Japanese Automakers Introduce Overseas-Made Models
Tokyo, The Gulf Observer: As the preference for lifestyle vehicles continues to surge in Japan, Japanese automakers are expanding their offerings with overseas-made models tailored to meet the demands of domestic consumers seeking cars suited for outdoor activities such as camping and skiing.
Mitsubishi Motors Corp is set to reintroduce the Triton pickup truck to the Japanese market on February 15, marking its return after a 12-year hiatus. The latest iteration, produced in Thailand, features a high-power diesel engine, newly developed suspension, and seven distinct driving modes. Priced at 4.98 million yen and upwards, the four-wheel drive vehicle aims to capitalize on the growing interest in versatile automobiles, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when consumers sought vehicles suitable for outdoor pursuits.
Yoshiki Masuda, Mitsubishi’s chief product specialist, expressed the company’s ambition, stating, “We are targeting those who want to own a car that is a little different. We hope to revitalize the domestic pickup truck market.”
Meanwhile, Honda Motor Co is set to introduce its newest India-made SUV, the WR-V, to the Japanese market. Priced at 2.09 million yen, the compact SUV features ample luggage space and spacious backseats. This addition to Honda’s domestic SUV lineup aims to attract young buyers entering the SUV market for the first time.
The surge in popularity of SUVs and pickup trucks in Japan, accentuated by the increasing enthusiasm for outdoor activities, has prompted automakers to diversify their offerings. Toyota Motor Corp, recognizing this trend, reintroduced its pickup truck Hilux to the domestic lineup in 2017 after a 13-year hiatus.
As Japanese automakers respond to shifting consumer preferences and seek to offer versatile, adventure-ready vehicles, the landscape of the domestic automotive market continues to evolve, providing consumers with an expanding array of choices for their lifestyle needs.
