2005 Frankfurt: Mitsubishi takes aggressive design approach with Concept Sportback
09-15-05, 09:49 AM
#1
Speaks French in Russian
Thread Starter
2005 Frankfurt: Mitsubishi takes aggressive design approach with Concept Sportback
2005 Frankfurt: Mitsubishi takes aggressive design approach with Concept Sportback
JASON STEIN | Automotive News
Posted Date: 9/14/05
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE FRANKFURT SHOW COVERAGE AND SPORTBACK PHOTOS
FRANKFURT -- Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s Concept Sportback unveiled here this week represents an aggressive new design approach for the automaker that executives say will come to market on vehicles under development.
Tim Tozer, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, said the philosophy behind the European-designed sport wagon, which will go on sale in Europe in early 2007, was to create a product that would appeal to multiple markets.
"At the moment there's a high degree of fragmentation. We see that with the North American product," Tozer said in an interview with Automotive News.
"There will be a more integrated approach to product planning and a greater coordination between the regions."
The Sportback, which features a striking front end resembling a shark's mouth, was drawn by Mitsubishi's Trebur design center, near Frankfurt.
Tozer said the Sportback, or other European products, could make it to the United States.
"I'm sure what you start to see in Europe will be sold in North America, and likewise. That's the strategy," Tozer said. "My guess is that if something like this works in Europe, it could work in North America."
Mitsubishi could use the help. The automaker's U.S. sales through August are off 29.6 percent from the year-ago period to 87,074. In all of 2004, sales slid 37.1 percent, to 161,609.
By the end of 2007, Mitsubishi will introduce six new or redesigned models in North America, Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko told Automotive News this year.
Among them are the Eclipse, Raider and Eclipse Spyder, as well as a redesigned Outlander SUV that will expand from five seats to seven seats. The Outlander is scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2006, replacing the aging Montero.
JASON STEIN | Automotive News
Posted Date: 9/14/05
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE FRANKFURT SHOW COVERAGE AND SPORTBACK PHOTOS
FRANKFURT -- Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s Concept Sportback unveiled here this week represents an aggressive new design approach for the automaker that executives say will come to market on vehicles under development.
Tim Tozer, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, said the philosophy behind the European-designed sport wagon, which will go on sale in Europe in early 2007, was to create a product that would appeal to multiple markets.
"At the moment there's a high degree of fragmentation. We see that with the North American product," Tozer said in an interview with Automotive News.
"There will be a more integrated approach to product planning and a greater coordination between the regions."
The Sportback, which features a striking front end resembling a shark's mouth, was drawn by Mitsubishi's Trebur design center, near Frankfurt.
Tozer said the Sportback, or other European products, could make it to the United States.
"I'm sure what you start to see in Europe will be sold in North America, and likewise. That's the strategy," Tozer said. "My guess is that if something like this works in Europe, it could work in North America."
Mitsubishi could use the help. The automaker's U.S. sales through August are off 29.6 percent from the year-ago period to 87,074. In all of 2004, sales slid 37.1 percent, to 161,609.
By the end of 2007, Mitsubishi will introduce six new or redesigned models in North America, Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko told Automotive News this year.
Among them are the Eclipse, Raider and Eclipse Spyder, as well as a redesigned Outlander SUV that will expand from five seats to seven seats. The Outlander is scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2006, replacing the aging Montero.
09-15-05, 01:35 PM
#4
Speaks French in Russian
Thread Starter
Right!! Isnt that thing cool. 
If they dont botch it up when it goes into production, I wouldnt mind considering that car for a daily driver.
Has a grill similar to the new Audi's and VW's, but way more aggressive.
If they dont botch it up when it goes into production, I wouldnt mind considering that car for a daily driver.Has a grill similar to the new Audi's and VW's, but way more aggressive.
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