Mitsubishi is planning a number of new product introductions as it attempts to reinvent itself as a leaner, greener automaker, but as a result, it's axing a number of its aging product lines. As a result, the company will cease production of the Eclipse coupe, Eclipse Spyder, and Endeavor crossover this August.
All three of these model lines are presently manufactured at the company's U.S. manufacturing base, located in Normal, Illinois. Although Mitsubishi has previously teased the notion of retooling the plant for other new products, the fourth model line built at the facility -- the aging Galant midsize sedan -- will still be produced for the time being, according toAutomotive News.
The Eclipse's demise marks an end to the model's 21-year history. To commemorate that run,Mitsubishi has announced a new four-cylinder Eclipse SE Special Edition model for 2012, that adds special badging, black side mirrors, and darkly finished 18-inch wheels. The car has the same equipment as the loaded, V-6-powered GS Sport models, which means amenities like leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a rearview camera, HID headlights, a 650-watt sound system, and a sunroof (on coupes only, of course) are also thrown in as standard equipment
As for the Endeavor? No celebratory send-off is planned (or expected) at this point, but seeing as only 4294 examples were sold in 2010, perhaps only a small niche of faithful Endeavor loyalists will be saddened.
Although Mitsubishi is cutting production of both models this summer, the company expects the current supply levels of the Eclipse and Endeavor should keep its dealer network supplied with enough inventory. Seeing as both models are both outdated and essentially invisible to most consumers, the decision to simultaneously drop both isn't exactly surprising, but what say you -- is there still a place in Mitsu's lineup, let alone the world, for the Eclipse and Endeavor? Make your case for either model in the comments section below.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription required), Mitsubishi
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