Mitsubishi has formally pulled out of the Chinese language market, with the automaker seemingly unable to maintain up with the competitors. China’s growing demand for electrical autos, and Mitsubishi’s reluctance to make them, is believed to have been a key issue within the determination.

For a protracted interval, Mitsubishi was extremely popular in China. Again in 2019, the automaker bought 134,500 autos and had a number of upcoming fashions deliberate – the vast majority of which have been plug-in hybrids. Gross sales then fell steeply. In 2022 the Japanese marque solely bought 34,500 items in China as demand for totally electrical autos surged.

Mitsubishi’s sole all-electric providing, the Airtrek EV (above) was seemingly too little too late. Considerably dearer than rivals, solely 515 Airtrek EVs have been bought final 12 months. 

Different Japanese producers are additionally struggling in China. Nissan, Honda, and Mazda have all seen gross sales lower up to now few years. And whereas Toyota stays a serious participant within the Chinese language market, in 2022 gross sales fell for the primary time in 10 years.

Undoubtedly, Japanese producers want to provide extra EVs and transfer away from hybrids in the event that they wish to keep aggressive in China. Mitsubishi serves as an important instance of what can occur if automakers turn out to be complacent. And it is no secret that the aforementioned Japanese corporations have been falling behind in the case of electrification. Even Nissan has seen a drastic loss in EV market share, regardless of as soon as being considered as a pioneer within the area by way of the Leaf.

It will likely be fascinating to see what the long run holds for Mitsubishi in different markets. Gross sales are literally up within the US, largely because of the launch of the new Outlander. Mitsubishi’s EV plans are considerably underwhelming when put next with most different mainstream producers. The automaker is planning 4 new EVs by 2035 and needs all gross sales to be electrical or hybrid by that date.