Like Hans Gruber's right-hand man Karl in the original Die Hard—hey, it's technically a holiday movie, and it's still the holidays—Mitsubishi has managed to sneak away from being snuffed out to get a second shot at life. Instead of trying to take down Bruce Willis, however, Mitsu's second chance involves actual viability, both globally and here in North America. Business is doing better, and in an interview with Automotive News, the company's President gave up some future-product tidbits geared toward maintaining the momentum, including plans to bring the Outlander plug-in hybrid to the U.S.
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Although the plug-in Outlander's impending arrival next year isn't a huge surprise, Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko also revealed that he'd like to see the Pajero (Montero to you and us) return to the U.S. Masuko also indicated he'd like to see the Pajero brought here in plug-in hybrid form. Mitsubishi has been really up on the whole plug-in hybrid thing recently, with a bevy of concepts so equipped and rumors that even the next Evo will get a PHEV powertrain.
We think the plug-in Outlander is shrewd move, especially if Mitsu can quote high mpg numbers for the three-row crossover. Bringing another SUV to the U.S. such as the Pajero makes even more sense, given Mitsubishi's history in the segment, but nothing's been confirmed as of yet. The rigs would join the Outlander Sport, Outlander, Lancer, and Mirage in the automaker's small U.S. lineup. For Mitsubishi fans, here's hoping the company's revival doesn't end like Karl's—being shot dead by Sergeant Al Powell.
from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com
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