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Mitsubishi to add new crossover to US lineup

With crossovers of all sizes enjoying immense popularity with consumers, Mitsubishi is making a grab for some of the action with a third CUV offering. The as-of-yet unnamed vehicle is set to slot in between the baby Outlander Sport and the full-size Outlander, CEO Osamu Masuko told Automotive News ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show. Aimed squarely at the crossover-crazy US and European markets, this new vehicle will likely enter production two years from now. That should mean an auto show debut at Paris or Los Angeles in 2016, or at some point in early 2017. The new vehicle would duke it out with the redesigned Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tuscon. If it sounds like this new CUV would cannibalize some of its little brother's sales, you'd be right. To prevent this, Mitsu will tweak the sizes of the vehicles it currently offers. "The Outlander is growing in size, while the Outlander Sport is getting smaller, so it opens a space for the new SUV," Masuko told AN. "We need something to fit in between." Having a three-tiered CUV lineup might help Mitsubishi, which has enjoyed 26 percent sales growth through September this year. According to AN, over half of Mitsu's current sales come from the Outlander and Outlander Sport. Adding a third CUV would capitalize on a US market that's clamoring for light trucks and crossovers. Before the third model debuts, the next step for the brand will be the arrival of a plug-in hybrid Outlander. You can look for our review on that next year. Featured Gallery Mitsubishi eX Concept View 34 Photos News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Crossover Economy Cars osamu masuko

Nissan may take control of struggling Mitsubishi Motors

Update: The reports were largely correct. Nissan will take a 34 percent stake in Mitsubishi for roughly $2.2b. Read all about it here. Reports say Nissan will buy a controlling stake in Mitsubishi Motors, either 30 or 34 percent, for about 200 billion yen or $1.84 billion. Nissan and Mitsubishi motors are currently part of a joint venture, NMKV, to build minicars together. Nissan is also responsible for reporting fuel-economy discrepancies with cars built under the joint-venture agreement, which put Mitsubishi in its current weakened state. Earlier today, reports surfaced that the fuel-economy issues were wider ranging than originally thought. Mitsubishi now admits that all of its Japanese-market cars sold since 1991 could have had faked fuel-economy data. Shares of Mitsubishi Motors have dropped by about half since the scandal was uncovered, opening the door for a takeover. While Nissan is a much larger company, it can benefit from Mitsubishi's 60-percent share of Japan's minicar market. The two companies also had plans to build electric vehicles together in the joint venture. Japan's Nikkei reports that talks are ongoing between the company and that a decision could be made Thursday by the companies' boards. Related Video: News Source: Nikkei Green Mitsubishi Nissan

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.