UNITED STATES: Mitsubishi Motors North America has reported a remarkable surge in vehicle sales for the third quarter of 2023, with a 32 percent year-over-year increase to 22,196 units. Notably, nearly one in ten new Mitsubishi’s sold during this period was a rechargeable model.
In a promising trend, Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV, their sole plug-in model, is gaining substantial traction in the market, setting yet another quarterly record. In the third quarter alone, 1,887 Outlander PHEVs found homes, marking a staggering improvement from just six units sold the previous year. This surge accounted for an impressive 8.5 percent of the brand’s total volume.
For reference, Mitsubishi’s internal combustion engine Outlander recorded 9,340 sales, maintaining a lead over the PHEV with a ratio of 5:1. Throughout the year, Mitsubishi has seen an exceptional surge in Outlander PHEV sales, amounting to 5,104 units, marking a 351% increase from the previous year. These figures constitute 7.5 percent of Mitsubishi’s total volume, showcasing a promising shift towards electrification.
Comparing this to 2022, where Mitsubishi sold 1,961 PHEVs, comprising a mere 2.3 percent of their total volume, the growth is striking. The automaker has already surpassed its full-year record from 2018 (4,166 sales) within nine months and is on track to exceed 7,000 sales in 2023.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, equipped with a 20-kilowatt-hour battery, boasts an EPA all-electric range of 38 miles, for a total range of 420 miles. Priced at $40,345 plus a destination/handling charge of $1,445 (or $1,570 in Alaska and Hawaii), it offers an enticing option for eco-conscious consumers.
Looking ahead, Mitsubishi has ambitious plans to introduce more rechargeable models before the decade’s end. While specific details remain undisclosed, it is anticipated that these new offerings will be closely linked to Nissan’s plug-in lineup, given their financial ties and participation in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Expect exciting developments, including electric pickups and SUVs, to hit the market by 2028.
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