Mitsubishi owners in Kluang, Johor, now have a more convenient location to go to when they need aftersales services or to purchase their next Mitsubishi vehicle. A new Mitsubishi Motors 3S Centre (Sales, Service & Spare parts) operated by K.M. Lim Auto Sdn Bhd has opened in Taman Tasik Indah to serve the surrounding areas.
The new dealership brings the number of outlets in Johor to seven. Nationwide, the Mitsubishi Motors brand is represented by 55 outlets (out of which 50 are 3S Centres) and 56 service centres. In East Malaysia, there are 14 showrooms (7 in Sarawak and 7 in Sabah).
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has a new compact SUV coming in the near future and the XFC Concept it will be displaying at the Vietnam Motor Show next week gives an idea of what it will look like. Although Mitsubishi Motors says it is ‘not part of the current ASEAN line-up’, it is almost certainly the long-awaited successor to the ASX which was around a rather long time.
The production model, which will be based on the XFC Concept, has been developed with the ASEAN market as its primary market but like other models, it will also be considered for sale beyond the region after it is launched in 2023.
At last, a new Mitsubishi ASX has officially been announced. The model has been around a rather long time, being freshened with cosmetic updates and special editions for the past 12 years. At one point, Mitsubishi Motors (MMC) even had plans to assemble it at Proton’s factory but when that did not materialize, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia went ahead to have it assembled at the Tan Chong plant in Kuala Lumpur.
If this new second generation of the ASX looks somewhat familiar, you’re right. It’s similar to the Renault Captur sold by TC Euro Cars in Malaysia and has been adapted to become Mitsubishi model. Having joined the Renault-Nissan Alliance in 2017 (after Nissan acquired a controlling share in MMC), the carmaker had access to the products and technology of the Alliance. This helped it to freshen its model line-up which had stagnated due to its weak financial position.
The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) recently received a Mitsubishi Triton pick-up truck from Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM). The donation by MMM, part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practice, will help in providing NCSM’s services to rural communities around Malaysia.
NCSM, a non-profit organization (NGO) established in 1966, will use it to provide an extensive range of cancer services and support to people affected by cancer. With the Triton’s off-road capabilities, it will be able to travel further into the countryside to reach rural communities that have little or no access to cancer screening facilities.
With the Triton, NCSM personnel will be able to travel more easily in the countryside to reach rural communities to provide cancer screening servicesand support to people affected by cancer.(more…)
While the Mitsubishi XPANDER assembled in Malaysia is only available in the standard body version, some other markets also have an XPANDER Cross, a more SUV-themed version. It was added to the range in 2019 and at the 29th GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show yesterday, an updated version of the XPANDER Cross was officially launched. Indonesia gets the new XPANDER Cross first as the 3-row crossover MPV’s production hub is located there.
The facelifted XPANDER Cross gets a new and more aggressive frontal design which continues to have the overall Dynamic Shield design concept that is also found on the Triton pick-up. The styling is more expressive and gives a stronger SUV image.
This has been achieved by combining the large grille with a trapezoidal motif and incorporating the bumper with a guard bar shape. The headlights have gained a distinctive T-shaped design that emphasizes the width of the vehicle. The signal lights, previously placed under the headlight units, are now incorporated into the upper position lamps to improve visibility.
In addition, the front and rear overhangs have been extended by 95 mm, while the bonnet has been thickened to create proportions that increase dynamism and stability.
At the rear, the tailgate has a more 3-dimensional shape, and the dividing line has been reduced to enhance the texture. The rear combination lamps have a wide design and the horizontal T-shaped tail lamp like the front. In addition to the conventional tail lamp and reversing lamp, the brake light is an LED type for better and faster illumination.
The front and rear skidplates and the gray paint on the door garnish are coordinated to create a 3-dimensional effect which gives a sense of strength, while the roof rail is finished in black. The 17-inch aluminium wheels have a medium gray 2-tone machined bright finish to provide highlighting.
The 7-person cabin has a dashboard which was designed using a ‘HORIZONTAL AXIS’ concept. The latest XPANDER Cross has a new large-diameter 4-spoke steering wheel which makes it easier to grasp. The 8-inch colour LCD crystal meter has more intuitive and easier to use operations. To reduce taking the hands off the steering wheel, the driver can use switches on the steering wheel itself.
The XPANDER Cross has the same powertrain as the rest of the range, ie a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine (Mitsubishi 4A91) with 105 ps/141 Nm. Depending on the market, transmission options are 5-speed manual or CVT, but all versions have only front-wheel drive.
Engine remains the same 1.5-litre unit but the automatic transmission is a CVT.
While there are no powertrain updates, the XPANDER Cross now has Mitsubishi Active Yaw Control (AYC) for better cornering control. The system adjusts the braking force of the front left and right wheels to improve turning performance, suppressing understeer.
Some changes have been made to the suspension to improve ride comfort. The rigidity of the front strut mounting area has been increased while the rear shock absorber cylinder size has been expanded. High-performance front and rear valves have also been newly adopted to achieve a flat and comfortable ride even on rough road surfaces.
Up till the end of 2021, over 580,000 units of the XPANDER/XPANDER Cross have been sold in ASEAN markets as well as the Middle East South Asia, South America, Central America and Africa. In countries like Malaysia, the XPANDER has been assembled locally to have a more competitive price in the market.
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.
Ralliart is a name that motorsports enthusiasts, especially fans of off-road events, will know well. It was the competition division of Mitsubishi Motors and associated with the Dakar Rally as well as the World Rally Championship. Unfortunately, MMC went through difficult times and had to reorganize itself, which led to the Ralliart division having to cease its operations in 2010.
However, in 2021, the company indicated that it would revive the Ralliart brand although it did not give details of what could be expected. It showed some Ralliart-themed models in Bangkok but enthusiasts are hoping for some performance-oriented products.
Perhaps they are still formulating plans on what they want to do with the brand, which is still strong in people’s minds. Soon, we’ll see Team Mitsubishi Ralliart in action again when it competes in the Asia Cross-Country Rally (AXCR) 2022. Prior to the event, the team conducted endurance tests with a Triton on an off-road course in Thailand on June 27 and 28.
The endurance tests subjected the car to high loads comparable to those expected in the rally and focused mainly on the reliability and durability of the chassis and engine. To test the performance of the truck in an environment similar to that of the actual course, the team used a 10-kms course that combines a high-speed range, rough gravel road and a narrow, winding forest course.
“Since the Triton has a robust chassis frame and an excellent handling performance, we decided to reduce the vehicle weight at a minimum for the rally modification while leveraging its original strength as much as possible,” said Hiroshi Masuoka, team director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart. “Having covered more than 800 kms in two days, the vehicle showed its great performance throughout the tough endurance tests as we expected, and now we are confident that our preparation is on the right track.”
Hiroshi Masuoka is a very experienced off-road driver, having participated in the Dakar Rally since 1987 and winning it in 2002 and 2003 – with the Mitsubishi Ralliart team, of course. He has also visited Malaysia to assist Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia in introducing models such as the Triton and Pajero Sport.
AXCR is a gruelling, week-long, 2,000-km cross-country rally that races through the natural terrain of Southeast Asia. Normally held in August of each year, the rally was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the dates for the rally were pushed back to November 21 to 26, and the course will be about 1,700 kms long. It will start in Buriram in the northeast of Thailand (where there is a racetrack) before crossing into Cambodia and ending at the World Heritage site of Angkor Wat.
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart’s Triton
The Triton is classified by the FIA as a Group T1 rally car (prototype cross-country vehicle). Based on the Thailand-specification double-cab model, the car’s bonnet, front and rear doors, interior and other parts have been lightened, while the body has been strengthened with a roll-cage and under guards.
The dedicated suspension provides superb handling characteristics, while the front and rear limited-slip differential, large-diameter off-road tyres and lightweight alloy wheels greatly improve handling on rough road surfaces. Tuning of the 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine has focused on reducing friction loss and weight, and improving responsiveness in the mid-speed ranges frequently used in rallies.
Some AXCR stages include river crossings, so water-proofing modifications have also been added, such as stronger sealing and an air-intake snorkel.
Shinya Ikeda has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), taking over from Tomoyuki Shinnishi who returns to a new role at the Mitsubishi Corporation headquarters in Japan. Prior to this new role, Mr. Ikeda was General Manager in Mitsubishi Corporation’s automotive business field since 2019. He is, however, no stranger to Malaysia as he served as its Chief Financial Officer and General Manager of MMM between 2009 and 2012.
Mr. Ikeda started his career in Japan in 1995 and joined Mitsubishi Corporation in 2008. His first assignment was to manage the automotive business investment in Malaysia. He has since held various leadership roles and has been involved in automotive and finance businesses within Mitsubishi Corporation and other markets such as Japan, Indonesia, Russia, and Germany.
With Mitsubishi Motors having a focus on the ASEAN region, Mr. Ikeda will be guiding MMM in growing the brand’s presence further in Malaysia.
“I am excited to join Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia’s team. The company has grown from strength to strength and has now become one of the nation’s leading automotive brands. As announced in the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Mid-Term Business Plan last year, MMC will continue to focus on the ASEAN market and particularly Malaysia as the country is one of the most important markets in the world to expand the Mitsubishi brand presence. I look forward to working with the team to contribute with the knowledge and experience that I’ve had. I am also happy to be back in Malaysia as the country is home to various diversified food and culture and also people with enormous talent and potential,” said Mr. Ikeda.
Mr. Shinnishi, who joined MMM in 2016, has taken the company further during his 5-year tenure. In that time, the company introduced new models such as the new Triton and XPANDER 7-seater MPV, the latter being assembled locally in Pahang. Though its range is not large, MMM has the best-selling non-national MPV and the Mitsubishi Motors is also among the country’s top three non-national brands.
During Mr. Shinnishi’s tenure leading Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the company launched the new Triton (that’s him in the picture) which has been among the more popular pick-ups in the market. It also began local assembly of the XPANDER MPV (below) which is presently the bestselling non-national MPV.
As mentioned earlier by the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), customers can now have their new Mitsubishi vehicle delivered to their doorstep. The company’s new Home Delivery Service has been launched and is presently available within the Klang Valley region, with other regions to follow in the near future.
Only for online customers
The service is only for those customers who have booked their new vehicle (and it is registered) using the Mitsubishi Online Showroom. They need not worry about the risk of vehicle damage while being sent to their homes as it will not be driven and will be transported on a car-carrier.
From now till December 31, 2021, customers who book a Mitsubishi Triton online and after completion of registration will receive a complimentary limited edition North Face jacket. They should use the promo code 4SUREBELI when making their booking.
Another initiative for customers
The Home Delivery Service is a follow-up to MMM’s initiative to provide an online shopping facility to customers. The company was among the earliest to offer such a facility as the COVID-19 pandemic started and restrictions to movements began. With the Mitsubishi Online Showroom, customers do not need to go to the showroom to obtain more information and to view the vehicles. They can also request for a test-drive and additionally, begin the purchase process from their home or office by using Booking Assist to place a booking.
Customers can also use Mitsubishi Motors Online to request for a test-drive and a vehicle will be brought to their home or office.
“As Malaysia prepares to transition from the COVID-19 pandemic to the endemic phase, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia makes an effort to ensure that our digital services are improved for customer’s safety and convenience. We want to provide an option for customers to shop online, offering something unorthodox to car ownership. We offer a one-stop digital service from viewing the car 360’ via the virtual showroom, booking a Test Drive 2U, finalizing the sales process online such as Booking, as well as Trade-In and having the new car delivered right to their doorstep,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to know more about Mitsubishi vehicles and the locations of dealers nationwide.
Mitsubishi fans around the world are buzzing with excitement as news of the return of the Ralliart performance brand of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will be making a return. This is based on a single slide shown with the presentation of the FY2020 Financial Results that MMC made public. No details are shown at all other than one image of a Triton kicking up dust and the other showing the Ralliart logo and wording which says ‘Ralliart Parts’.
So we don’t know what exactly MMC has in mind with this revival and how Ralliart will be used. Other carmakers have invested more in performance sub-brands in recent times – eg Toyota with GR, Hyundai with Hyundai N and of course, Mercedes with Mercedes-AMG and BMW with BMW M. These brands have been used for high-performance products with the division upgrading performance of some models as well as providing accessories.
MMC may well be thinking of the same thing, especially since Ralliart is still a strong brand and although its activities were scaled down considerably 11 years ago, there were some licensees outside Japan that continued to sell Ralliart items.
Andrew Cowan, the rally driver who started the company that developed Mitsubishi rallycars from the 1980s before it was acquired by MMC in 2002.
The story of Ralliart did not actually start in MMC but in Europe. In the 1970s, Andrew Cowan, who drove Mitsubishi cars in many rallies (as well as cars of other brands) worked closely with the factory. The close relationship and his successes saw the establishment of the predecessor of the Ralliart organization in 1983. It was then known as Andrew Cowan Motor Sports (ACMS) and it provided services for MMC’s motorsports activities, especially in the World Rally Championship as well as the Dakar Rally.
Cowan (who passed away in 2019) also drove although as time went on, he spent more time managing the organization and providing his experience in vehicle preparation. It’s not clear when the Ralliart name started to appear although it was on Mitsubishi vehicles that participated in the early years of the Paris-Dakar Rally.
During the era of the Group B super rallycars, ACMS was responsible for developing a prototype Starion with 4-wheel drive (it entered a round of the Rally of Malaysia) and later on, operating under the name of ‘Mitsubishi Ralliart Europe’, it was responsible for the World Rally Championship (WRC) cars of drivers like Tommi Makinen.
By the 1990s, the Ralliart name was strongly associated with Mitsubishi Motors and appeared on rallycars in international events. MMC made the decision in 2002 to acquire ACMS and make it a subsidiary of the company to be directly involved in motorsports and related businesses.
Unfortunately, MMC went through difficult times in later years and had to reorganize itself, which led to the Ralliart division having to cease its operations. Though it did not promote the brand anymore, the Ralliart name continued to be seen as it had always been associated with a performance image.
Ralliart items have always been popular with motorsports fans. Pictured is the Ralliart merchandise area at the Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia booth in the 2006 KL International Motorshow.
Although MMC ceased having its Ralliart division 11 years ago, the name has continued to be used by Mitsubishi distributors even as recently as 2019 when the new Triton was launched in Malaysia.
The revival of Ralliart may provide MMC with an opportunity to retain a sporty side although it has plans to get more seriously into electrification. It could provide expertise for performance variants (although the Mitsubishi range is rather thin now), even with electric vehicles. In fact, the company entered specialized electric vehicles in the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb in 2012, 2013 and 2014 and was placed among the top finishers in class.
Will the Triton get Ralliart treatment when the business starts up again?
Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to know more about Mitsubishi vehicles and services in Malaysia, and the locations of authorised dealerships.
