Although a report earlier this year confirmed that future models bearing the three red diamonds would align closer to contemporary Nissan offerings, COO Trevor Mann has stated that preference has given in the development of an all-new pick-up truck range around 2021.

Alaskan, Navara and Triton will become one

Speaking to Australia’s caradvice.com.au at the unveiling of the updated Triton in Thailand last week, Mann revealed that while the next generation Nissan Navara and Renault Alaskan will share underpinnings with the Triton, MMC will be charge of the project, leaving its alliance partners to concentrate on other ventures.

“Based on the expertise question, the company with the most expertise at a certain category would take the lead, which is why I intimated we would be the potential leader for frame [body-on-frame] platforms,” Mann told the online platform.

This will result in effective re-branding come the next trio of models, but also reduce R&D costs and result in a single platform unlike the current two that underpins the Navara/Alaskan/Mercedes-Benz X-class and the Triton/Fiat Fullback.

“We have 4x4 expertise, and we have framed vehicle expertise. Obviously Nissan also has a level of 4x4 ability, but I think what we have in terms of our AWD system, that defines our brand and is a brand differentiator,” Mann said of the automaker’s SuperSelect system, which could possibly debut on the next Navara and Alaskan if approved. What remains unknown though is what the merger would mean for the next generation X-class and Fullback.

Pajero successor planned but not immediately

In a related interview, Mann also confirmed that a replacement for the almost 20 year old Pajero has not been ruled out, but added that it might be placed on an extended hiatus as focus shifts towards more profitable compact SUVs and crossovers.

“The passion [for Pajero] still exists. We've not solidified our position as yet, but it’s something that our hearts really want to do, and our engineers want to do. We’ve got to make sure we have the right business case,” he said.

In spite of remaining mum on whether the Pajero could adopt a unibody layout like the current Pathfinder, Maan hinted that the segment it once competed in has been declining at a sharp rate in recent years, and that a switch to new technologies like hybrid and electric vehicles could yield better results.

“We need to make sure that when we do something we do it profitably. Can hybrid help us do that? In theory yes.But do we have a full business case that will allow us to spend our R&D money to take the next step? Not quite. We have the ingredients but we haven’t put them together and in the oven yet”.

SUVs and MPVs will be streamlined, new van coming to Australasia

When quizzed in a subsequent interview by Thailand’s autonetmagz.com about Mitsubishi’s plans, Mann also revealed that the next generation Outlander, due in 2021, will share its platform, engines and technology with the Nissan X-Trail and Renault Koleos, while also indirectly confirming that the Asian market Xpander MPV will spawn a Nissan derivative to replace the aging Livina/Grand Livina.

Elsewhere, the all-new ASX, known as the RVR in Japan and Outlander Sport in North America, will use the same platform as the incoming Juke when it debuts in 2022, while a report from New Zealand has confirmed that the Renault Trafic will be used to breathe new life into the L300/Express moniker, providing MMC with a challenger in the lucrative van segment currently being led by the Toyota HiAce (Quantum) and Hyundai iLoad (H-1).

“We have signed a letter of intent, so we fully intend to do it. At the moment, it is only for Australia and New Zealand, as it was at their request,” Mann said of the new van which will be built alongside the Trafic at Renault’s Sandouville Plant in France, and revive designations last used in Australasia five years ago.

Following up on the topic with caradvice.com.au, he said, “Just after Mitsubishi joined the Renault-Nissan Alliance, it was a strong request from the team in Australia to have more of a LCV offering and Renault, our partners, are extremely strong in Euro vans sold globally. It was an obvious request.

“I’m not a huge fan of cross-badging, but on LCVs it doesn't matter so much; the industry is full of cross-badges because you don’t necessarily buy a van because of the badge, but because of the service, relationship with the dealer, in a fleet pool, et cetera,” he said, stating that the model could come Down Under sooner than 2020 “if I get my way”.