Mitsubishi, Nissan unveil new models for year-end sales
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As the end of the year approaches, carmakers are firing out new models in a struggle to capture new customers amid the ailing automobile market.
Mitsubishi and Nissan yesterday raised the curtain on the Triton pickup and X-Trail sport-utility vehicle, following Honda, which on Monday unwrapped the HR-V crossover.
Vehicle sales in Thailand have been hit hard, plunging by more than 37 per cent in the first nine month to just 648,410 units.
Automakers have trimmed sales forecasts several times this year, and many say the industry could finish the whole year at just 900,000 units.
Mitsubishi chose Thailand for the world premiere of the redesigned Triton since its global production hub is at the Laem Chabang plant in Chon Buri.
The Triton will be distributed to more than 150 countries, mainly in Asean, Oceania, the Middle East, Europe and Latin America. Since 2003, more than 1.26 million Triton pickup trucks from Thailand have been sold globally.
The new 2015 model features a 2.4-litre “clean diesel” engine producing 181 horsepower and boasting 20-per-cent improvement in fuel economy and 17 per cent lower emissions. Also available is a 2.4-litre petrol engine that could be made compatible for natural gas.
Currently only double-cab models are available at prices ranging from Bt791,000 to Bt1.008 million. The single- and space-cab models will follow in the first quarter of next year, executives said.
Meanwhile, the new 2015 Nissan X-Trail is priced from Bt1.172 million to Bt1.551 million, which is highly competitive against rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Captiva.
It comes with two petrol-engine choices – 144hp 2.0-litre and 177hp 2.5-litre. Although a diesel engine is offered for the X-Trail in Europe, the Thai version does not get it.
Nissan plans to sell 8,000 X-Trails in Thailand annually.
The HR-V is expected to boost sales significantly for Honda, which last year overtook all-time leader Toyota as the best-selling passenger-car brand for the first time.
Priced at Bt890,000 to Bt1.045 million, the HR-V opens up a new segment for Honda and will cater to those who cannot afford the larger CR-V.
It is also expected to steal big market share from segment leaders Nissan Juke and Ford EcoSport. Projected sales for the HR-V are 20,000 units per year.
All three models will be on display at the Thailand International Motor Expo, which starts on November 29 at Impact Muang Thong Thani.
A total of 40 car makes will be present and organisers expect up to 50,000 orders to be placed for new vehicles during the extravaganza’s 12-day run.
