We have been following the story on Mitsubishi replacing the current Outlander SUV in various markets around the world, earlier it was Australia, now it is Brazil. Hope the next stop is not India because the new Outlander plainly looks ugly compared to the current model.
Mitsubishi has began replacing its aging Outlander crossover starting with Australia. The new Outlander will be available for sale in Australia from the 29th of this month. The one getting launched is the road going version of the Outlander GT unveiled at the New York International Auto Show this April.
Mitsubishi is cashing in on the success of the Evo-X by furnishing the Outlander with a Evo-X like radiator grill. Frankly it’s a mess of a job, since the old Outlander has its own unique styling which suits perfectly.
I am glad there isn’t any word on the Indian launch.
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The latest accretion comes from Renault-Nissan, who has announced that it is going to shift the production of its small car Micra to its under-construction Plant in oragadam, near Chennai. This plant will start production by May 2010 and will have an annual production capacity of 400,000. Nissan is planning to manufacture 6-7 of its existing model in this plant. Hyundai has already made its Chennai plan it’s Global Hub for manufacturing small cars.
Chennai has a market share of around 30% of India’s Automotive Industry and 35% of its Auto components Industry. The soon to come investments are big as well with Renault-Nissan, which will be investing a sum of Rs. 4,500 on its Chennai plant over a period of 4 years. Ford is planning to invest Rs. 2500 crores on its Chennai plant. Hyundai is setting up a new engine manufacturing plant. BMW is also looking to expand its Chennai plant’s production capability.
Hyundai, Ford, BMW, Mitsubishi, TVS, Ashok Leyland, Caterpillar, Royal Enfield, TI Cycles, TAFE, Dunlop, MRF have their manufacturing plants in and around Chennai. Like Renault-Nissan, Daimler is also getting its manufacturing plant constructed in Chennai.
