Mitsubishi’s Revamped Triton Aims for Efficiency, Comfort

BANGKOK – Sales of the new fifth-generation Mitsubishi Triton pickup (known as the L200 in some markets) kicked off last week with the model’s public unveiling at the 31st Thailand International Motor Expo here.

The Triton is one of Mitsubishi’s most important products, and Thailand is the automaker’s global hub for pickup production. The new model is the third generation of Triton to be built in Laem Chabang.

The outgoing 9-year-old truck has found a niche position around the world, with total sales of 1.26 million units during its run.

Chairman and CEO Osamu Masuko is quick to emphasize the importance of the new model to Mitsubishi’s production lineup and global sales strategy.

“We expect the new Triton to be our core product and improve our corporate value and sustainable growth into the future,” he says at the new model’s unveiling.

The Triton’s distinctive styling is retained with the latest version, which gets a revised front fascia and LED daytime running lights, plus fog lights on higher-end versions. New wraparound taillights lead the changes to the rear.

Effort was made to improve ride comfort via a revised suspension and better soundproofing. On the inside the Triton gets a new steering wheel and gauges.

Powertrain offerings include carryover 2.5L turbodiesel and 2.4L gasoline engines, but the crown is a new 2.4L aluminum-block turbodiesel, dubbed MIVEC3, delivering 181 hp and 317 lb.-ft. (430 Nm) of torque and a lower 15.5:1 compression ratio. Mitsubishi estimates the fuel economy of the new engine is improved 20% over the 2.5L diesel.

The new engine is expected to account for the bulk of sales here. It can be had with either a new 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The two carryover engines, now aimed primarily at export markets, will continue with the previous 5-speed manual.

The Triton will be built at the automaker’s Laem Chabang complex, which Mitsubishi says is “steadily growing” into its main global production hub. Some 3.5 million units have been made at the complex, with the vast majority destined for export.

The new Triton will roll out of a brand-new third production facility at Laem Chabang. Also built on the grounds are the Mirage eco-car, a more powerful Mirage-based Attrage and the Pajero Sport SUV.

The pickups will be exported to more than 150 countries, including the ASEAN region, Australia, the Middle East, Europe and Latin America.

The truck’s arrival comes at the end of a second year of slumping industry sales, down 36.1% year-on-year through October. Mitsubishi has been one of the hardest hit, with deliveries sliding 40% to 52,381 units, giving it a 7.3% share of the market.

The Triton accounts for about half of Mitsubishi’s sales in Thailand. The model traditionally occupies third place in the segment rankings, but that adds up to just an 8.9% share this year, as the two key players, Toyota and Isuzu, account for nearly 75% of pickup volume.

Motor Expo organizers believe about 50,000 orders will be placed for new vehicles during the run of the show, and the new Triton is expected to be one of the most popular choices with consumers. Incentives to get Triton sales kick-started at the show, as well as at its 213 nationwide dealerships, include free insurance and 24-hour roadside assistance.