Mitsubishi to relaunch in the UK but not Ireland

Vehicle importer and distributor, International Motors Ltd (IML) has today announced plans to reintroduce the Mitsubishi brand in the UK market from summer 2026.

Mitsubishi Motors withdrew from selling new cars across Europe in 2020, becoming an aftersales only business to ensure the upkeep of its existing models.

The Colt Car Company, which was the official importer of Mitsubishi cars to the UK, ceased trading the following year and sold the aftersales and parts franchise to International Motors, which maintained a network and loyal retailer partners.

However, Mitsubishi Motors Ireland, which is part of the Frank Keane Group, told AutoTrade.ie that “at the moment’, it intends to continue to operate “as an authorised aftersales provider only”.

“The recent announcement from Mitsubishi Motors UK relates solely to the UK market, where their national approval requirements differ from those in the EU. This does not apply to Ireland,” the spokesperson for Mitsubishi Motors Ireland added.

International Motors said customer deliveries will begin in summer 2026. Its UK model line-up hasn’t been officially confirmed – with range, specifications and pricing yet to be announced.

However, Mitsubishi has just revealed details of its new all-electric Eclipse Cross, which will launch in Europe next year. It is based on the Renault Scenic E-Tech electric.