This Made-in-Indonesia Transformer-like-Minivan to Hit Southeast Asian Market

Maybe, not many of you have seen this transformer-looking MPV. Meet Mitshubishi Xpander, a 7-seater MPV designed and manufactured in Indonesia by Mitsubishi Motors.  It was unveiled on 24 July 2017 in Jakarta and launched on 10 August 2017 at the 2017 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) in South Tangerang.  It went on sale on 3 October 2017. 

Mitsubishi Xpander became a star in the auto expo. Sales order was obtained for 11,827 unit of Mitsubishi Xpanders in GIIAS only, which is far beyond the expectations of both Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia and Mitsubishi Motors of Japan.  As of early February 2018, more than 60,000 Mitsubishi Xpanders have been ordered in Indonesia only. To meet the demands in both Indonesian market and export markets, which is expected in May 2018, the production of Mitsubishi Xpander is increased from 5,000 units per month to 10,000 units per month.

So, what no?

Mitsubishi Motors is taking steps to roll out its highly popular Xpander minivan in all of Southeast Asia, encouraged by that brisk orders in Indonesia.

The Xpander is indeed a minivan but looks like a sport utility vehicle from the outside. Many Indonesians liken Xpander to a Transformer robots. 

Mitsubishi increased the production volume in October 2017, and postponed a January debut of the model in the Philippines.

Now the company is moving to start shipping the Xpander to the Philippines and Thailand this month or next. The longer-range plan is to introduce the vehicle in Malaysia and all of Southeast Asia.

The Indonesia plant also produces the Pajero Sport SUV, and its annual capacity is 160,000 units.

Mitsubishi Motors aims to boost its Southeast Asian sales by around 50% from fiscal 2016 to 310,000 in fiscal 2019.

Source : Nikkei Asian Review | Autonetmagz.com | Mitsubishi Motors