TOKYO - Mitsubishi Motors Corp. said Thursday it has received about 5,500 pre-orders for its first new Pajero sport utility vehicle in seven years, exceeding its initial sales target for the fiscal year.
The automaker began taking pre-orders on Oct. 1. Having set the target at 4,000 units for the four months through March, it will begin sales on Dec. 17, hoping the return of the iconic SUV line will help power a business recovery.
While acknowledging soaring fuel prices are a headwind, President Keisuke Kishiura said at a press event in Tokyo, "We hope to increase sales by communicating the merits of the Pajero effectively."
The new Pajero will be offered in four versions, with prices starting at about 6.2 million yen ($39,000). The top-of-the-line variant with premium interior appointments and an upgraded audio system will be priced at about 7.9 million yen.
The new Pajero retains the hallmarks of a capable off-road vehicle, including a high-rigidity frame. Powered by a diesel engine, it offers seven drive modes tailored to different road and driving conditions.
The vehicle is produced in Thailand, where Mitsubishi's key manufacturing plant is located and sales have already begun.
The company also plans to sell the SUV in Australia in December before releasing it in about 100 countries, including those in Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, from the next fiscal year.
Mitsubishi Motors has produced more than 3.29 million Pajero worldwide since the first generation debuted in 1982. It gained a reputation as a reliable cross-country SUV after winning the overall championship in a major rally competition in 1985.
