Mitsubishi's global small car to debut in China next year

China Car Times - Mitsubishi have slipped into the position of being the Japanese Chrysler – producing great looking cars with average interiors that just don't sell like they used to, Mitsubishi are aiming to change their fortunes on the back of the Chinese market with the introduction of a widened car range and also a new joint venture with Guangzhou Auto.

Mitsubishi's current joint ventures are with SouEast motors that produces the latest generation of Lancer and also several older Mitsubishi models, the previous joint venture was with Changfeng Auto but this has also died since Guangzhou Auto took Changfeng over, the new JV is expected to be producing Mitsubishi's SUV line up within China and also the small vehicle range. SouEast Motors was designated as Mitsubishi's car producing partner, but this might change as Guangzhou Auto has considerably deeper pockets and also a wider influence in the Chinese auto market as a state owned manufacturer.

The Mitsubishi Colt is expected to launch in 2011 via the SouEast JV and the new global small car will launch in 2012 and will sit under the Colt.