The sixth-generation Mitsubishi Triton will be unveiled on July 26 in Thailand, and the Japanese automaker has released more information about it.
The prototype truck’s camouflage, which conceals some design elements, was modelled after lava rocks that are “packed with condensed energy.” Its sides are embellished with a logo of the 10-parallel-line Ralliart company, which has a rich history in motorsport.
According to Mitsubishi, in order to achieve safe, secure, and comfortable driving for all weather or road conditions, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will use a newly developed ladder frame, chassis, and clean diesel engines in the all-new Triton one-ton pickup truck.
The newly developed ladder frame, double wishbone front and rear suspensions with leaf spring rear suspension are said to deliver the ideal driving performance and high levels of ride comfort. The newly created clean diesel turbo engine has significantly reduced friction loss while increasing output, which has improved environmental performance.
As part of the leader-follower structure of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, Mitsubishi is driving the development of the Triton, with the upcoming Nissan Navara planned to share platforms but feature different aesthetics.
The most recent Triton will be propelled by a freshly created clean turbo diesel engine, which is another powertrain-related detail that was made public. Executives have acknowledged that the technology is being studied for the Triton rather than being committed, despite the fact that plug-in hybrid power has been suggested for the new Mitsubishi pick-up. The manufacturer said it would follow the pure-electric pick-up it plans to debut after 2025 if it unveiled a Triton PHEV.
We have been looking forward to this one ever since we got the invite and the day has finally come where we managed to get our hands on the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete and take it on a proper off-road course in Tanamera, Shah Alam.
The event is open to the public and is happening from 24 to 25 June and Mitsubishi is inviting everyone to get the “Champion Xperience”. Should you choose to go, you will definitely get the excitement of a rally stage just as we did.
As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by a fleet of Triton Athletes and also displayed is an absolute legend, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition. This beast is powered by a 2.0-litre 16-valve DOC intercooler/turbocharged unit with 280 PS and 373Nm of torque! It really needs no introduction other than that.
Want to feel the excitement of a rally stage? The Champion Xperience, which is scheduled to take place in Tanamera, Shah Alam from June 24–25, 2023, is where Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is inviting you to do just that.
At the event, you may take a rally taxi trip in the Triton, the pickup truck that triumphed in last year’s Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) on its debut after Team Mitsubishi Ralliart’s comeback to rallying after an 11-year sabbatical.
The Mitsubishi Motors Mobile Service Unit is a new after-sales service that Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has introduced for its clients. If you’re busy and unable to schedule a regular service appointment, it will send a specially outfitted Mitsubishi Triton to come to you.
A Mitsubishi vehicle diagnostic scanner, a hydraulic jack with stand, an air compressor, and tool kits are all included in the mobile service unit. Additionally, there is space for extra components like lubricants and oil filters.
After not being run for 3 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2022 returned this month. The tough event held in the northeastern part of Thailand and in Cambodia saw Team Mitsubishi Ralliart taking overall first place after 6 days of competition over 1,200 kms.
The event saw the participation of a total of 56 machines – 21 in the motorcycle category, 2 in the sidecar category, 32 in the car category, and 1 in the truck. Legs 1 to 3 were run over courses in the area around Buriram, while Leg 4 brought the participant to the border between Thailand and Cambodian. For Leg 5, the participants crossed into Cambodia to race to finish line near the World Heritage site of Angkor Wat.
Like many other car companies, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has been quiet over the past two years due to the pandemic. Now that things are gradually returning to normal, the company is also resuming its activities and to start off, it has introduced a limited edition of the popular Triton pick-up truck. Known as the Triton Phantom Plus Edition, only 1,000 units will be available for sale (imported CBU from Thailand) and all come in a bold Jet Black Mica finish.
Priced at RM139,700 (excluding insurance, Peninsular Malaysia registration), the Triton Plus Phantom Edition is positioned below the flagship Triton Athlete model, having similar features and equipment as the Triton Premium. As with the other Triton versions, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia offers a long warranty of 5 years or maximum of 200,000 kms.
While the exterior styling is essentially similar to the top versions of the Triton range, the limited edition model stands out with the spotlights on the roof of the double cab. Inspired by the Triton Absolute concept truck displayed in Bangkok two years ago, the spotlights are developed locally and their fitment has been approved by the JPJ.
The spotlights, which are in narrow LED strips on the left and right side of the lead edge of the roof, provide powerful additional lighting which would be useful in off-road situations. They are wired to the headlights and will only be available when the high beams are in use. There is also a separate switch to keep them off if not required.
The Triton Phantom Plus Edition can also be identified by the red accents on the front and rear skidplates as well as more distinctive bodyside moulding on the front and rear doors. The sports bar behind the cab has a matte finish and at the rear end, the tailgate has ‘PHANTOM’ moulded into it along with ‘PHANTOM PLUS’ decals on the sides.
Below the muscular wheelarches are 18-inch alloy wheels finished in a gloss black, with Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tyres fitted as standard.
The Triton has always had a stylish and spacious cabin for 5 persons and for the limited edition, there are sportier seats with leatherette upholstery and carpet mats with red accents. To emphasis the limited edition status, the PHANTOM name is also incorporated on the seat upholstery.
There is also a ceiling air recirculation system to improve comfort within the cabin.
For management of the infotainment system, there’s a 9-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard. For those with compatible smartphones, it’s possible to transfer favourite apps to the screen using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
The technical aspects of the model are the same as the other Tritons with a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine which produces 181 ps/430 Nm max torque. Variable Valve Timing enhances efficiency to extend the cruising range of the Triton.
The 4×4 system is the same as the other Tritons with a gated shifter and selection of the 2H, 4H and 4L ranges done with an Easy-Select rotary knob. This is a lot more convenient than the old trucks which required operating a second lever. For more control over gear selection, there is also a sequential manual mode. There’s also Hill Descent Control to help when going downhill whereby the computer will manage the speed and the driver just has to concentrate on steering and avoiding obstacles.
Besides the Triton Phantom Plus Edition, there are 6 other Triton variants to choose from, with prices ranging from RM81,390 to RM146,600. Those in the Kuala Lumpur/Selangor area can see the Triton Phantom Plus Edition and other models at a roadshow at Pavilion Built Jalil from today until Sunday (August 7). There are also stalls selling camping gear at the roadshow for those who want to pick up such items for adventures with their truck.
To know more about the Triton and other Mitsubishi models, or to locate a showroom in Malaysia, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.
In spite of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) was able to achieve a higher sales volume during it its last financial year (FY21: April 2021 – March 2022). The total volume of 19,217 units was a 66% increase compared to the volume sold in the same period when the Total Industry Volume of the Malaysian market declined by 6.7%. This achievement put the company comfortably in the top 3 spots of the non-national automotive category.
The Triton pick-up truck was the bestseller for the brand with 9,420 units sold in FY21, which was a 24% increase compared to FY20. Its popularity among Malaysians was evident as it maintained a market share of around 21.4%.
The XPANDER was also a strong seller and the dominant model in the non-national MPV segment. 9,065 units of the locally-assembled 7-seater were sold, accounting for 47.2% to the company’s overall total sales.
Mitsubishi XPANDER
Volumes shown are for calendar year (January- December). Data for 2022 from January to March. Data source: MAA monthly reports.
“In general, the past 2 years have been tough on the automotive industry, not only with the rising cases of Omicron COVID-19 but floods that affected the Klang Valley and East Coast region, as well as parts or chips shortage. There were many hurdles for the industry to overcome, thus for our sales performance to grow is a significant triumph for us. We take this chance to thank the Malaysian government for initiating and extending the SST exemption these last couple of years. With this, our customers could enjoy extra savings while it also gives us the time to fulfil all booking orders made,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
“The company will continue to charge forward with strong momentum for 2022. We are aware that a large number of our customers aim to purchase their cars before the SST exemption expires by end of June. We are continuing our best efforts to meet the booking numbers, and we have already increased our production capacity while maintaining a high level of product quality. Our customers are the ones that put us here, thus providing them with utmost convenience and confidence towards the brand is our utmost priority,” he added.
The Mitsubishi Motors network consists of 54 showrooms (out of which 49 are 3S Centres) and 55 service outlets throughout Malaysia. In East Malaysia, there are 14 showrooms (7 in Sarawak and 7 in Sabah). The present range consists of the Triton which is imported as a CBU (Completely Built-Up) model from Thailand, and the XPANDER MPV which is assembled locally.
Growing popularity for the Mitsubishi Triton and XPANDER saw the total sales volume of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) increasing in 2021. The company today announced that 17,489 vehicles from January to December 2021, a 91% increase compared to the same period in 2020.
With 7,397 units delivered nationwide, the XPANDER MPV had its best sales performance since being launched. This volume also made it the best-selling 7-seater Japanese crossover in Malaysia. The model is assembled locally at the DRB-HICOM manufacturing complex in Pekan, Pahang.
“We are pleased that XPANDER has enjoyed strong sales performance thanks to the extension of the tax-free incentive period. This decision by the Malaysian government has certainly helped the industry to sustain itself during this challenging phase. At Mitsubishi Motors, we have now progressed to increase our production volume for XPANDER, to cater for higher production capacity, and to fulfill all booking demands,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
The Triton, currently in its fifth generation, also continued to be among the more popular pick-up trucks in the country. In spite of the challenging market conditions, MMM’s dealers delivered 9,268 units in Peninsular and East Malaysia in 2021, 34% more than in 2020.
“The continued growth of Mitsubishi Motors market compared to last year is a sign that we are steadily moving towards recovery. As we look forward to advancing and progressing into 2022, we have heard every customer’s feedback regarding our products and services, and we will continue to improve for an ownership experience of the highest standard,” he added.
Owners of flood-damaged vehicles can obtain assistance from authorised Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia dealers nationwide.
Support for Mitsubishi owners
Mr. Ikeda also said that MMM is offering support to Mitsubishi owners whose vehicles were damaged by the floods. “We would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt sympathy to all who were affected by the recent flood incidents. We are here to support them, and they can get assistance by contacting our Customer Careline,” he said.
MMM is offering a 30% discount on Mitsubishi genuine spare parts and a 50% discount on labour costs (for flood-damaged vehicles serviced at authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealerships) until January 20, 2022. In addition, the company will also support owners by offering free towing service. All customers need to do is to contact Mitsubishi Assist 24Hrs customer careline (MA24) at 1-800-88-2166 to request for this service. Mitsubishi owners who arrange for their vehicle towing, without the assistance of MA24 and insurance coverage, are also entitled to rebates worth up to RM300.
Although many companies have focussed their CSR (corporate social responsibility) efforts on providing help to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still many sections of society which need help, especially the under-privileged urban poor.
Recently, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) offered such help in the form of a Mitsubishi Triton 4×4 truck to the Dignity Farm School in Bentong, Pahang which is a one-stop holistic and community learning centre.
It will be used for the farm’s daily operations, and to provide transport for the Orang Asli to schools where they are given transformative youth education programs grounded in community building, natural agriculture, and skills development.
Helping underprivileged and indigenous community
The Triton was handed over earlier this month by MMM’s Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Shinnishi. Explaining the decision to help the Dignity Farm School, Mr. Shinnishi said: “In line with the Malaysian government’s efforts to reopen schools soon with tightened and updated standard operating procedures to adhere to, we at Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia feel it is a strategic time post-lockdown to relook into how we can do more for the underprivileged and indigenous community in terms of education and health.”
“We are happy to work with the Dignity Farm School a place where skills and knowledge are connected and taught from a wellspring of sources and experiences, combining practical skills and theory in a farm setting. This, in return, will also prepare the underprivileged children in the future to enter an agricultural and tourism workforce requiring both innovation and manpower,” he said.
“The school is located in a remote area of Bentong where a 4×4 like the Triton is required. It has passed many endurance tests and we hope that it will assist the Dignity Farm School well in many of their adventures to come, no matter what the terrain,” added Mr. Shinnishi.
Activities at the Dignity Farm School.
Mitsubishi Motors CSR vision
MMM’s initiative supports the Mitsubishi Motors CSR vision for 2021 which is ‘Inspiring Lives Today for a Greater Future’. Its mission is to implement CSR activities that provide aid to support underprivileged children, and to collaborate with NGOs in promoting a sustainable economy, society, and environment.
As part of the company’s various and ongoing COVID-19 aid efforts, MMM also donated a Box of Hope containing food necessities and a bag of rice to the B40 groups in Malaysia. This effort will benefit more than 150 families across the nation.
To know more about the Triton and other Mitsubishi models available in Malaysia, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.
After the long period of inactivity due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) lockdowns for over 2 months, the auto industry is quickly revving up again. Customers are visiting showrooms and the backlog of orders is quickly being fulfilled. For Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), there has been a steady surge which led to a historic sales achievement in the month of September 2021.
During the first full month of business since the government permitted businesses to resume in mid-August, MMM delivered 1,521 units of its most popular model, the Triton. This volume also gave it the highest market share of 34% within the pick-up segment for September.
Brand among top 3 in non-national segment
In comparison to 2020, the volume of Triton sales increased by 5.1% within the first half of company’s Financial Year 2021 (April – September 2021), while the overall sales volume saw positive growth with a total of 6,907 vehicles delivered. This raised Mitsubishi Motors market share from 1.7% (April – September 2020) to 3.9% (April-September 2021), maintaining the brand’s position among the top 3 non-national brands in Malaysia.
XPANDER MPV bookings close to 13,000
Besides the Triton, the XPANDER MPV has also been growing in popularity. It’s unfortunate that, like a number of the latest models, it was introduced during a period when the pandemic restricted movements. Now, as the situation eases, it is clear that the model has strong appeal as it is the best-selling non-national MPV with close to 13,000 bookings since launch in November 2020. To date, MMM has delivered 5,756 units of the model, assembled in Pahang, to new owners around the country.
The XPANDER is priced from RM92,263 in Peninsular Malaysia (without insurance). As it is assembled in Malaysia, it is given 100% exemption of sales tax until the end of 2021.
“After a few months of the challenging market situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, the team at Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is working with our best efforts to improve production, delivery timing, and to recover from backlog orders fulfilment for the XPANDER and Triton. We would also like to thank our customers who have shown us support and have been patient with us. As the nation moves towards the endemic era and with the resumption of the automotive supply chain and showrooms opening, we are confident for optimistic sales numbers over the second half of our Financial Year,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of Mitsubishi Moors Malaysia.
Home Delivery Service soon
“In addition, we are continuously looking to improve and introduce new digital services. Soon, we will be announcing a Home Delivery Service for customers who have purchased a Mitsubishi vehicle to have their brand new car delivered to their doorstep. This is to ease customer’s convenience in shopping using Mitsubishi Online Showroom. We are also working very closely with our dealerships to ensure full SOPs are in compliance and only fully vaccinated staff are allowed to be on duty and serve customers,” he added.
To know more about Mitsubishi Motors models available in Malaysia and to locate a showroom for viewing and test-drives, visit www.mitsubishu-motors.com.my.
