Mitsubishi Won't Be Getting Renault-Samsung Sedan
Mitsubishi dealers are in for a rush of new product, including a new Outlander PHEV and a Mirage sedan. But one vehicle that won’t be arriving is an all-new sedan based on a Renault-Samsung vehicle.
The plan, which called for Renault-Samsung sedans to be sold as Mitsubishi vehicles in North America, has apparently stalled. According to Automotive News, Mitsubishi’s Don Swearingen told dealers at the NADA conference that the plan had hit an unspecified roadblock.
Mitsubishi has no D-segment sedan and an aging Lancer that competes in the C-segment. The deal with Renault-Samsung was said to provide vehicles for both segments.
Earlier this month, Renault-Samsung released the SM5 Nova, an all-new sedan that was likely to become a Mitsubishi branded sedan.
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Uh oh. Maybe Nissan objected?
I hope this is because both the SM3 and SM5 will get a replacement very soon. If not, Mitsubishi is screwed. Well, if they are replacing the Lancer with a Renault they are already screwed anyway...
The solution is simple. Partner with Mazda since they are always desperately looking for partners and sell an already excellent Mazda 6 as the new Lancer. Drop in an improved 4B11T with direct injection and add a sixth gear to the transmission for a new Evo XI. Mazda in turn would sell more vehicles and could get use of the Evo drivetrain to produce a new AWD Mazdaspeed 3 and possibly a new Mazdaspeed 6.
Eh, I was kinda looking forward to it, especially the larger car. Dont ask why, hell, I dont even know why, lol!