Mitsubishi to comeback in commercial van segment mid-2020

The Japanese automaker Mitsubishi is ready to roll out the new van-model based on Renault Trafic in the mid-2020. This comeback to commercial van segment happens after a substantial absence of 6 years and the opportunity came after joining the Renault-Nissan Alliance in 2017. Though the vehicle is Renault-sourced, the firm claims that it will not compete with the venture partner on the matter of pricing.

Mitsubishi had been in the segment from 1980 to 2014 with the badge of Express, but the automaker has not disclosed the name of the upcoming vehicle till now. Because of cost restraints in the cut-throat competition in the commercial van market, it is expected that the future van will have minimal changes in styling except badging when it comes to the Mitsubishi showrooms.

The automaker is aiming to get a portion of full-size van market that, so far, has remained in line with the rest of the market, with an 8% fall in the YTD sales. In the segment, Hyundai iLoad and Toyota Hiace dominate the market and the European models such as the Renault Trafic, Volkswagen Transporter, and Ford Transit share the remaining part justly.

Renault Trafic has become the cheapest brand-new full-size van in Australia after the introduction of its base model priced at $29,990 and its sales figures also showing the positive indications. Though, Mitsubishi completely denies plans to be in a price war with alike Renault Trafic. John Signoriello, the president and CEO of Mitsubishi Australia stated, “We want to get our fair share of whatever the (van) market is” during a recent media briefing with the chief operating officer of Mitsubishi globally, Ashwani Gupta. He further explained, “Without giving away too much, we don’t want to be competing for head-on with Renault (on price). We just want to try something a little bit different. Let’s wait and see what happens, the market will decide (on price).” 

The firm is yet to announce the model variants of the vehicle, but it is confirmed that the company is not taking on board the small numbers making larger Renault Master.