[GTO]

Mitsubishi had a tremendous beating of its reputation after its quality levels dipped below that of even american car makers and consumers realised theres not too much of the traditional japanese reliability in them. Mitsubishi had been forced to admit in 1999 that it was selling cars with major defects (safety and performance category), but hid the same from its buyers.The cars depreciate like used shoes in each and every developed market around the world. JD Quality has consistently rated Mitsubishi at the bottom of the pile since the last 5 years. In fact, most of the recent sales have had more to do with heavy discounting and 0% financing for three year loans than the products themselves.

Mitsubishi, alongwith Nissan, embarked on a massive restructuring plan in the late 90's but while cost-cutting guru Carlos Ghosn succeeded in getting Nissan back to the black with an exciting product range and massively improved levels of quality...Mitsubishi could not achieve even a small percentage of what it set out to do. Beside the almighty EVO VIII, there is not product that is modern and exciting enough.

Its a shame since I really love the Lancer in N/A and EVO form alike. The Pajero also ranks as one of my favorite SUV's for its sheer off-road capabilities. But as the current auto market dictates, you have to be an innovator, quality leader and customer-oriented to survive in todays highly competitive times.

If Daimler Chrysler, as owner of 37% stake in Mitsubishi Motors, refuses to inject capital in the Japanese automaker right now...its shows that they have no faith in Mitsu's cars. And if the owner himself loses faith in a company's products and services...should the customer be far behind?

GTO