Montreal, Quebec (Jan. 16, 2014) – Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada (MMSCAN) will ask auto show visitors here and across Canada to offer opinions on the look, feel, cost and features of a new subcompact sedan before it gets the green-light for sale in Canada. The Mirage G4, Mitsubishi's Thailand-built four-door, three-cylinder sedan, will make its North American debut today at the 2014 Salon International de l'auto de Montreal. But company president and CEO, Kenichiro "Kenny" Yamamoto said its future availability in Canada will be based, in part, on consumer opinion. "Our plan is to showcase the Mirage G4 and gauge what Canadians think of it and what they expect from subcompact sedans in general," he said. "A solid business case for Mirage was confirmed by the successful 2013 launch of the Mirage hatchback model; with G4, we're indicating our intention to grow the Mirage line up in Canada." When it was launched last September, the 2014 Mirage hatchback became MMSCAN's first subcompact car. Since then, Mitsubishi dealerships have reported Mirage's top fuel economy, low entry price and leading warranty are resonating well with customers.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV production restarts after five-month delay

Back in March, production of both the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid and the all-electric i-MiEV ground to a halt over a pair of incidents where overheated lithium-ion batteries caused vehicle fires. Following the rocky start, The Japan Times is reporting that production of the Outlander PHEV has recommenced following the five-month stoppage.
The battery fires were tracked down to a supplier issue before more than 4,300 vehicles were recalled in June, but Mitsubishi received heavy criticism from the Japanese government for the delayed recall. According to the report, though, that hasn't slow down enthusiasm for the plug-in crossover - Mitsubishi has received close to 18,000 for the Outlander PHEV. To keep up with demand, the automaker is planning to double production to 4,000 units a month.