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Kewalram
launches 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander
By Moses Akaigwe
Friday, February 1, 2008
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| Photo:
Sun News Publishing |
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Kelwalram, the officially accredited importer and marketer
of Mitsubishi brand of vehicles in Nigeria, is set to prove
the authenticity of its relationship with the Mitsubishi Motors
of Japan by introducing a couple of the most updated models
from the badge’s line-up.
The 2008 models of Mitsubishi: Lancer, a highly popular sedan,
and the impressive Outlander, are already positioned in Kewalram’s
showroom on Victoria Island, Lagos, preparatory to formal
launches in a couple of weeks.
This is coming at a time when some grey importers who have
been polluting the Mitsubishi market in Nigeria with vehicles
(including the old model of the popular Pajero) not built
for the tropical motoring environment, are waiting for the
redesigned (2008) models to be available in the international
black market, before sneaking them in.
When Daily Sun visited Kewalram’s Karimu
Kotun glass showroom last week, the duo of Lancer and Outlander,
which have been occupying vantage positions since late last
year, had some vistors milling around them, making inquiries
on prices, after-sales support, manufacturer’s warranty
and functions of the numerous buttons and knobs on the dashboard/console
area.
Mitsubushi Lancer EX
Looking sleeker, stronger, and better with a sportier exterior,
the new generation Lancer represents a new concept in sports
sedan, what with its aerodynamic bodylines, punctuated by
the side air dams, rear spoiler and (incredible!) 18-inch
wheels.
The new Lancer has got quite an alluring interior: while insulated
doors filter out noise the automatic climate control (A/C)
and spacious seating help make the environment relaxing. An
array of active and passive safety features give both the
driver and other occupants a real sense of protection. The
list includes ABS (anti lock brake system, brakeforce distribution
and RISE body structure that absorbs collision impact.
Outlander
Mitsubishi has not hidden the fact that in making the latest
models of its SUVs (sport utility vehicles) like the current
Pajero (which has been terribly abused by parallel importers
with French connection that bring in outdated models and ‘auction’
them at give away-prices to unsuspecting Nigerians) and the
new Outlander, it brings to bear its wealth of experience
and dominance in world off-road rallies such as Paris-Dakar.
Prime evidence is that in the Outlander which Kewalram is
set to formally launch, driver control has been made top priority
throughout design construction and testing, according to the
General Manager (Auto), Mr Vikant Mehtani. Active Stability
Control (ASC), electronically controlled 4WD and advanced
4-wheel independent suspension system are some of technologies
the vehicle features. The AWC (All Wheel Control) ensures
that all wheels are controlled independently for superior
handling. Both the 3.0-litre and 2.4-litre engines have the
power and fuel efficiency-enhancing MIVEC (Mitsubushi Innovative
Valve-timing Electronic Control System).
Though, Mehtani would not give specific launch dates for
the latest additions to the Mitsubushi line-up due to “strategic
reasons”, Daily Sun learnt that the vehicles would be
unleashed “very, very soon”. He assured that as
is the case with all Mitsubushi vehicles in the Kewalram stable,
the new Lancer and Outlander would be backed by the manufacturer’s
(Mitsubushi Japan’s) direct warranty and efficient after-sales
support.
This explains why, according to Mr Victor Teriba of Kewalram,
customers have been placing their orders for the new vehicles
and taking deliveries, even before the launches. About 60
units of the new Outlander have so far been sold, he disclosed.
Auto trend watchers who got early wind of the new vehicles’
arrival in Kewalram showrooms, believe the development is
a pointer to the fact that the distribution (Kewalram) is
the authentic marketer in Nigeria.”
Now, the picture has become clearer”, remarked an auto
buff over the weekend. “While the pretenders are looking
forward to bringing the new vehicles towards the end of the
first quarter (apparently waiting for the cheap specs to be
available in French-related markets), Mitsubishi Japan had
since last year shipped the units built for the tropics to
Kewalram. Now we know who is telling the truth”. |
