New Mitsubishi Delica: ‘We want it for Australia’
Mitsubishi Australia pushing for new-generation Delica to be sold here after D:X concept wows Tokyo showThe return of the Mitsubishi Delica to Australian showrooms is gathering pace in the wake of the preview of the sixth-generation people-mover with the D:X concept at the Japan Mobility Show last month.
Not sold here by Mitsubishi (as the Express) since 1999, the diesel 4x4 version of the Delica has since become a popular grey import for tourists heading off the beaten track.
Mitsubishi Australia has purchased an MY21 Mitsubishi Delica D5 via Australian private listings, which it is using for market research as it ramps up a campaign to secure the next-generation model for Australia.
“It’s not signed off guaranteed but it is definitely a product that we have put our hand up for and said we want it for Australia,” said Mitsubishi Motors Australia president and CEO Shaun Westcott.
The current Delica traces its history back to 2007, so it’s overdue for replacement, as Westcott acknowledged.
“The good news is that if you followed the Japan Mobility Show you would have seen the concept car there,” he said.
As a quite futuristic concept, the D:X comes as a plug-in hybrid, all-wheel drive and six seats. It was a true concept rather than a production vehicle with big wheels, suggesting the next-gen road-going Delica might still be some years away.
“I can’t give you that [timing] answer exactly,” said Westcott. “But the fact we have put it out there as a concept vehicle says it’s clearly on the radar.”
While it would appear the narrow focus of the Delica would make a business case for it hard to assemble, carsales understands Mitsubishi Australia has quite expansive ideas about what the vehicle could achieve here.
While those details remain understandably confidential, we have been pointed in the direction of the Volkswagen Transporter as an indicator of what the plan for Delica could be.
The popular VW comes as a cargo van in various sizes, the California camper and the Multivan people-mover.
Related: TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Mitsubishi D:X points to Delica future
Related: Electrified Mitsubishi Delica concept teased
Related: Mitsubishi Delica firms for Oz
Related: Mitsubishi Delica Mini is big on charm
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