Next generation Mitsubishi Triton revealed – launched in 2023; suggested EV version; All-new Xpander will have hybrid power
Recently, Mitsubishi teased the next generation Triton when presenting its medium-term business plan ‘Challenge 2025’, which will be effective from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 (FY2023 to FY2025). This is its sequel Strategy ‘Small but Beautiful’ was presented back in 2020 and is the next step in the long-term roadmap to 2035.
According to the Japanese automaker, it plans to launch 16 models over the next five years, including nine xEV models (the generic term used to describe electrified vehicles). Specifically for certain regions, including the very important ASEAN, 12 models, including 7 xEVs, will be launched in the same time period.
The sixth generation Triton (known simply as ‘Pickup’) is one of the vehicles described in the presentation slide, although we can only recognize its distinctive light signature. Specifically, we can see three sets of “hockey stick” light bars that come with three bright squares on either side. It is very likely that the two-tiered lighting arrangement of Fifth generation Triton will be transferred, as suggested by the photographs of the spy prototypes in Thailand.
Mitsubishi did not say exactly when the new Triton will make its world debut, but based on another slide, it could be this year. A report by headlight claims Triton will be built on existing Nissan Navara ladder-shaped chassis, making the car bigger inside and out.
There is some evidence to support this claim, as in the same slide we get a side view of the upcoming Triton showing a similar line of windows – we’ll need to wait for confirmation. Mitsubishi has been and is part of Alliance with Renault and Nissan since 2016so platform sharing has always been a possibility and, for certain models, already a certainty.
Diesel power will be determined for the new Triton, but the pickup can also be offered with an all-electric powertrain. Placed right next to the covered Triton is an unnamed model labeled simply ‘Pickup BEV’ that will challenge the production version of the vehicle. Concept Toyota Hilux Rev BEV disclosed in December of last year.
Besides Triton, Mitsubishi is also about to launch a Pickup Platform Vehicle (PPV), most likely the new generation of Pajero Sport. Present, Third generation Pajero Sport is related to the fifth-generation Triton and is a passenger-focused SUV with three rows of seats. However, Mitsubishi’s new PPV won’t be coming anytime soon as the timeline suggests the launch will only take place in 2025.
Also mentioned in the Mitsubishi presentation was a new generation of Xpander, which has been appreciated since its debut in 2017. This is clearly indicated with the covered vehicle marked ‘Xpander HEV’ ‘, confirming that hybrid power is coming. seven-seat MPV.
Another model to launch in 2023 is a two-row SUV previewed by XFC concept in October 2022. This will come with “Wet Mode” first introduced on Mitsubishi vehicles. The company says it is designed for use in ASEAN countries, allowing safe driving even on flooded roads with plenty of ground clearance.
Mitsubishi did not specify which vehicle in the slide is the production XFC Concept, but the ‘BEV 2-row SUV’ and ‘HEV 2-row SUV’ are likely representations and indications of the powertrains to be produced. . available.
As for the rest of the models, they are MPV, three-row SUV, Alliance BEV and MPV with hybrid engine. For other regions, there will be a new kei, pony (based on Renault Clio) and another Alliance BEV.
With the Challenge 2025 business plan, Mitsubishi is aiming for sales of 1.1 million vehicles and an operating profit of 220 billion yen (approximately RM7.37 billion) in 2025. The company will also increase investment by about 30 % over the six years to 2028 for R&D and capital expenditures to support these goals.
Carbon neutrality is also a focus point, with the goal of reducing average tank-to-wheel CO2 emissions by 40% from new vehicles by 2030. This will see a transformation of the mix. powertrains from a mix of internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid (HEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) electric vehicles (BEVs) mainly HEV, PHEV and BEV by 2030, with mainly BEVs form the mix by 2035.
The company said it expects xEVs to account for 50% of total sales by 2030, and 100% by 2035. Investment in battery procurement is another one of Mitsubishi’s mandates to make this happen, with 210 billion yen (approximately RM 7.03 billion) is allocated to purchase 15 GWh by 2030.
