One of the most recognisable car brands could be set to return to the UK after several years out of Europe’s new car market. An iconic Japanese manufacturer who ditched the UK market at the start of the decade could be set for a comeback.
Mitsubishi stopped selling cars in the UK and across Europe in 2020 as part of a major cost-saving exercise. At the time, the move ended a 46-year run of Mitsubishi cars sold in the UK going back to the mid-1970s. Mitsubishi decided to return to some of its European markets last year as part of a new strategy.
Now bosses claim that the UK may be next on the radar, meaning motorists could soon get their hands on brand-new Mitsubishi vehicles for the first time in half a decade.
In an interview with Autocar, Mitsubishi boss Frank Krol, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, stressed it was about finding the right vehicle to introduce to the market.
Frank explained: “If you look at the potential and size of the market, it’s our preferred route to go back, basically. But we need to have the right product line-up for that.”
Frank added: “It is not preferred to have extremely a long period without any sales presence. That’s something we would need to consider.”
Crucially, the infrastructure for a return remains in place, with Mitsubishi still holding around 100 dealerships across the country.
These sites have since become service and after-sale centres for existing motorists but could be changed back if the brand returns.
Mitsubishi first announced it would pull out of European markets in the summer of 2020.
At the time, the iconic Japanese marque wanted to reduce company costs by 20% under a new “Small but Beautiful” mantra.
The policy would see the company focus on its more profitable markets around the world which included its home territory in Asia.
The decision saw the end of sales for the vastly popular Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid vehicle which was liked by company car owners who could secure affordable Benefit in Kind rates.
However, Mitsubishi would likely have to dabble into electric cars if they returned amid the upcoming ban on the sale of combustion vehicles.
Currently, the brand only has the one fully electric vehicle in its model range, the eK X EV.