Mitsubishi
Motors to Sell All-New, Mid-Sized Pickup in 2005 Source:
Mitsubishi Motors Press ReleasePosted:
12-18-03 22:45 PT
Page: [1]
The Chrysler
Group of DaimlerChrysler AG and Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
(MMNA) announced today their plans to produce mid-sized pickup trucks
at the Chrysler Group's Warren (Mich.) Truck Assembly Plant. While the
two vehicles will share technology, they will be distinctly different
in design to appeal to each brand's customers.
Production will begin later next year on the Dodge Dakota. Mitsubishi
Motors, extending its growing product line in the United States and Canada,
will re-enter the competitive pickup segment in the 2005 calendar year.
To promote
the new truck Mitsubishi will debut a concept pickup at the 2004 North
American International Auto Show. The Mitsubishi Sport Truck Concept will
feature all wheel drive powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine and five-speed
automatic transmission. The truck is 210 inches long, 80 inches wide and
71 inches high. It has a 135-inch wheelbase and 22-inch wheels.
"This
project marks another milestone in DaimlerChrysler's alliance strategy,"
said Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President - Product Development of
the Chrysler Group. "Ultimately, this will allow us both to reduce
development, production times and costs while adding to our respective
portfolios with distinctly different, high-quality products."
"We
are excited to expand our product offering with this new pickup, and at
the same time, leverage our alliance with Daimler Chrysler to provide
even greater value for our customers," said Finbarr O'Neill, Co-chairman
and CEO of MMNA.
Each truck
model will showcase a design signature reflective of the individual brand
character. Mitsubishi Motors Design Studio in Cypress, Calif., and the
Chrysler Design Studio in Auburn Hills, Mich., are each responsible for
their unique models. Additional product, production and sales details
will be announced later.
The project
is one of many alliance projects between DaimlerChrysler AG and Mitsubishi
Motors in the areas of research, development, procurement, production,
marketing and sales.
Mitsubishi
Motors has a rich heritage in the pickup segment. In 2002, the company
sold worldwide more than 90,000 units of its L200 Strada pickup, which
finished this year's Dakar Rally in fourth position (behind three other
Mitsubishi vehicles).
