Mitsubishi Keeps Raider

The midsize Raider pickup convinced just 410 buyers in October, but Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. says it has no plans to discontinue the truck.

With long lags between production runs, Mitsubishi dealers now are beginning to receive '07 Raiders, says Daniel Kuhnert, MMSA senior vice president-sales.

And despite an annual selling rate of less than 5,000 units, Kuhnert says Mitsubishi will not abandon the truck for which U.S. dealers once clamored.

Mitsubishi will focus on cutting transaction prices by earmarking most Raider production to a single LS trim level, one extended-cab and three Double Cab models.

The DuroCross trim will be offered only as a Double Cab with 2-wheel drive. About 80%-85% of '07 Raider production will be LS models powered by Chrysler Group's 3.7L SOHC V-6.

Late in the year, Mitsubishi will offer an SE Double Cab using the 4.7L SOHC V-8 that formerly was exclusive to the Dodge Dakota, which runs down the same Warren, MI, assembly line.