Is Mitsubishi Still Making Cars? The Complete Answer

Yes, Mitsubishi is still making cars. The company is still making cars today, but in a much different way than it did in the past. They now focus on a smaller lineup of SUVs and crossovers for specific markets around the world.

If you grew up in the 90s or 2000s, you probably remember the Mitsubishi Eclipse or the Lancer Evolution. Those exciting cars are gone. The company has changed its strategy a lot. They are part of a bigger alliance now. This helps them share costs and technology with other brands.

So, is Mitsubishi still making cars? The simple answer is yes. But the full story is more about where they make them and what kind of vehicles they sell. They pulled out of some big markets but stayed strong in others. Let’s take a closer look at what Mitsubishi is doing right now.

The Direct Answer: Is Mitsubishi Still Making Cars?

People ask me this question all the time. They see fewer Mitsubishi cars on the road and wonder. The truth is, Mitsubishi Motors is still very much in business. They are still making cars and selling them globally.

However, their presence has shrunk in places like Europe and the United States. They stopped selling new cars in the UK and Europe in 2021. In the US, they only sell a few models. But in other regions, they are a major player. Southeast Asia and Australia are big markets for them.

So, is Mitsubishi still making cars for the world? Yes, but they are being smart about it. They focus on markets where they can win. They build vehicles people in those areas want to buy. This is a smart move for a smaller car company.

They also have strong factory ties. They build cars in Japan, Thailand, China, and other countries. The Outlander, for example, is built in Japan for global sales. So the production lines are still running. The company is still making cars every single day.

In fact, you can walk into a dealership in many countries today. You can buy a brand new Mitsubishi. The lineup just looks different than it did ten years ago. It is full of practical family vehicles now.

Where Mitsubishi Makes Cars Today

Mitsubishi builds cars in several key factories around the world. Their main production hub is in Japan, of course. The Okazaki plant is a major facility. But a lot of their growth comes from other places.

Thailand is a huge center for them. They build the Triton pickup truck and the Pajero Sport SUV there. These models are very popular in Asia and Australia. The factory there sends cars to many countries. So, is Mitsubishi still making cars in Thailand? Absolutely, and it’s a core part of their business.

They also have joint ventures in China. They work with local Chinese companies to build and sell cars there. The Chinese market is massive and competitive. Mitsubishi needs local partners to succeed. They are still making cars there, but under shared agreements.

What about the United States? Mitsubishi has one factory left in Normal, Illinois. But they don’t build Mitsubishi cars there anymore. Another company owns the plant now. All Mitsubishis sold in the US are imported from Japan or Thailand.

So, the global footprint is still large. It is just focused on specific regions. The company is still making cars where it makes the most financial sense. This strategy keeps them profitable and in the game.

The Current Mitsubishi Lineup of Vehicles

Let’s talk about what you can actually buy. The current Mitsubishi lineup is almost all SUVs and crossovers. The era of the sports car is over for them. Their cars now are about utility, space, and value.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is their global flagship. It’s a mid-size SUV with three rows of seats. The newest version shares parts with Nissan. This is part of their alliance strategy. The Outlander is proof that Mitsubishi is still making cars people want.

Then you have the Outlander Sport, known as the ASX or RVR in other markets. It’s a smaller, more affordable crossover. It’s a top seller in many countries because of its price. This model shows the company is still making cars for budget-minded buyers.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is another compact SUV. It has a more stylish, coupe-like design. It fills a niche between the Outlander and the Outlander Sport. It answers the question: is Mitsubishi still making cars with some style? Yes, but in SUV form.

For tougher terrain, they offer the Montero Sport, called the Pajero Sport outside the US. It’s a body-on-frame SUV. It’s built for off-road adventures and rough roads. This proves the company is still making cars with their famous four-wheel-drive know-how.

Finally, the Mirage is the last traditional car in their US lineup. It’s a small, cheap hatchback. It gets great gas mileage. In other markets, they also sell the Triton/L200 pickup truck. This truck is very popular globally.

Why Mitsubishi Changed Its Strategy

The company faced some big problems in the 2000s. They had financial troubles and quality scandals. This hurt their reputation a lot. They needed a new plan to survive. Joining the Renault-Nissan Alliance was a lifesaver.

This alliance, now called the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, lets them share costs. They share platforms, engines, and technology. This means Mitsubishi can develop new models for less money. It allows the company to keep making cars without going broke.

They also saw the market shift. Everyone started buying SUVs and trucks. Sedans and sports cars were not selling as well. Mitsubishi decided to follow the money. They put all their effort into the vehicles people were actually buying.

Another reason is competition. It’s very hard for a smaller brand to compete with Toyota or Honda. By focusing on specific markets and vehicle types, Mitsubishi found a way. They are still making cars, but they are not trying to be everything to everyone.

This focus on core markets is key. They are very strong in Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. In these places, their brand is still respected. Their SUVs and trucks fit the lifestyle there. So, is Mitsubishi still making cars for its loyal fans? Yes, just in different parts of the world.

Mitsubishi’s Role in the Global Alliance

Being in the alliance changes everything for Mitsubishi. It is not a standalone company anymore. Its future is tied to Nissan and Renault. This has big benefits and some downsides.

The biggest benefit is technology sharing. Mitsubishi now uses Nissan platforms for its new cars. The latest Outlander is built on the same platform as the Nissan Rogue. This saves billions in development costs. It lets Mitsubishi keep making cars with modern features.

They also share electric vehicle technology. Mitsubishi was a pioneer with the i-MiEV electric car. Now, they can use alliance resources for new EVs. The next generation of electric Mitsubishis will come from this shared knowledge. So, is Mitsubishi still making cars for the electric future? Yes, and the alliance makes it possible.

On the downside, Mitsubishi loses some of its identity. Their new cars can feel like rebadged Nissans. The unique Mitsubishi engineering spirit is less visible. But for the company’s survival, this trade-off was necessary. They are still making cars, even if they share parts with others.

The alliance also decides where to build cars. They allocate production to the most efficient factories. This helps Mitsubishi stay competitive on price. It is a practical, if unglamorous, way to run a car company today.

The Future of Mitsubishi Motors

What comes next for the brand? The future plan is called “Challenge 2025.” It involves a big push into electric and hybrid vehicles. Mitsubishi wants to have 50% of its sales from EVs by 2030.

They will launch new hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The Outlander PHEV is already a success in many markets. They will build on that. This shows the company is still making cars and planning for the next decade.

They also plan to grow in their key regions. Markets like ASEAN and Oceania will get more attention. They might introduce new SUV models tailored for those areas. The company is still making cars with a clear regional focus.

Autonomous driving is another area. The alliance is working on self-driving tech together. Future Mitsubishis will likely feature this shared technology. So, is Mitsubishi still making cars with advanced tech? Yes, but it will be alliance tech under the hood.

The takeaway is that Mitsubishi is not giving up. They have a clear, if conservative, path forward. They will keep making the vehicles they are good at. They will use their alliance to cut costs. They will slowly add more electric options. The brand will stay alive.

Common Misconceptions About Mitsubishi

Many people think Mitsubishi is dead. They see the company left Europe and think it’s over. This is not true at all. Leaving a losing market is a smart business move. It lets them focus resources where they can win.

Another myth is that all Mitsubishis are low quality now. Their quality scores have actually improved a lot. J.D. Power studies in some markets show they are doing okay. They are not luxury, but they are reliable for the price.

People also think they only make cheap cars. The Mirage fits that idea. But their SUVs like the Outlander are competitive in the mainstream segment. They offer good value and lots of standard features. The company is still making cars that are honest and practical.

Some fans miss the performance cars. They think Mitsubishi lost its soul. That might be true from a passion standpoint. But from a business standpoint, selling SUVs pays the bills. The company is still making cars to make money, not just to please enthusiasts.

The final big misconception is that they will disappear soon. All evidence points the other way. Their alliance membership gives them stability. Their sales in key regions are solid. Mitsubishi is still making cars and will be for the foreseeable future.

How Mitsubishi Compares to Other Japanese Brands

Look at Toyota and Honda. They are huge global giants. They sell millions of cars everywhere. Mitsubishi is much smaller. It is more like Subaru or Mazda in size. But it has a different niche.

Subaru focuses on all-wheel drive and safety. Mazda focuses on design and driving feel. Mitsubishi’s niche is value and rugged capability in certain vehicles. Their four-wheel-drive systems are still well-regarded. The company is still making cars that can go off-road.

In terms of sales volume, Mitsubishi is far behind Toyota. But they are not trying to beat Toyota. They are trying to find a profitable corner of the market. And they are succeeding at that. They are still making cars and earning a profit.

Their alliance membership also sets them apart. Mazda and Subaru are more independent. Mitsubishi gets the benefits of scale from Nissan. This is a unique advantage. It helps them keep costs down. It ensures the company is still making cars you can afford.

So, is Mitsubishi still making cars that compete? Not directly. They coexist. They offer an alternative for buyers who want something different. They offer good deals and strong warranties. That is their place in the market now.

Should You Buy a Mitsubishi Today?

This is a personal choice. But there are good reasons to consider one. Mitsubishi cars often come with great warranty packages. They have long powertrain warranties to build confidence. This shows the brand stands behind its products.

They also offer strong value. You usually get more features for your money compared to a Toyota or Honda. If budget is your main concern, a Mitsubishi is worth a look. The company is still making cars for people who watch their spending.

Their SUVs are competent and practical. The Outlander, for example, has three rows of seats. It is a good choice for a growing family. The Outlander PHEV is a clever plug-in hybrid for saving gas. So, is Mitsubishi still making cars that fit modern families? Yes, they certainly are.

On the other hand, if you want driving excitement or luxury, look elsewhere. Mitsubishi is about basic, reliable transportation. They are not about sporty handling or plush interiors. Know what you are buying before you sign the papers.

Do your research. Read reviews from sources like Consumer Reports. Check the specific model you want. But do not dismiss the brand just because it’s smaller. Mitsubishi is still making cars that deserve a spot on your shopping list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mitsubishi still making cars for the US market?

Yes, Mitsubishi still sells cars in the United States. Their lineup includes the Outlander, Outlander Sport, Eclipse Cross, and Mirage. These are imported from Japan and other global factories.

Is Mitsubishi still making cars in Japan?

Yes, Japan remains