KUCHING: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the exclusive distributor of Mitsubishi passenger cars and commercial vehicles in Malaysia will launch two new variants of the popular Triton pick-up truck in June.

Backed by rally-proven heritage, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd is confident of increasing its pick-up truck market share with the new 3.2-litre 4×4 automatic and 2.5-litre 4×2 manual variants, said a recent press release issued by the company in Kuala Lumpur.

The pick-up truck sales volume saw a remarkable growth with 3,480 units sold in 2007, up 59.6 per cent from 2006, making Mitsubishi Motors’ pick-up truck the second most popular pick-up truck in the country with a 15.7 per cent share in the segment.

“The two new variants of the Triton are expected to appeal to a wider market – the 3.2-litre 4×4 automatic is the most powerful pick-up truck in its class while 2.5-litre 4×2 manual variant is light on fuel and affordable.

“Meeting the needs of high-performance enjoyment and off-road ruggedness, Malaysians can choose the best variant to suit their needs – be it for daily use or weekend drive,” Keizo Ono, chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia was quoted as saying.

Prior to the official launch of the new variants, the Triton 3.2-litre 4×4 is estimated at RM102,000 and the 2.5-litre 4×2 at RM62,000.

The current available model is the Triton 4×4 automatic and manual, which are equipped with 2.5-litre direct-injection common-rail intercooled turbo diesel engine.

The Triton pick-up truck has garnered immense response since its launch in November 2006. It has earned praises for its exceptional handling, best in its class engine performance, futuristic exterior styling and comfort of a luxury sedan.

The Triton was awarded the Pick-up Truck of the Year award at the New Straits Times/Maybank Car of the Year Awards 2007. For the second year in succession, the Triton also claimed the top honours in the Pick-up of the Year category of the Autocar Asean Car of the Year Award 2007.

Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in motor sports and cross-country championship and 2007 brought Mitsubishi Motors its record-breaking victory in the Dakar Rally.

Mitsubishi Motors’ impressive track record of running champion for seven consecutive years and 12 overall victories in 25 years is surely reflected in the performance and the normal production of the Mitsubishi Motors vehicles.

For enquiries, members of the public may contact the company at 03-76806688, 03-76806733 (DID) and 03-76222239 (fax) or at Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd Level 6, Building A, Peremba Square, Saujana Resort Seksyen U2, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor.