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Mitsubishi Motors to Sell All-New, Mid-Sized Pickup in 2005
Source: Mitsubishi Motors Press ReleasePosted: 12-18-03 22:45 PT

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The Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler AG and Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) announced today their plans to produce mid-sized pickup trucks at the Chrysler Group's Warren (Mich.) Truck Assembly Plant. While the two vehicles will share technology, they will be distinctly different in design to appeal to each brand's customers.
Production will begin later next year on the Dodge Dakota. Mitsubishi Motors, extending its growing product line in the United States and Canada, will re-enter the competitive pickup segment in the 2005 calendar year.

To promote the new truck Mitsubishi will debut a concept pickup at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. The Mitsubishi Sport Truck Concept will feature all wheel drive powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine and five-speed automatic transmission. The truck is 210 inches long, 80 inches wide and 71 inches high. It has a 135-inch wheelbase and 22-inch wheels.

"This project marks another milestone in DaimlerChrysler's alliance strategy," said Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President - Product Development of the Chrysler Group. "Ultimately, this will allow us both to reduce development, production times and costs while adding to our respective portfolios with distinctly different, high-quality products."

"We are excited to expand our product offering with this new pickup, and at the same time, leverage our alliance with Daimler Chrysler to provide even greater value for our customers," said Finbarr O'Neill, Co-chairman and CEO of MMNA.

Each truck model will showcase a design signature reflective of the individual brand character. Mitsubishi Motors Design Studio in Cypress, Calif., and the Chrysler Design Studio in Auburn Hills, Mich., are each responsible for their unique models. Additional product, production and sales details will be announced later.

The project is one of many alliance projects between DaimlerChrysler AG and Mitsubishi Motors in the areas of research, development, procurement, production, marketing and sales.

Mitsubishi Motors has a rich heritage in the pickup segment. In 2002, the company sold worldwide more than 90,000 units of its L200 Strada pickup, which finished this year's Dakar Rally in fourth position (behind three other Mitsubishi vehicles).

gavriil

Interesting. 4.7 liter V8 too...

Chaptorial

Kinda tough to tell anything from that concept pic. Gonna be an interesting desgin once done however.

chungkopi

interesting