Mitsubishi Motors will reintroduce new vehicles to the UK market from summer 2026, six years after the Japanse carmaker withdrew from new car sales across Europe.
International Motors Ltd (IML), which has managed Mitsubishi’s UK aftersales since the 2021 withdrawal, will oversee the relaunch here as its licensed distributor.
IM Group bought the Mitsubishi aftersales and parts franchise after Mitsubishi's previous licensed distributor Colt Car Company closed in 2021 following the carmaker's withdrawal.
The new Mitsubishi range will feature models from Mitsubishi’s global line-up, including its latest four-wheel drive and hybrid vehicles, some of which are rebranded cars built by Renault.
IML said customer deliveries will begin in summer 2026.
While the UK model line-up hasn't been officially confirmed, the brand has just revealed details of its new all-electric Eclipse Cross, which will launch in Europe next year. It will be built at Renault's EletriCity Douai assembly plant in northern France.
Renault Group also produces the ASX compact SUV, the Colt compact hatchback, and the Grandis compact SUV for Mitsubishi.
Around 100 authorised aftersales sites remain in operation in the UK, and a number of new Mitsubishi dealers are being appointed to handle sales and customer support, IML said.
Sharon Townsend, head of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: “Over the past few years, we’ve continued to see enthusiasm for the brand, which has strongly influenced this decision.
"By building on our trusted aftersales network and dedicated retailer partners, we are committed to providing an exceptional ownership experience."
Frank Krol, President and chief executive of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, added: “Our upcoming models represent the very best of Mitsubishi Motors’ core technologies in performance, four-wheel drive, and much more.
"We look forward to a successful introduction in the UK – a market where our brand continues to have a deep emotional connection with loyal customers."
The move follows Mitsubishi’s 2020 decision to “freeze” new model introductions in Europe, which took UK retailers by surprise and led to widespread restructuring among its dealer network.
At the time, dealers told AM they were “shocked” by the sudden exit and uncertain about their long-term prospects.
Many continued trading through aftersales and used car operations, supported by The Colt Car Company’s remaining stock.
Further details on models, specifications and pricing will be confirmed closer to launch next summer.
In 2021 Takao Kato, chief executive of Mitsubishi Motors, revealed the partnership with Renault to secure new cars for the European market. At the time, Kato added: "Mitsubishi Motors has been implementing structural reforms in Europe and our decision to freeze new car development for the European Market, announced in July 2020 in our mid-term business plans, remains. However, the OEM supply agreement will provide us with a solution to offer new products developed and manufactured in Europe – alongside our ongoing aftersales business."
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Freelance writer for AM, Tom Seymour has been a specialist B2B journalist covering the automotive sector for over 14 years. He started his freelance career in 2015 and currently writes for a variety of automotive, business and technology publications.
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