Mitsubishi Australia has recently announced that despite a change in leadership, the company remains committed to offering a diverse range of powertrains in response to tightening emissions laws. This comes as welcome news to consumers who may be concerned about the availability and affordability of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Australian market.
In April 2021, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) appointed a new president and CEO, Takao Kato, who has a strong background in engineering and has been with the company for over 30 years. With this change in leadership, some may have been concerned about the direction of Mitsubishi Australia and its stance on the growing demand for EVs.
However, the company has made it clear that they are not turning their back on traditional powertrains and will continue to offer a mix of options to meet the needs and preferences of their customers. This approach is in line with Mitsubishi’s global strategy of providing a diverse range of powertrain options to suit different markets and customer segments.
According to Kato, Mitsubishi Australia’s focus will be on providing a balanced portfolio of vehicles, including EVs, plug-in hybrids, and traditional gasoline and diesel models. This will not only cater to the varying needs of consumers but also help the company meet the increasingly strict emissions regulations in Australia.
The Australian government has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. As part of this effort, the country has implemented stricter emissions standards for vehicles, which will come into effect in 2025. This means that car manufacturers will have to significantly reduce the average emissions of their fleet, or face hefty fines.
Mitsubishi Australia is well aware of these regulations and is taking proactive steps to ensure compliance. The company has already made significant progress in this area, with the introduction of its popular Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) in 2014. The Outlander PHEV has been a top-selling model for Mitsubishi Australia and has helped the company reduce its overall fleet emissions.
However, Mitsubishi Australia understands that not all consumers are ready to make the switch to EVs just yet. There are still concerns about the range, charging infrastructure, and affordability of electric vehicles. This is where the company’s diverse powertrain strategy comes into play, providing options for those who are not yet ready to go fully electric.
But that’s not to say that Mitsubishi Australia is not committed to the EV revolution. The company has already announced plans to introduce its first fully electric vehicle, the Mitsubishi Airtrek, to the Australian market in 2023. This will be followed by more EV models in the coming years, as the company works towards its global goal of electrifying its entire lineup by 2030.
In addition to offering a mix of powertrain options, Mitsubishi Australia is also investing in research and development to improve the performance and affordability of EVs. The company is working on new battery technologies and is collaborating with other manufacturers to develop a shared platform for EVs, which will help reduce costs and make electric vehicles more accessible to the mass market.
Mitsubishi Australia’s commitment to offering a diverse range of powertrains is not only beneficial for consumers but also for the environment. By providing options that cater to different needs and preferences, the company is encouraging more people to make the switch to cleaner, more sustainable modes of transportation.
In conclusion, despite a change in leadership, Mitsubishi Australia remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a mix of powertrains, including EVs, to meet the needs and demands of the Australian market. With a strong focus on reducing emissions and investing in research and development, the company is well-positioned to play a significant role in Australia’s transition to a greener future. So, whether you’re looking for a traditional gasoline or diesel model, a plug-in hybrid, or a fully electric vehicle, Mitsubishi Australia has got you covered.
