Mitsubishi axes Ralliart
But local operation vows the brand will live on in OzRalliart Inc, the Japanese performance arm of Mitsubishi, has announced it will cease operations at the end of the month. But fans of fast Mitsubishis can rest easy, because the closure won't affect the Ralliart or Evolution models sold locally.
According to spokeswoman Lenore Fletcher, the decision to shut down Ralliart in Japan will simply mean a restructure of the business model and supply chain. Parent company Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will now directly look after Ralliart's parts and merchandise arrangements.
Fletcher said it is "business as usual" for Ralliart in Australia and because MMC already runs the development program for the Lancer Ralliart and Evolution models, neither vehicle will be affected, either locally or internationally.
Ralliart was originally established to run Mitsubishi's motorsport activities -- including its World Rally Championship and off-road racing campaigns -- and supply performance parts for road-going cars. But with Mitsubishi cutting its support of both rallying and off-road racing in recent years, Ralliart is no longer required.
TMR [Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Australia], run by motorsport veteran Alan Heaphy, confirmed to the Carsales Network that his organisation is also unaffected by the change.
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