I heard that the '07 montero may be on the chopping block. Apparewntly, it has to do with the US emissions requirements and demand. Have anyone heard anything about that? If its true, it will be too bad since I think there are a lot of followers that like this vehicle in the US. I understand that the Pajero is still intact.

TJ

nope, it wont be here.
Not enough sales to justify re-certification.

Dead. Mitsu marketing has CONSISTENTLY missed the mark when marketing the Montero in the US. When other SUV's flourished, Mitsu's results have been abysmal at best.

That said a Monteroo is almost a CLONE of the Pajero. Differences are those specific to the US (left hand driver, only automatics, no diesel engines, etc.)

I read in an article that a new Pajero concept would be unveiled around the 3rd or 4th quarter of the year. The shape the new Pajero would take was up for much debate at Mitsubishi because the traditionalist want the new Pajero to uphold its Dakar image and heritage as a "ruff n ready" SUV. The new heads in charge however want the Pajero to go the car-based route ala the X5, FX35, RX300, etc. Obviously a car based SUV would appeal to a higher demographic. I think it might also be the most logical step considering the Pajero's slow evolution towards the luxury side of SUVs. Furthermore mitsu needs another mainstream market hit like the Eclipse and Galant.

Mitsu revealed the Nessie concept at the Geneva Auto show last year. I think it could be some indication of where Mitsu is headed with the next Pajero; very sporty and still off-road capable....somewhat I suppose. It was styled by Italdesign Guigiaro.

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Assuming that's true, it's further evidence that mitsu's planning and strategy team is truly off track.

While other car companies are re-enforcing their 4x4 heritage and prowess, mitsu is going after the SUV market that everyone else has already captured for the past 5 years!

It's too bad really. If they don't get their act together then I think my upcoming 4x4's will probably be a Nissan or a Toy.

:wacko: :puzzled:

Offroader, Im not sure you are right.... Landrover tried it with the Defender and now its been superceded by all the new carlike SUVs. Maybe you can spin it the same way for Hummer, first the H1 (awesome), then the H2 and now the H3 (yawn). I guess Jeep is the only one that is bucking the trend. Didnt they just release the Commando :) that is really boxy....

I love the montero - perfect balance of Luxury and 4x4. Of course a dirt road is an adventure but the reality is that it hauls kids around 90% of the time - yikes!

Yes but LR's have a major following unlike Mitsu 4x4's.


Again, hummer has a major following/audience. If anything, the bling crowd definitely likes it... where's the vommit emoticon?


So is Nissan. The Xterra & titan are awesome off road capable vehicles. The xterra in particular has a great following with tons of aftermarket support to boot! Nissan also works closely with their aftermarket vendors. Mitsu doesn't do squat for theirs. No vehicle loaner program, tech support, etc. I can tell you that there are quite a few mitsu engineer's and designers that wish this wasn't the case but can't do much about it for now...

Also Toyota. There's a ton of aftermarket support for Toy 4x4's (LC's, 4runners, Taco's, etc. and even their new FJ is advertised with off road in mind and not just another mall cruiser. Only time will tell if aftermarket support will add hard core goods to it's off road offerings.

Not much needs to be said about jeep in this area.

Am I forgetting about any other notable 4x4's?


Agreed & I do take mine on not just trail rides but +4 trails (Rubicon, Dusy, etc.) throughout the western US & I do like that I can turn on the AC if it get's too hot inside. Also having auto-start is also nice so when I get in to take off, it's already warmed up for me:laughing:

All true fellas, but Mitsu needs a hit first and foremost. Going the car-SUV route could be a step in the right direction. Although, I think the Endeavor already fills that spot. Take into account rising fuel prices...........

Yup... I've been going back and forth with several of their US R&D engineers since earlier last year. They originally contacted our club early last year (for MOD'05) and I've been speaking with them since then. I even took them 4 wheeling at Gorman OHV area north of Los Angeles. They know they do have a US following who want a true 4x4 built to handle hard core abuse versus what theyve begun producing.

They said that they don't see a true 4x4 coming to our shores for a while until they get profitable. For now, senior management say's it's just not cost effective for them to go after that market. I get the feeling that it's because there's too much competition (Toyota, Nissan, Jeep, etc.) for them to battle with the limited funds that they have and the limited revenue they're generating.

On a positive note they do plan on bringing a true mitsu pickup to N. America and are making their foray into that market with the Raider (a rebadged dodge pickup).

Wow - thats cool. I would love the opportunity to talk to their R&D engineers.

Seems like the Montero is a winning product - great owner following (just check out the user reviews). THey obviously dump a ton of money into racing (Paris Dakkar support). Sounds like Mitsu US marketing needs a kick in the ****. Its all about consumer perception! I heard that the pajero is the #1 selling SUV on the planet. If its true, marketing should capitalize on this. Instead we are inundated with BMW adds and many owners say those cars a piece of crap. I personally know 3 3 series owners that needed new head gaskets. You listen to their ads and you think they are selling sirloins - buts its dressed up ground beef. Look at Lexus - people pay extra for some trim and branding when they are just driving around a toyota. Same goes for infiniti.

That's definitely true for certain Lexus models, but the quality is truly outstanding. My gf's RX400 is a true work of engineering--the car is just so damn well made inside and out. Take it off-road is another story. We took her car on a pretty beat-up gravel trail in upstate NY and the damn thing nearly shook itself to pieces. The suspension just couldn't hack it.

Bimmers have always gotten mixed reviews form actual owners. I guess when you combine and enthusiats car with a luxury car the luxury side suffers the abuse the enthusiast side doles out.