Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is accelerating its push into electrified vehicles with 5 models planned in the future. One of those models planned is the hybrid version of the Mitsubishi Xpander.

The hybrid version of the eccentric-looking SUV is planned for launch in 2023 as part of Mitsubishi’s plan to have electrified vehicles account for half of its global sale by 2030.

But before that, Mitsubishi is expected to launch the Eclipse Cross PHEV in Japan in December 2020.

This is followed by an EV that is co-developed with Guangzhou Automobile Group in China which is planned for release in 2021 and the next-generation Outlander PHEV which is slated for release in April 2022.

The final car planned would be a Kei-car EV that is developed together with its partner Nissan. Could this EV be the successor of the egg-shaped i-MiEV?

All this is in line with the carmaker’s ‘Small but Beautiful’ 3-year mid-term business plan (from 2020 to 2022) which focuses on strengthening the brand’s eco-friendly model lineup of electrified vehicles.

Mitsubishi is focusing more on ASEAN and Japan after downsizing its European and North American operations. Apart from being a performance and off-roading legend, the brand was a pioneer in EVs with both the i-MiEV and Outlander PHEV being the first mass-produced electric car and SUV in the world respectively.

So, does the idea of an Xpander hybrid turn you on? The Xpander itself is set for launch in Malaysia in November 2020 and we covered some of its features, its engine, and compared with some of its rivals including the Honda BR-V and Perodua Aruz.

Source: Nikkei Asia