Global automotive industry is abuzz with the speculations of Mitsubishi and Fiat Chrysler forming a partnership as per which the former will supply sedans to the latter for the Asian markets. Sources reveal that the sedan in question that will be sold in Asian market under the Fiat Chrysler badge is Mitsubishi Attrage. Mitsubishi had showcased the sedan in Thailand last year around the same time.
Underpinning the Mirage hatchback, Attrage is manufactured at Mitsubishi’s Thailand plant. The ‘Global Compact Sedan’ will be exported from Thailand to preeminent Asian automotive markets like China and other significant regions. Fiat Chrysler badged Attrage is likely to be made available in the forenamed markets by the end of this year.
Probability of Attrage coming to India is high as earlier this year Mitsubishi had hinted at chalking out a new plan for the domestic market. Under this plan, the company aims at launching five new products in India by 2016. Currently the auto maker is grappling to make its presence felt in India therefore we expect that the auto maker might bring in entry level vehicles like Attrage and Mirage hatchback. Unlike its previous and current portfolio which included premium vehicles, the auto maker seems to shift gears and come up with more viable options for the Indian customers.
Fiat Chrysler too does not have a strong grip in Asian market, with a market share of meagre 0.6 per cent in China and Asia-Pacific region, the auto cos is evaluating options to emerge stronger. However, with frugal and affordable options like Attrage in its portfolio, the company can hope to increase its market share.
Mitsubishi Attrage is a compact sedan that comes fitted with a 1.2 litre, three pot, MIVEC engine, this is the same mill that powers Mirage hatchback.The low displacement engine belts out a top power and torque output of 76 Bhp and 100 Nm respectively. A five-speed manual transmission and a CVT gearbox could be put on offer. The compact size and low displacement engine makes Attrage an ideal choice for Indian market, though it is too premature to comment on any possibility, more details will be revealed in coming time.
Source: ET
