Mitsubishi's done with WRC (No Official Statement)

[drey]

Mitsubishi, Done

Mitsubishi will not return to the WRC with a new car. The manufacturer’s decision brings an end to one of the most successful stories the series has ever known, with Tommi Makinen clinching a still-unbroken record of four straight titles from 1996 to 1999.

Mitsubishi was part of the WRC when the series began in 1973, then unexpectedly withdrew at the end of 2005. The break was meant to be a sabbatical while parent DaimlerChrysler sorted out its finances, with a return slated for 2009. But now, company bosses have told the rally team that the withdrawal will be permanent. So far, there has been no official statement.

Since Mitsubishi pulled out of the WRC in a factory capacity, the British-based rally team has entered customer cars occasionally on a privateer basis. Officials from the team hope that some sort of rally activity can be salvaged and are negotiating with senior management in Tokyo.



Whats next Mitsu? Is it going to be F1? GT500? What what what?

[aku]

sayang talaga. pero i guess they're prioritizing their finances for now

[Karding]

Mitsu is betting on their new Lancer. If it doesnt sell as much, they will even pull out of North American shores.
[rumor]

Personally, I'd like to help them meet their financial goal for 2009 :evillaugh

[BlueBimmer]

hirap na mitsu isteyts, ala na budget

[Karding]

hirap na mitsu isteyts, ala na budget

medyo nakatulong naman pala ang new lancer. I hope that's enough to gain the investors trust.

Tokyo, August 28, 2007— Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced global production, as well as domestic sales and export figures for July 2007.

Exports to North America rose to 6,224 units, 23.1 percent up on the July 2006 level as orders for the New Lancer boosted sales.

[Memphis Raines]

This is certainly bad news

Most of their line up are dependent on their racing stints like the WRC. What's next, the Paris-Dakar? Hopefully not because it is the soul of all Pajero-Montero variants.

I think that this move will definitely affect their vehicle sales worldwide in the coming years. Mitsubishi enthusiasts look forward to their racing stints, which plays an important role in their vehicle design technology.

[drey]

I hope the down from DaimlerChryseler will help Mitsubishi realize and be more better.

[A121]

I hope the down from DaimlerChryseler will help Mitsubishi realize and be more better.

Daimler Chrysler doesn't have a controlling stake at Mitsu anymore. It's up to the Japanese

[Si 06]

Why are they making 2,500 units of evo hatches d ba pang homologation un?

[empy]

as somebody already said, they probably feel that they can't afford to do it any longer. i have trouble believing that they will pull out willingly - they get so many diehard fans out of WRC.

Mitsu is bleeding worldwide...it's actually a miracle that they still continue to do business and appear solvent given the heavy losses they have experienced for a long time now...

[eggman]

Mukhang they will still provide or sell rally cars para sa Production Class ng WRC....Though not as a official team..

Yung Suzuki kinalaban ang Citroen,Ford at Subaru(ang WRC car nila ay yung SX4)..

[HyBrideVo]

awww... that's ok though at least they're still making some good vehicles

[pup2]

Na double whanny sila nung late 90s/early 00s eh. Internal problems na, domestic (japan) economic issues pa. Methinks the new Outie and Lancer are improvements though -- design-wise, at least.

[niky]

Actually, Mitsubishi is on a turn-around. Not as dramatic as Nissan's... but they're getting there.

[drey]

I believe there is still room for change. I believe Mitsubishi isnt gonna lose their abilities on making great cars in the future.

The Dakar is still on the budget...

I was thinking maybe the New Galant will be promoted with a tag like "Dakar-bred technology".

[ptk675]

hmm.. pero parang since nung time ni Tommi di na sila ganun ka competitive.. or is it because Seb is just on another level..

[hitomi]

I believe there is still room for change. I believe Mitsubishi isnt gonna lose their abilities on making great cars in the future.

The Dakar is still on the budget...

I was thinking maybe the New Galant will be promoted with a tag like "Dakar-bred technology".

hehehe, may winch sa harap

its a shame mitsubishi quit the WRC
its the only thing that keeps their "rep" up in the car industry and they're
throwing it away. hope they just downgraded to the JWRC or something, not totally pull out.

[drey]

Okay lang... Baka naman upgraded to GT500 or whatever