It looks like Mitsubishi is in no hurry to launch the US version of its best-selling Outlander PHEV since we now learn that the Japanese automaker is pushing the introduction, which was planned for next month, until next summer.
Alex Fedorak, the automaker’s US PR manager, confirmed the news to Hybrid Cars:
“Following a thorough evaluation process, we have determined that, in order to meet a level of competitiveness that will exceed customer expectations in the United States, the launch of the Outlander PHEV will be delayed until the summer of 2017,”
It looks like Mitsubishi might be looking to upgrade the vehicle before introducing in North America.
Up until the company got involved in the recent DieselGate scandal, Outlander PHEV was topping the charts of best-selling plug-in hybrids across Europe and in Japan.
Mitsubishi debuted a US version earlier this year, which was expected to start shipping later this year, and it looked very similar to the previous international version. The Outlander PHEV is equipped with a twin motor 4WD drivetrain and a 12 kWh battery pack for about 32 NEDC-rated all-electric miles on a single charge.
Even after the US debut, pricing in the country is still unknown, but the Outlander PHEV starts at £34,304 (~$51,600) in the UK.
The delay might have something to do with Mitsubishi’s recent tie-up with Nissan, which is fairly committed to electric vehicles. The companies could look into combining their effort in the segment.
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