Following Mitsubishi's announcement last year that it is to cease the development of new cars for Europe as part of a planned exit from the region, it has been reported in the Financial Times that the Japanese company may be reconsidering. Talks with its Alliance partner Renault, with its recently-installed new CEO, Luca de Meo, has suggested that the French brand may offer to produce some models at its plants.
For now, it remains a rumour, but more may be known after the Mitsubishi Board meets this week. In an attempt to downplay expectations, a spokesperson for Mitsubishi's UK division is quoted in AM Online saying: "Our plans aren't about to change, Mitsubishi isn't developing any more new cars for Europe and that's a fact."
Mitsubishi customers need not worry right now
If these talks fail to come to a positive result, existing Mitsubishi owners should not be immediately concerned as the brand remains committed to supporting aftersales and warranty aspects of its fleet.
When the withdrawal was first announced in July 2020, Mitsubishi Motors Ireland stated: "Mitsubishi Motors Ireland is disappointed by today's announcement from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC). However, despite this announcement, we remain fully committed to both our customers and dealer network. We will continue to sell our existing models and look after our existing and future customers through our dedicated aftersales and service departments."
This story is bound to face some more twists and turns as the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance attempts to find a way for all parties to regain success in multiple markets.