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Mitsubishi makes a surprise return to the UK market
After a five-year absence, Mitsubishi is preparing to re-enter the United Kingdom, targeting summer 2026 for the first deliveries. The Japanese brand exited the UK and wider European market in mid-2021 amid falling sales, rising costs and tougher safety and emissions rules. Now, supported by a new distribution arrangement and a dealer network of more than 100 locations, Mitsubishi is plotting a careful comeback.
How the return is being organised
International Motors Ltd — a UK-based car importer and distributor that already handles brands such as Isuzu, Subaru and Xpeng — confirmed it will spearhead Mitsubishi’s reintroduction. The company is recruiting dealers across the country and setting up aftersales support, with an eye on solid customer service from day one.
Sharon Townsend, head of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, says the move is driven by sustained interest: "Over the past few years we've continued to see enthusiasm from the brand, which has strongly influenced this decision." Exact model names, specifications and pricing will be announced closer to launch, but the brand has already teased the first arrivals.
What models are expected — and what they mean for the market
Mitsubishi’s European lineup today leans heavily on alliance partnerships, with several models developed or rebadged in collaboration with Renault and Nissan. Key cars likely to feature in the UK relaunch include:
- Grandis compact SUV (new for 2025) — positioned as a mainstream compact crossover.
- Eclipse Cross EV — an all-electric crossover visually tied to the Renault Scenic EV platform.
- Outlander PHEV — Mitsubishi’s plug-in hybrid SUV and one of its more recognisable models across Europe.
- ASX crossover — largely a rebadged Renault Captur with Mitsubishi engineering cues.
- L200 pickup — arriving to serve buyers who need capability and durability.
- Colt hatchback — effectively the Renault Clio rebadged for Mitsubishi.
These models show a pragmatic strategy: rapid line-up deployment by leveraging alliance platforms, while focusing on SUVs, crossovers, PHEVs and battery-electric vehicles to meet UK emissions targets and buyer demand.
Sales targets and the business case
Mitsubishi is forecasting around 49,000 sales for the financial year ending March 2026, with a medium-term ambition of 75,000–80,000 vehicles annually in Europe. That target reflects a realistic rebuild plan: fewer niche sports cars, more electrified SUVs and work-focused pickups.
Analysts will watch whether the brand can regain market share against established rivals in the compact SUV and EV segments. Mitsubishi’s strength has traditionally been its four-wheel-drive expertise and durable pickups; the challenge now is to pair those strengths with competitive electrified powertrains and modern infotainment and safety tech.
Design, powertrains and technology highlights
Rather than offering entirely new bespoke platforms for Europe, Mitsubishi will rely on alliance technology for rapid compliance with safety and emissions regulations. Expect:
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrains on key SUVs (e.g., Outlander PHEV).
- Battery-electric versions derived from Renault-Nissan platforms (Eclipse Cross EV / Scenic EV sibling).
- Traditional diesel or petrol options for models like the L200 pickup where emissions flexibility is still key for commercial buyers.
There’s no sign of a revival for the Lancer Evo or other enthusiast-focused performance models in this plan; instead, Mitsubishi is focusing on mass-market SUVs, electrification and proven four-wheel-drive systems.
What buyers should expect and when
- Dealer network: More than 100 sites are being organised around the UK to handle sales, servicing and parts.
- Deliveries: Scheduled to begin in summer 2026, starting with the first teased models and expanding through the year.
- Pricing and specs: To be revealed closer to launch — Mitsubishi has kept many details under wraps while finalising supply agreements and homologation for the UK market.
Why this matters
Mitsubishi’s return signals a broader reshaping in Europe: alliance partnerships now allow automakers to re-enter markets faster and at lower cost by sharing platforms, batteries and powertrains. For UK customers, it means another option in the crowded SUV, EV and pickup spaces — backed by a recognised brand name with established four-wheel-drive heritage.
Whether Mitsubishi can convert brand enthusiasm into sustained sales will depend on dealer execution, competitive pricing, and the real-world appeal of its electrified offerings. For now, the message is clear: Mitsubishi intends to be back on UK roads next summer, and owners can expect an array of crossovers, PHEVs and electric models as part of the relaunch.
Highlights:
- Re-entry planned for summer 2026 with dealer network rollout.
- Initial line-up combines rebadged alliance models and Mitsubishi-branded SUVs and pickups.
- Focus on electrified powertrains, PHEVs and EVs, plus traditional pickups for commercial buyers.
Stay tuned for full specs, trims and pricing as the marque unveils model details ahead of deliveries next year.
Source: autoevolution
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