Mitsubishi targets toyota icon with pajero sport

President Michiro Imai said the Fortuner would be the main rival to the new vehicle. While the Toyota's starting price is Bt1.05 million, the Pajero's is Bt950,000.

"The condition of the auto market is unpredictable this year, but we expect a warm welcome," Imai said. By the end of the 2008 fiscal year in March, Mitsubishi expects to have sold 3,000 units of the new vehicle.

Aside from the nationwide launch in October, roadshows will be staged at department stores in Bangkok and provinces, coupled with below-the-line activities to reach target buyers.

The Pajero Sport pickup passenger vehicle, based on the Mitsubishi Triton pickup, was launched at the Moscow Motor Show being held at Crocus Expo in the Russian capital from yesterday until September 7.

The Pajero Sport, which will be produced at Mitsubishi's assembly plant in Laem Chabang where the Triton is made, will be offered in select regions such as Russia, Asean, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania starting next month.

The vehicle will be available in Thailand in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions and powered by a choice of two engines, the 2.5-litre and 3.2-litre common-rail direct-injection diesel units already offered in the Triton pickup.

"The Pajero Sport will be manufactured in Thailand and exported to the world. With competitive prices, Mitsubishi believes that it will be welcomed in domestic and international markets," Imai said.

Domestic pickup sales in the first seven months dropped 5.5 per cent year on year to 203,178 units.

Union Auction managing director Saowalak Chaidejsuriya said high oil prices had pushed up the number of foreclosed vehicles by 20 per cent over last year's level, as many buyers opt to let diesel-driven vehicles foreclose and buy smaller gasoline-driven ones.

"High oil prices also hurt auctions, but the situation is back to normal as oil prices are receding," she said.