Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV US Launch Delayed… Again
Don’t expect the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid to arrive at U.S. dealerships any time soon.
The Japanese automaker has revealed that the Outlander PHEV will now come late next year or early 2016 due to a new request by the U.S. to equip the vehicle with a battery monitoring unit. Previously, Mitsubishi announced that the arrival of the Outlander to the U.S. would be delayed due to battery shortages.
SEE ALSO: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Delayed by Battery Shortage
The monitor that the U.S. is mandating conducts onboard diagnosis of the Outlander’s lithium-ion battery capacity and outputs or alerts the driver to possible degredation. California state regulators have requested new plug-in hybrids be equipped with the technology and the Japanese automaker is working with them to comply.
Despite a delay for the model’s U.S. launch, Mitsubishi is planning a big sales push in Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand for the electrified crossover. The company expects global sales to more than double to 48,000 units in the current fiscal year that began April 1, from 19,700 in the fiscal year that ended March 31.
GALLERY: 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
[Source: Automotive News]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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