TOKYO -- Mitsubishi Motors Corp., aiming to continue its double-digit sales growth in the U.S., plans to add a five-seat small crossover/SUV to its lineup.
The offering will slot between the midsize Outlander and compact Outlander Sport crossovers, Mitsubishi CEO Osamu Masuko said in an interview ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show.
The new entry will begin production in autumn 2017, with the U.S. and Europe as its main markets, he said. The vehicle may pick up styling cues from the eX Concept cross-over shown at the Tokyo Motor Show. It will be smaller than the Mazda CX-5 and will compete against the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, among others.
The addition would answer a standing plea from the brand's U.S. dealers for fresh product to expand Mitsubishi's five-nameplate lineup of three cars and two crossovers. It also would play to Mitsubishi's strengths in crossovers and SUVs.