Good times are due to return to Mitsubishi dealerships when the Japanese firm’s next new model reaches the forecourts at the end of November, writes Maurice Glover.

And they will be allowing the brand to achieve annual registrations of around 30,000 during the next five years – almost double the 17,000 sales expected for this year, believes Mitsubishi UK managing director Lance Bradley.

By 2017, he claims one in five of the models passing through his network will be driven by electricity or feature plug-in hybrid power units capable of delivering a remarkable blend of fuel economy and low tailpipe emissions.

“We’ve been first with the electric car but our next development promises to be the real game-changer for our dealers. While tests are showing that current hybrids return economy of around 40mpg, drivers are consistently achieving 100mpg more than that from prototypes of our plug-in vehicle in real-world conditions. We can’t wait to get it,” he told AM.

In an exclusive interview, Bradley revealed the plug-in technology to be unveiled in the new Outlander SUV at the Paris Motor Show is to be made available relatively quickly across other models to give Mitsubishi a clear lead in eco-mobility.

“Our last new regular product was the ASX two years ago and we have been very quiet since then, but the Outlander represents the start of a new wave of launches and in the next four years, everything currently in our line-up will be replaced.

“Compared with what we’re used to handling, this level of activity is a big change, and the plug-in hybrid Outlander due here next summer will be a real game-changer.

“Having a crossover car of this size with four wheel drive capability and 140mpg economy promises to grab a lot of attention. I think people spending up to £40,000 on a D-segment car will be interested in this model – it will help us tap new customers,” he said.

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