Due to the disruption of operations at the Mitsubishi Motors unit in Thailand due to floods, the launch of Pajero SUV in India has been put on hold. One of the most awaited cars in India recently, Mitsubishi Pajero was scheduled to be launched at the January 2012 Auto Expo.
Kolkata-based Hindustan Motors (HM) assembles and markets Mitsubishi Motors Corporation's most of the Indian models, including Pajero. Mitsubishi cars are assembled at the Tiruvallur plant in Tamil Nadu, wherein assembling was halted after production unit in Thailand had been hampered on account of floods. The decision to pull out of Delhi Auto Expo 2012 was confirmed by Manoj Jha, Managing Director, Hindustan Motors.
The modern SUV, Pajero has impressed aficionados and auto journalists with excellent off-roading capabilities. The previous edition of the SUV has always been a top brand in the eyes of Indian audience; however, the model failed to pick-up against Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner, mainly due to service and maintenance issues. The alliance of these auto companies is expected to bring a change in service and support approach, only chance with Mitsubishi to revive itself in India.
Furthermore, HM and Mitsubishi collaboration will be engaged in producing and marketing various cars in 2012. The alliance has applied for approval at ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) for one passenger car. Strategic business alliance of these auto companies is expected to come up with a new commercial vehicle in the next quarter.
