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Mitsubishi Hopes to Hit 100,000 Sales in U.S. for 2009

Mitsubishi aims to sell 100,000 units in the US 2010, nearly double what Mitsubishi sold in 2009. According to Ward’s Auto, Mitsubishi sold just under 54,000 units in 2009; 97,257 units were sold in 2008 and 128,993 in 2007. American consumers have so far not shown a lot of interest in Mitsubishi’s lineup. It appears that the products apparently aren’t the only component to blame and that when it comes to the Lancer and Outlander models, the company has to “work hard to enhance their perception and desirability,” according to Mitsubishi spokesman Maurice Durand.

The Lancer Sportback, a five-door hatchback, has apparently not been promoted sufficiently. Sales of the recently refreshed Outlander SUV and the upcoming Outlander Sport are expected to make an impact on Mitsubishi’s US sales. It can be recalled that the Outlander Sport is the compact crossover that will be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show this March. In Europe, the car will be powered by a 1.8L direct-injection turbo diesel. However, expect variations of existing US gas-powered engines under the hood of this five-passenger Honda CR-V fighter. Within the next three years, Mitsubishi will have an easy time in achieving its 100,000-unit sales goal if it gains the R&D resources to introduce new products. The models that are being floated around include the Endeavor midsize crossover, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Galant midsize sedan.