Mitsubishi likely to Indian small car market without Hindustan Motors tag

Though not confirmed, it is likely that Mitsubishi will not partner with Hindustan Motors when they enter the small car market in India.  Mr. Masahiko Ueki, Corporate General Manager of Mitsubishi for both Asia and ASEAN countries said that since the company had entered into technical collaboration with C K Birla Group in 1998 they have been keen on entering the small car segment in the Indian auto markets.

The auto maker recently launched their new Mitsubishi Sport Pajero SUV at a price of Rs.23.53 lakhs and is yet contemplating entering the small car segment.  For starters, new Mitsubishi Thai eco car, 1.2 liter petrol engine Mirage that will be launched in Thailand by end of March 2012 could be launched in India in next two to three years.

To take this major step, Mitsubishi needs to be sure of their Indian counterparts managing such large volumes of a small car.  They need to boost sales and service networks to take care of such large scale operations but are currently concentrating on their existing products in the Indian auto market for the before taking any major expansion step.