Mitsubishi tries a new approach

[Nevada_545]

@davesmopar

Anybody remember the Mitsubishi Raider from 2006-2009(?) that only sold about 21,000 units total?

A reasonable sales volume considering the small dealer network, they are not pickup truck dealers and the overall decline in mid-size pickup truck sales.

The purpose of the Raider was not to turn Mitsubishi dealers into high volume truck dealers but to offer a wider range of vehicles on dealer lots. Similar to VW selling Caravans; VW dealers needed a passenger van in their product line, partnering with Dodge was more economical than manufacturing a U.S. spec. Eurovan. Both examples increase production of below capacity factories, an advantage for both parties.

@VDCdriver

IIRC, that marked my second sighting–ever–of that poorly-disguised Dodge Dakota.

Why should they be disguised? If someone is a Mitsubishi customer (or employee) that needs a truck, the Dakota is a reasonable offering.

@db4690

Mitsubishi has fallen FAR here in the USA

Dead man walking

That sentiment has been repeated 100 times on this forum during the last 14 years. How much longer before they withdraw? 3 months? 10 years? This is from 2012:

@VDCdriver

If I were the OP, I would cross the Mitsubishi off of my list.
From all indications, that company will not be operating much longer in the US, due to sales figures that are incredibly low.

In my area of the country, foreign makes are very big sellers, but I could go–literally–several weeks without seeing a late-model Mitsu on the road. Very few folks buy this make anymore, and that does not bode well for the company’s long-term prospects.

Do you really want to own an “orphaned” car, with all that this implies–including a sharp drop in book value, plus an inability to obtain warranty support?