Mitsubishi Says No to 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show

Unfortunately for all people involved or, at least interested, in the automotive world, the economic recession is not only about cutting production, firing employees or bankruptcy. It also means some companies would have to adjust their plans, including pulling out of several auto shows that usually require large investments, which some companies cannot simply afford during recession times. Mitsubishi is one of these automakers as the Japanese manufacturer has just confirmed it won't show up at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The main reason? “Extraordinary business and financial challenges,” as representatives of the company explained according to Autonews Europe. And Frankfurt is not the only auto show to miss Mitsubishi as the Japanese company confirmed it won't come at the Leipzig auto show as well. The event is expected to open its doors next month in eastern Germany.

Fortunately, there's light at the end of the tunnel. Mitsubishi says it will fully concentrate on a single auto exhibition in the region, meaning the Japanese automaker plans to display all its new goodies in March at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Even though only a little is known about Mitsubishi's Geneva stand, we do know the company will showcase a sporty version of the i MiEV all-electric concept car codenamed i MiEV Sport Air.

In addition, Mitsubishi says it tries a different market strategy, aiming to set up “our own auto shows in car dealerships,” as Martin van Vugt, head of Mitsubishi Germany told the aforementioned source.

Aside from this, the Japanese company recently said it won't start production at the Russian plant it built with PSA Peugeot Citroen, in Kaluga citing the falling demand as the reason. "Mitsubishi is talking about a maximum five-month delay for the start of production of its SUVs," a PSA spokesman confirmed.