Mitsubishi Motors Europe has chosen the Eclipse Cross compact plug-in hybrid SUV as its flagship automobile because it waits for regionally sourced fashions which can be being constructed for the model by alliance associate Renault.

After announcing a complete withdrawal from Europe in July final 12 months, Mitsubishi final 12 months reversed that call after Renault agreed to build two new ‘sister’ models to promote in Europe.

Mitsubishi is shutting down operations in some markets, together with the UK and Belgium, because it tries to reverse losses. Nevertheless, the model will stay in different in markets, together with Germany, France, Spain and Italy, Alex Thomas, director of product advertising and community technique for Mitsubishi in Europe, advised Automotive Information Europe.

“We are going to focus our consideration on nations the place we will focus on quantity,” Thomas stated.

The Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid “is the core of our model” till the Renault fashions arrive in 2023, Thomas stated. “It is our flagship. Plug-in hybrids are rising quick,” he stated.

Mitsubishi has stopped growing vehicles within the mid-term for Europe below plans to reverse losses introduced in July final 12 months.

Thomas confirmed that Mitsubishi is not going to change the Outlander plug-in hybrid SUV in Europe, which for years was the area’s best-selling plug-in hybrid. The ASX small SUV may even be axed after present shares are offered out.

Mitsubishi will proceed to import the newly launched Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid SUV, a smaller mannequin than the Outlander, in addition to the Area Star small automobile and the L200 pickup for these European markets it should stay in. The Eclipse Cross plug-in hybrid prices from 39,890 euros in Germany.

The Renault-made autos, due in 2023, can be variations of “best-sellers on the European market which already meet regulatory necessities,” the 2 automakers stated in March. Thomas hinted that they’d be both hybrid or full-electric. “The main focus transferring ahead can be on electrified autos,” he stated.

Nevertheless, the Renault product fashions will “enrich” the model moderately than change the Eclipse Cross plug-in because the flagship mannequin, Thomas stated, which suggests they are going to be smaller fashions. Renault’s two best-selling fashions are the Clio small automobile and Captur small SUV.

Mitsubishi has promoted its sales director Frank Krol to steer the model in Europe after the resignation of Eric Wepierre. Wepierre was employed from Opel in January 2020.

Krol was upbeat about Mitsubishi’s revised plans. “We have now strong foundations upon which to construct a robust future for Mitsubishi Motors in Europe, from the just-launched Eclipse Cross PHEV to the introduction of recent fashions developed by Renault on alliance platforms,” he stated in a press release.