Plug pulled on Triton

Mitsubishi looks set to pull the plug on its next-generation Triton. But fans of the tough truck shouldn’t panic just yet, the 'plug' in question relates to a plug-in hybrid version, not the all-new model due to debut later this year.

Mitsubishi Motor Corporation boss, Osamu Masuko, all but confirmed the company would eschew a plug-in hybrid version of the next-generation one-tonner in an interview with motoring.com.au yesterday in Adelaide.

Instead, he suggested, the company will produce a parallel hybrid version of the vehicle.  

“We are seriously discussing whether we will actually do this [Triton] with hybrid instead of PHEV,” Masuko-san told motoring.com.au.

“Triton, obviously, is a commercial vehicle and it is used for business, so the cost is very, very important. Crucial.

The cost of plug-in infrastructure capable of dealing with the normal duty cycle of a commercial vehicle would be substantial. A conventional hybrid system -- especially one coupled to a downsized turbo-diesel engine -- could, however, offer both operational and purchase price advantages.

“So, in hybrid [rather than PHEV], it can be made more cheaper. That’s probably why we might make that decision,” the Mitsubishi boss stated.

The all-new Triton is based on the Concept GR-HEV [Grand Runner Hybrid Electric Vehicle] unveiled at Geneva motor show in March.

Although the new car will hit the road later this year – with a five-star safety rating, the hybrid variant is not expected to join the line-up until the next-generation’s "big minor update” in three to four years.

To date, Mitsubishi has not offered a conventional hybrid powertrain in any local production model. Its first mass-market hybrid, the Outlander PHEV, debuted in Australia in March and features full plug-in hybrid infrastructure.

Mitsubishi has committed to develop hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions of all its mainstream SUV and light commercial products.

In its ‘New Stage 2016’ mid-term business plan released in late 2013, the company stated it will launch plug-in hybrid versions of the next-generation of Pajero and ASX to be sold alongside Outlander in developed markets.

The same vehicles will be offered with conventional powertrains, petrol and/or diesel in developing markets.

According to Masuko-san, Mitsubishi expects most of its growth to come from new and developing markets in the ASEAN and other regions.