As predicted 380 sales for July Fell, :shock: only 826 sold. Not only 380, but Commodore & Falcon sales suffered. Buyers are looking for smaller cars or keeping there hands in there pockets, a lot of potential buyers cant get a good trade-in price. The good times are over boys, Petrol prices, interest % up, But my friend Luigi the Barman is still going ahead and buying a VE. How much more can MMAL take they have even sold "Thrifty" rental Cars.....

Good to see the new ads are working :nuts:


Not only 380, but Commodore & Falcon sales suffered.
Not really - top three:

4711 Corolla
4022 Commodore (and a bloody run out model at that)
3951 Ford Falcon.

holy f*ck

That's disappointing... very, very disappointing:doubt:

My God I can't get over how BAD that is. That's ruined was has otherwise been a bad week for me, into a shocker. Bloody hell!:sook: :boohoo:

826, :rant:. Couple more months like that and things won't be lookin too good.

That's really really bad :(.

FK FK FK.. That is bad. Luckily the new advertising campaign is going to get underway soon. I hope they can bring the release date forward for the updated 380VRX and 4-cylinder models to get some re-gained interest in the car.

That's crap. :( Shows how useless their current ad campaign is. The one atm is so crap. Doesn't have any soul at all.

Man thats depressing.

People are idiots. Theyll pay 21-25k for a tarted up little car (think Corolla/Polo/Tiida), but wont pay 27/28K for a fully kitted up, safe, powerful Australian car with standard aircon; even though it probably uses like 1.5l (maybe less on highway) more fuel per 100klms in Auto form.

Not good at all. I was hoping for at least 1,200 so that Mitsubishi could clear their backlog of unsold cars.

We now have three people at work who drive 380s as another one joined the fleet recently.

FF

Fascinating how MMAL have stated that they will be shifting their "attention" toward new imported models (Triton, Outlander, Pajero etc) from 380 as they believe they are more critical in sustaining and increasing overall market growth. Well I say get f*cken working on the 380 quick f*cken smart MMAL, or there will be no f*cken MMAL (manufacturing wise).:rant:

They can f*cken sit there all comfy thinking "oh no it'll get better once we do this and that next year coz we're guaranteed manufacturing of 380 till 2011", but mark my f*cken words MMC Japan will not give premature f*cken shutdown of Tonsley Park a second f*cken thought.

F*ck this has really f*cken pissed me off.:rant:

At least Europcar are doing their bit (no Camry's at Europcar corporate); and Falcon Freak, keep those 380's coming through on fleet mate!

DAMN DAMN DAMN!!!:rant: :rant: :rant:

F*ck this has really f*cken pissed me off.:rant:
Well at the end of the day, despite how passionate we all get, it's still just a car.

I think it's becoming rather apparent that although it is a very good car, it's not right for the particulars of this current market, and that is the way the cookie crumbles my friend.

Fascinating how MMAL have stated that they will be shifting their "attention" toward new imported models (Triton, Outlander, Pajero etc) from 380 as they believe they are more critical in sustaining and increasing overall market growth. Well I say get f*cken working on the 380 quick f*cken smart MMAL, or there will be no f*cken MMAL (manufacturing wise).

They can f*cken sit there all comfy thinking "oh no it'll get better once we do this and that next year coz we're guaranteed manufacturing of 380 till 2011", but mark my f*cken words MMC Japan will not give premature f*cken shutdown of Tonsley Park a second f*cken thought.

F*ck this has really f*cken pissed me off.

At least Europcar are doing their bit (no Camry's at Europcar corporate); and Falcon Freak, keep those 380's coming through on fleet mate!

DAMN DAMN DAMN!!!

I know exactly how you feel mate. It really annoys the sh*t out of me. I really hope that someone at MMAL (as in Rob McEniry) realises that they should be doing alot more to get the 380's sales up.

Advertising really really badly needs to be fixed up. I understand that the new advertising campaign is set to start tomorrow by all accounts. While it is meant to showcase all Mitsubishi models it will mainly focus on the Triton (and other new Mitsubishi models) as they are released (as you stated). I hope that the 380 becomes part of these Revolution commericals along with the other new models as it is still a fairly new car and definitely needs more exposure.


On a positive note "MMAL has made another substantial repayment to its parent in Japan, who has also improved its investment rating substantially in the last month. MMAL continues to track ahead of its plan for the first quarter of its financial year, and with its new products just coming on to the market is confident of continuing the general upward trends throughout its business."

"The good news with 380 is that it is running encouragingly ahead of its cumulative target for the year to date, and it has gained sales in a market that has lost over 8,000 units in that time. Also, it is continuing to gain conquest sales from other brands in many smaller business and government fleets where it is now their preferred car. We expect it will continue to grow again in future months,' Mr McEniry said."

(In regard to the paragraph above this one) How is that right? I don't understand how as it hasn't achieved 1,500 sales each month, if I am understanding this incorrectly please explain it to me.

Well at the end of the day, despite how passionate we all get, it's still just a car.

I think it's becoming rather apparent that although it is a very good car, it's not right for the particulars of this current market, and that is the way the cookie crumbles my friend.
Yeah spot on mate, I've calmed down a little (valiumlol )

I guess having driven thousands of kms in many 380s the car simply has too much potential to fail, and even as is "deserves" (not the best word) better than that. There's nothing worse in business than lost opportunity, especially when it's right under your nose...

... but I'm not changing my sig (for now):snooty: :)

"The good news with 380 is that it is running encouragingly ahead of its cumulative target for the year to date, and it has gained sales in a market that has lost over 8,000 units in that time. Also, it is continuing to gain conquest sales from other brands in many smaller business and government fleets where it is now their preferred car. We expect it will continue to grow again in future months,' Mr McEniry said."

(In regard to the paragraph above this one) How is that right? I don't understand how as it hasn't achieved 1,500 sales each month, if I am understanding this incorrectly please explain it to me.
It would seem their PR team don't have any more clue as to what they're on about than the marketing team - unless they're the same entity... :think:

It would seem their PR team don't have any more clue as to what they're on about than the marketing team - unless they're the same entity... :think:
Yeah I've never been able to work out what the hell is going on with MMAL marketing - I don't know whether it's outsourced or an internal team.

If it's outsourced then they need another firm. If it's inhouse then they need to outsource.

Yeah I've never been able to work out what the hell is going on with MMAL marketing - I don't know whether it's outsourced or an internal team.

If it's outsourced then they need another firm. If it's inhouse then they need to outsource.
Well I hope they do something quick, I mean if you're in business you must, above all else within reason, have passion in the product you sell - MMAL aren't showing that at the minute.

Anyways I'm taking my 380 work car for a nice long cruise to Mt Macedon and back to cool off - right now - and enjoy what is still the most enjoyable and relaxing car I've ever driven, current model Audi's, Commo's, BA Falcons (not BF), and Statesmans included.

Well I hope they do something quick, I mean if you're in business you must, above all else within reason, have passion in the product you sell - MMAL aren't showing that at the minute.

Anyways I'm taking my 380 work car for a nice long cruise to Mt Macedon and back to cool off - right now - and enjoy what is still the most enjoyable and relaxing car I've ever driven, current model Audi's, Commo's, BA Falcons (not BF), and Statesmans included.

Mitsubishi definitely aren't giving the 380 enough exposure. Which is sad as it obviously doesn't have enough on road presence (as their aren't enough around of them yet - and some beleive, not including myself, that the car is bland and doesn't stand out) for it to be a model that sells it self based on already established sales.

I really really (sincerely) hope that MMAL realise that it is not a good thing to sell eight-hundred and twent-six 380's a month and isn't a viable option if the company wants to continue manufacturing in Australia. I really hope that the new "Revelution06" advertising campaign includes a commerical of the 380 to atleast try and get people interested in it.

Well that was a good drive, but I'm glad I don't start work till 3.30 this arvo!:)


Yeah I've never been able to work out what the hell is going on with MMAL marketing - I don't know whether it's outsourced or an internal team.

If it's outsourced then they need another firm. If it's inhouse then they need to outsource.
Yeah it's inhouse, which I guess says alot. It explains why they're out of touch with their current and potential customers. Outsourcing another firm would really give them a kick and inject a breath of fresh air.

I might apply!lol

Guys, I hate to say it but look at my signature which I changed during July 2006. From what I have seen at Tonsley Park they are on death row - unless Mitsubishi Japan has a change of heart or the 4cyl 380 becomes a reality.

FF

I hate to say it, but, the 380 is an AU. I'm a huge Mitsubishi fan and love the 380 to death. But until MMAL realise that a big FWD car based on a 3 year old design just isn't going to sell in Australia then I'm afraid it's all but curtians.

For the 380 to suceed, Tonsley Park needs to create the 380 on an AWD platform across the range, and give the exterior and interior a face lift. Make the 380 look more like a big version of the upcoming Lancer. Nothing flash, just sleek, simple and classy. Do the same with the interior and it'll be a dead set winner. I can almost garuntee at the same time, even if the current 380 was put onto an AWD platform, sales would double.

Like I said. Until MMAL realise these things, the 380 will continue to be a failure. There's no point having a great car fundementally if no one likes the way it looks, or immediately rites it off because it's FWD.

We need some MMAL reps to visit this board.

WAKE UP MITSUBISHI

I don't think AWD will make that much of a difference unless you're putting a fair bit more power through the wheels. The AWD will increase fuel consumption which could make sales even worse.

I don't think AWD will make that much of a difference unless you're putting a fair bit more power through the wheels. The AWD will increase fuel consumption which could make sales even worse.
AWD will make a huge difference mate. If they used some weight saving materials like an aluminium or magnesium roof and bonnet they could save a lot of weight which would negate the weight of the AWD. VE commodore is 1690kgs (20kgs heavier than the 380) yet gives the same fuel consumption on an old 4 speed auto box. I'm sure they could easily make it 1600kgs or so, even 1650 with AWD in place.

My God I can't get over how BAD that is. That's ruined was has otherwise been a bad week for me, into a shocker. Bloody hell!:sook: :boohoo:

Omg,that is not good:shock: They need to changed the way of telling the people how good the car is.

AWD will make a huge difference mate. If they used some weight saving materials like an aluminium or magnesium roof and bonnet they could save a lot of weight which would negate the weight of the AWD. VE commodore is 1690kgs (20kgs heavier than the 380) yet gives the same fuel consumption on an old 4 speed auto box. I'm sure they could easily make it 1600kgs or so, even 1650 with AWD in place.
Its not just the weight though, dont you lose abit of power in the AWD drivetrain?
I'm just saying, AWD doubling the sales figures is abit of an exaggeration.

MMAL are doing things all wrong they will probably not exist in Australia in 5 years if things don't pick up the Magna should have been RWD since TE-TF and had a V8 option, you can bet your *** it would have sold 10000x more :)

It really doesn't matter which end of the car it drives itself from, it's just the fact that Mitsubishi has never been able to market cars properly. They make good stuff but employ idiots to try and advertise them. Toyota make just as good quality cars, but are able to sell anything because they advertise them well. The argument that people don't want to buy large cars is also disproved because commodores and falcons are still selling. It's not like people don't know Mitsubishi make big cars either, 3rd gens have been around for 10 years now.

The spin doctors:

MITSUBISHI CONTINUES TO BEAT ITS OBJECTIVES

Mitsubishi Motors has continued to improve its business position, as well as exceed many of its business targets during July.

MMAL has made another substantial repayment to its parent in Japan, who has also improved its investment rating substantially in the last month. MMAL continues to track ahead of its plan for the first quarter of its financial year, and with its new products just coming on to the market is confident of continuing the general upward trends throughout its business.

'The launches of the ML Triton and manual and Ralliart Colts have just been completed very successfully, and we have had very positive feedback on those products,' President and CEO Robert McEniry said.

'We are holding an order bank on ML Triton that stretches out a couple of months, and the order bank on Colt is also very impressive. Our dealer network is seeing very strong demand for these products, and that gives us great heart for the coming months.

'We are satisfied with the way we are tracking at the moment. To be ahead of our plan at this stage of our financial year is encouraging, particularly when we still have new Pajero and Outlander to launch in the next few months.

'Stock shortages in significant product lines has contributed to our lower sales result in July. Lancer continues to perform fantastically, even though we had stock shortages throughout its range, and we were also very limited on Pajero Exceed and the fast-selling Pajero VRX diesel. The VRX has captured the imagination of the market with its distinctive styling and great value for money. And, of course the diesel engine in this car really is a cracker, which puts us in an enviable position because diesel really is the fuel of choice for larger SUVs in the current climate,' Mr McEniry said.

Mitsubishi's 380 suffered a slight sales downturn this month, but it was also hampered by stock issues on some product lines. Considering the overall Large Car segment decline - with consumers waiting to see the newly released Camry and VE Commodore before making their purchase decisions - Mitsubishi was again satisfied with its sales running rate.

'The good news with 380 is that it is running encouragingly ahead of its cumulative target for the year to date, and it has gained sales in a market that has lost over 8,000 units in that time. Also, it is continuing to gain conquest sales from other brands in many smaller business and government fleets where it is now their preferred car. We expect it will continue to grow again in future months,' Mr McEniry said

Wow, I'd hate to see a major sales downturn!

What he said tho about stock piles might have some value to it. Think about it... If 80% of people buying a 380 want a VRX, and there's only 5% VRX's available and the rest are base models etc, then I can see his point. I only hope it's true.

Man thats depressing.

People are idiots. Theyll pay 21-25k for a tarted up little car (think Corolla/Polo/Tiida), but wont pay 27/28K for a fully kitted up, safe, powerful Australian car with standard aircon; even though it probably uses like 1.5l (maybe less on highway) more fuel per 100klms in Auto form.

:stoopid:
Fully agree with you on this

Man thats depressing.

People are idiots. Theyll pay 21-25k for a tarted up little car (think Corolla/Polo/Tiida), but wont pay 27/28K for a fully kitted up, safe, powerful Australian car with standard aircon

Yeah but for some people, when in three years time they decide they would like to sell their tarted up little 21-25k car for 12-15k. Meanwhile the 27k aussie car that cost 4k more sells for 9-13k.

Yeah but some people in three years time like to sell their tarted up little 21-25k car for 12-15k. Meanwhile the 27k aussie car that cost 4k more sells for 9-13k.

^^ them an speaks truth, and one of the best examples is the Toyota Corolla. Heck even the Lancer which is worth considerably less than a Magna new is worth more a few years later.

My God I can't get over how BAD that is. That's ruined was has otherwise been a bad week for me, into a shocker. Bloody hell!:sook: :boohoo:
it seriously affects you that much?

Its not good news, but i wont loose a second of sleep over it :nuts:

AWD 380 model? I said it before and I'll say it again. Don't hold your breaths.

FF

It would be nice though.
Maybe a limited edition 380 VR4 using a floorpan and drivetrain from the states model, MIVEC, twin turbos and possibly Super-AYC. :D

Then have a outrageous ad that shows it blitzing all the current FPV HSV products on tracks along with lots of tyre smoke etc. Sure, the ad would be pulled off the air in less than a week probably, but it'd be like the 'Bloody' tourism ad. All that free exposure. It'd also be really targeting their most likely buyers.

Pity I can't see it happening soon though. :(

I originally ahd my deposit on a S2 VRX

but somthing about 6speed, turbo, rwd made me withdraw my deposit and go to the blue oval camp.

mmal are targeting the wrong market - Older peole are worried about the fuel prices, the younger want highpowered rwd platforms :P

hell, even if the triton was a turbo forced 6 with some power to boot - might of won my garage space lol

it's a shame to see mitsubishi going the same way chrysler did.... better cars than the opposition but no ones buying them.... i think the media is partly to blame, when the 380 was due out all i heard about it was the Mitsubishi ads on TV... the VE on the other hand is making news in the paper on the radio and even the evening news, seems everyone is pushing it, shame though cos if mitsubishi closes it's operations there is going to be a lot of ppl out of work..

and i've read on other forums that ppl would consider the 380 if it was RWD.... what crap, unless you are a hoon who likes doing wheelies or apparently into towing, what difference would there be?? there is more positives to a fwd than rwd, even though i hate fwd's (hoon reason)

my solution to solve mitsubishis dramas.... start bribing the media, i read reviews saying it's a better car than a such and such.... so... get the 380 out there, maybe they need more dealers.... cos it's all turning KIA everywhere down here

it seriously affects you that much?

Its not good news, but i wont loose a second of sleep over it :nuts:
Hey I'm passionate!:D

Actually slept like a baby that night. Perhaps I was EXAGGERATING ever so slightly... I've actually had a good week.:)

Just expanding on what Falcon Freak said, to expect MMAL or MMC for that matter to deliver anything like AWD/RWD platforms, significantly updated styling etc etc is an ask simply too tough on them.

Some people here are suggesting they have no idea what needs to be done with 380. Let me assure you they DO! But as the cliche goes, you gotta spend money to make money, and MMAL have very little of the former. However, what they DON'T have any idea on, which has been discussed heavily here, is advertising and marketing.

Some people here are suggesting they have no idea what needs to be done with 380. Let me assure you they DO! But as the cliche goes, you gotta spend money to make money, and MMAL have very little of the former. However, what they DON'T have any idea on, which has been discussed heavily here, is advertising and marketing.
D'ya reakon if we ask nicely, they'll give us a few cars and let us make an ad:badgrin:. We are their target audience for the VRX/GT and let's face it, we can't do much worse than their current advertising team lol.

D'ya reakon if we ask nicely, they'll give us a few cars and let us make an ad:badgrin:. We are their target audience for the VRX/GT and let's face it, we can't do much worse than their current advertising team lol.
Here's a rather extreme leftfield proposition for thee to ponder:

MMAL's marketing department are inhouse. I suggest we form an outsourced marketing team for MMAL, and get them to pay us a 380 per fortnight, and bloody market the thing properly.

WHO'S WITH ME!:P :soapbox: :rofleek:

I'll start it off. I've begun writing a theme song for MMAL and the ad.lol You know, all that inspiring pop/rock crap. Might need a hand with lyrics for the verses though. It's called "Take Me Home".

It's in the tradition of Free Radicals' "U Get What U Give", but catchier and more inspirational.:P

it's a shame to see mitsubishi going the same way chrysler did.... better cars than the opposition but no ones buying them....

I agree, but for different reasons. Chrysler's Valiants were superior up until the early 70's, but from the VJ onwards, nothing much changed, abit like the lack of evolution from TE-TJ magna. Sure, the ELB engine of the CH's was technically very good for that time, but the car didn't even have flow through ventilation, in 1980!!! And few of the kiddies will remember that the front seats used to come loose (and adrift!) in an accident! I remember those reports in the news as a kid. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Valiant fan (that was the link that got me into Mitsubishis, VG pacers and AP5's are in my top 5 favorite cars), but Chrysler in the late '70s was in deep crap in the US, they had to sell off/close down the Rootes group (Humber/Hilman/Singer), Simca and their Aussie division to Mitsu to survive. The parallels to MMC now days are scary.
I'm not one of the mitsu doom spinners, but this current situation is not good. I think the current model lineup is getting stronger by the month, and this will help alot. MMC put so much money into Tonsley that they have to get something out of it. It looks like the Proton 2.4L 4cyl 380 is the contingency plan to make things viable

i love my old vals, all models up to VG then only the odd charger thats about it.... in the old days chrysler were the leaders offering 145hp from the slant when the others had 75hp, also first V8 if im not wrong... AP6 regal... the HEMI 6, best inline 6 ever.... my 265 in my VF hardtop wow... it was near stock and out ran a VY ss ute 3 times and that said ute has been down the 1/4 in 13.55s

back to mitsubishi though, first AWD produced in aus... and i was reading an article somewhere on the VE holden saying the VE ss or something whatever is the best handeling aussie car since the AWD MAGNA!!! :cool:
Ralliart magna, fastest n/a 6cyl aussie family car...

dont know anymore, im just getting into magnas...

I'll start it off. I've begun writing a theme song for MMAL and the ad.lol You know, all that inspiring pop/rock crap. Might need a hand with lyrics for the verses though. It's called "Take Me Home".

It's in the tradition of Free Radicals' "U Get What U Give", but catchier and more inspirational.:P
Maybe Krafty by new order would be more appropriate with lyrics of "Give me one more day,
Give me another night, I need a second chance, This time I'll get it right" hah

Or perhaps the New Hoobastank If I were you: "You seem to find the dark, when everything is bright
You look for all that's wrong, instead of all that's right Does it feel good to you?
To rain on my parade You never say a word, unless it's to complain..."lol

Maybe Krafty by new order would be more appropriate with lyrics of "Give me one more day,
Give me another night, I need a second chance, This time I'll get it right" hah

Or perhaps the New Hoobastank If I were you: "You seem to find the dark, when everything is bright
You look for all that's wrong, instead of all that's right Does it feel good to you?
To rain on my parade You never say a word, unless it's to complain..."lol
New Order of course! Haven't listened to them in a while - good stuff.

Don't know about your reference to Hoobastank :think:, though MMAL are capable of using it. Also Dido's "White Flag" and "Stoned" might suit in the near future... "I know I left too much mess and destruction to come back again... and if you live by the rules of it's over then I'm sure that that makes sense", and "You will be missing me when I go, coz I'm bored of hanging out in your cold".

Love the melancholy lol

by this time next year, i dont think we'll see any new 380's. that's my prediction. sad to say, but it's just a matter of time.

by this time next year, i dont think we'll see any new 380's. that's my prediction. sad to say, but it's just a matter of time.

While that may-well be the case that's a pretty far-fetched prediction. If that's your opinion on the future of MMAL (as the manufacture the 380); fine!. But from what I have heard/know the 380 is definitely getting an engine upgrade and styling tweaks/modifications for the 380VRX/GT (if the GT nameplate continues) next year, and curtain airbags will become available.

Later in the year a 4 cylinder version of the 380 will be available, some predicting it will be equipped with a CVT transmission to enhance economy.

If the first of these two 'upgrades' go's ahead as planned then your prediction is obviously incorrect; and with the 4 cylinder 380 not far after that I don't beleive that it is a matter of time (until what I gather you are suggesting; closure).

Can people please get off this fk'n "MMAL are shutting down" bandwagon for a second and just focus on the current levels of sales and perhaps suggest what MMAL could do to improve sales (i.e. marketing!!).

Thankyou! :D

by this time next year, i dont think we'll see any new 380's. that's my prediction. sad to say, but it's just a matter of time.
That's exactly the same stupid narrow-minded dribble that's causing mitsubishi's faith in it's brand to be lost by consumers.

by this time next year, i dont think we'll see any new 380's. that's my prediction. sad to say, but it's just a matter of time.
That's just silly.lol Why would they stop producing it while it owes MMAL so much and is still making a (small) profit.

My opinion is that if they do bring out a more powerful engine (>190kW) for the VRX/GT and the 4 cyl then sales will rise. A brake upgrade for these models would be good as well, Brembo 4 pots anyone :badgrin:. The current problem with sales is partially due to the public's perception that production of the 380 will stop in a few years. With the new models all coming out in one lot will massively help Mitsu's image. It'll show Australia MMAL is sticking around for a fair while longer.

Although I do think they really need to do something to the GT, because for the extra money you really don't get that much more kit. The more powerful engine and a brake upgrade would be a good start.

To be honest I think a close-down of manufacturing as early as next year is not beyond the realms of EXTREME possibility, and things would have to significantly worsen still even from now - but it won't happen.

I'm quite confident that 380's situation will improve, and in doing so assuring manufacturing operations til at least the end of 380's lifecycle (2011) - and possibly beyond. It's just a real shame about the close of the Lonsdale plant.:cry:

To be honest I think a close-down of manufacturing as early as next year is not beyond the realms of EXTREME possibility, and things would have to significantly worsen still even from now - but it won't happen.

I'm quite confident that 380's situation will improve, and in doing so assuring manufacturing operations til at least the end of 380's lifecycle (2011) - and possibly beyond. It's just a real shame about the close of the Lonsdale plant.

Yeah, as you said, its possible, but the current situation (in terms of sales, brand perception) is likely as bad as it will get. It is most likely to improve with the large number of new products hitting Mitsubishi showrooms and the upgrades to the 380 range due next year.

I'm sure that the new product range is sure to spike sales and bring alot of people back to the Mitsubishi brand. Even if they are imported products MMAL still gets a % from each sale. Even the point of getting more people in showrooms helps the 380 as the potential customer may like what they see and if the salesman is smart I'm sure he could talk the person into test driving it and possibly buying it.

I'm pretty sure MMAL will make it till atleast 2011, and after that, who knows? While I'm not decided as to whether the 380 nameplate will continue, I'm sure that the car will be a hybrid the way things are going and with the launch of the first MIEV in 2008 (they will be most likely to intergrate this technology into their other vehicles). If people get over the whole "MMAL might close down" issue it would make discusions alot more worth while and would dramatically increase sales.

On the topic of the potential MMAL closing down, I got a quick story. My woman at my mums work was buying a new car earlier this year. She had a TR Magna which she had owned new since 1992, she never had a single problem with the car and simply wanted to upgrade. She was looking at a 380LX demo model for $31,990 (drive away) and was suprised at how nice the car was in/out. Her husband told her the 380 has gearbox problems and when problems like this occur Mitsubishi are going to shut down and you won't be able to get it fixed under warranty. She was stupid enough to beleive him and he pushed her into getting a Holden. In the end she made up her mind and she bought a brand new BF Ford XR6 (Black) and her husband was annoyed for one reason; she didn't buy a Holden. It really annoys me that people who are bias towards another brand directly compromise potenital Mitsubishi sales by manipulating information to their own accord so someone buys a different product. Honestly, wtf? I don't go saying to people "don't buy a Holden because they might shut-down because they sacked 2,000 workers last year" or make up some load of **** about the gearboxes. If people get over the whole "MMAL MIGHT SHUT DOWN" issue it would stop tools like this turning people away from the brand.

Where do some people get off? :nuts:

Some people really do have the IQ of a carrot. That guy is obviously a freaking bogan idiot who wouldn't know the difference between the dipstick and the exhaust on a car.

Im no expert when it comes to product planning, but they should make the SX/VRX front facia (minus the foglights) standard on the base model. I really think they should stuff model differentiation and just get the ES to look good. Accord Euro, Mazda6 and Liberty all share a similar look across each range and it doesn’t dampen the sales of their top-of-the-range models. Im sure Mitsubishi almost deliberately makes the base model ugly so that people will purchase a more expensive version such as a VRX or GT, but in reality I don’t think consumers work like that. Many potential customers see the bland government/rental 380ES on the road and it puts them off walking into a Mitsubishi dealership to look at the rest of the range.

If Mitsubishi can lure customers into the showroom with an attractive base model, then half the work is done. I remember last year a colleague of mine was looking at a base auto Mazda 6 limited sedan (around $32000 on road), she ended up walking out with a Mazda6 Sports Luxury Hatch (around $45,000 on road) because she decided in the showroom she now wanted parking sensors...then she wanted leather...then she wanted a sunroof... etc. She laughs about how she spent $13,000 more than she wanted to, but she has a car that she loves, and she would have never walked into the showroom if the base Mazda6 Limited wasn't a good looking car.

Agree, Crazed.

The comments I get for the look of the VRX are all really positive both at work and from my neighbors. I compared it to an LS in the carpark today and you can see why noone would look twice at the ES/LS/LX.
Sales would flow rather faster if they all had the similiar front end.

I think the main problem with the ES/LX front is the grill is too big in proportion to the overall look - almost looks as though it has a cold (if that makes sense).

Currently in a 3-tier form, I reckon they should narrow it by taking one tier off so it looks cleaner and more attractive, though for me personally the shot below looks quite classy.

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I don't mind the front of the 380 ES/LS/LX but agree that the 380 VRX/GT looks alot better. I really really think Mitsubishi should do something with the 380's taillights. If they made them say 20% transparent, changed the look of them slightly and put LED's in them they'd look the peice. The VRX/GT taillights would look fantastic with LED's.

Perhaps the base model should get the the same grill as the SX. The LX should get the same grill as the VRX but with a single chrome strip at the bottom of the grill (and so should the GT).

I don't mind the front of the 380 ES/LS/LX but agree that the 380 VRX/GT looks alot better. I really really think Mitsubishi should do something with the 380's taillights. If they made them say 20% transparent, changed the look of them slightly and put LED's in them they'd look the peice. The VRX/GT taillights would look fantastic with LED's.

Perhaps the base model should get the the same grill as the SX. The LX should get the same grill as the VRX but with a single chrome strip at the bottom of the grill (and so should the GT).

True, tail-lights are another issue altogether. Leave'em as is for base, after all MMAL don't have the dosh to do whatever. For SX/LX they should be tinted darker, with LED's, though I doubt we'll see them before 2008.

380 needs better model demarcartion, coz wheels aside an ES and VRX look near identical from a side view... unlike the days of the TJ VR-X. LX and GT should have a chrome window surround much like in the early days of the 3rd gen Magna - it would look alot more classier (if it's possible) - and it would accentuate 380's dynamic design.

Agree with you on the colour coded strip than runs along the bottom of the SX/VRX/GT grille - definetly should be chrome on GT.

SX has the same grill as VRX, so putting that grille on the base model will take any real "exclusivety" away from owning a VRX. Model demarcation is important. I quite like the revised grille on the new Colt - much cleaner looking, and something similar would give ES a much better look... with the almost obligatory chrome treatment for LX.

Still, we could go on and on about what they could/should do to 380, but it's not achieving much on here. I've more or less told MMAL all this and then some a few months ago (as I'm sure you and others have), but it's up to MMAL to make it happen - the 380 cannot sell itself.

Saw an ES model today and it reminded me how much better they looked in the flesh :D.

I completely agree with the above comments about having a greater visual difference between models.
And those 'sports' taillights on the VRX just look cheap to me. Maybe if the plastic was tinted with LED's they might look alright but as they are atm they don't do it for me.

Saw an ES model today and it reminded me how much better they looked in the flesh :D.

I completely agree with the above comments about having a greater visual difference between models.
And those 'sports' taillights on the VRX just look cheap to me. Maybe if the plastic was tinted with LED's they might look alright but as they are atm they don't do it for me.
You make some good points there, and I agree base model when tricked in the right colour does look good, for example::cool:

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You make some good points there, and I agree base model when tricked in the right colour does look good, for example:

Attachment 23915

Attachment 23916

Sh*t that looks good. The colour looks excellent, the mags are fantastic and the car in general (being a 380) looks excellent. I am really starting to like that style of spoiler as well, the more I see it the more the better I think it looks on the 380.

and i've read on other forums that ppl would consider the 380 if it was RWD.... what crap, unless you are a hoon who likes doing wheelies or apparently into towing, what difference would there be??

People who will only buy a RWD are a minority and people who will only buy a RWD because they truely want a RWD make up a minoritiy of that minority. In other words, the majority of people who say they want a RWD actually want a RWD because it is more highly regarded, more acceptable, and they won't get laughed at if they decide to mod their car. Essentially they want a RWD just for the sake of it. We live in an image-conscious society these days, and people are willing to do irrational things just to boost their own egos.

I personally wanted a RWD for:

a) handling - I find oversteer much safer than understeer
b) turning circle - FWD on a family sedan is really not ideal. In fact, the turning circle on my Magna used to **** me.
c) I wanted a car that would respond well to mods and had more modding potential - RWD

The only time I wish I had a FWD is when it's raining, cos anyone who has driven a VN/VP Commodore knows how easy it is to get the back-end out in the wet. Sure it's fun the first few times, but after a while it can get annoying. A 1300kg RWD with no IRS, LSD, traction control riding around on bald tyres is well... interesting in the wet....

People who will only buy a RWD are a minority and people who will only buy a RWD because they truely want a RWD make up a minoritiy of that minority. In other words, the majority of people who say they want a RWD actually want a RWD because it is more highly regarded, more acceptable, and they won't get laughed at if they decide to mod their car. Essentially they want a RWD just for the sake of it. We live in an image-conscious society these days, and people are willing to do irrational things just to boost their own egos.

I personally wanted a RWD for:

a) handling - I find oversteer much safer than understeer
b) turning circle - FWD on a family sedan is really not ideal. In fact, the turning circle on my Magna used to **** me.
c) I wanted a car that would respond well to mods and had more modding potential - RWD

The only time I wish I had a FWD is when it's raining, cos anyone who has driven a VN/VP Commodore knows how easy it is to get the back-end out in the wet. Sure it's fun the first few times, but after a while it can get annoying. A 1300kg RWD with no IRS, LSD, traction control riding around on bald tyres is well... interesting in the wet....

Yes totally agree with you there. I've got an 03 Magna and an 04 350Z (same size engines coincedently) and cannot stand the chronic understeer on the Magan. 163kw (is that right?) is just way too much power for a FWD even if you are not a hoon. Its a scary feeling when you have the wheel locked and the car is still going straight!

I think MMAL need to do a number of things with the 380. I think AWD would be a good step, although the cost of R & D etc etc is probably too much for this to be a reality. But what I think would be great is if they could have a signature 380, a Ralliart 380.. Something that competes with the likes of the WRX, or the Liberty or Mazda 6 etc. Can you imagine how many (standard) Imprezas have been sold because of the WRX. You take away the WRX and would Subaru have survived the last 10 years? That one car has helped them survive and thrive in Oz and thats what MMAL should do with the 380.

To the people complaining about understeer - Learn to drive a FWD.....it's not hard, and with some simple handling mods can decrease it dramatically.

Most RWD cars will understeer just as much as FWD cars, especially aussie Commodores and Fords because they're so heavy. The only difference is when the RWD's finally grip, they will oversteer like a mofo. :badgrin:

To the people complaining about understeer - Learn to drive a FWD.....it's not hard, and with some simple handling mods can decrease it dramatically.

I should be able to buy a car and drive it around stock standard and enjoy it. If I have to fork out extra cash just to enjoy driving it, it's not the car for me.


Most RWD cars will understeer just as much as FWD cars, especially aussie Commodores and Fords because they're so heavy.

What planet are you from? :bowrofl:

a) handling - I find oversteer much safer than understeer



thats got to be bull. understeer your going straight when wanting to turn, you back off and then keep turning.

oversteer, back goes out you back off gets grip then you go the other way. or you get on the power to much and you cant save it end up spinning who knows where.

i think if you asked anyone which is safer it would understeer, even if you dont like understeer, it is still safer then the back going sliding out

thats got to be bull. understeer your going straight when wanting to turn, you back off and then keep turning.

oversteer, back goes out you back off gets grip then you go the other way. or you get on the power to much and you cant save it end up spinning who knows where.

i think if you asked anyone which is safer it would understeer, even if you dont like understeer, it is still safer then the back going sliding out



What planet are you from? i would say earth, where are you from, if you push a holden or ford or any car really into a corner to hard it will understeer. i think this is what Disciple is talking about.

thats got to be bull. understeer your going straight when wanting to turn, you back off and then keep turning.

oversteer, back goes out you back off gets grip then you go the other way. or you get on the power to much and you cant save it end up spinning who knows where.

i think if you asked anyone which is safer it would understeer, even if you dont like understeer, it is still safer then the back going sliding out

No I disagree because oversteer is a lot easier to control, and usually when the back-end goes out it's not going to get you killed. When understeering you're going straight when you're wanting to turn, which can leave you driving straight into a wall or barrier.

"Most cars are designed to understeer so a normal driver can instinctively control the car. In a race situation, oversteer is prefered because a good driver can control the car easier and corner faster".

http://www.nastyz28.com/pthandle.html#oversteer

"A well handling car should feel neutral with respect to over or understeer, with just a touch of oversteer in high transition moves".

http://www.miata.net/garage/align.html

I'm not here to debate understeer vs oversteer, because it's subjective, but more or less state why I prefer oversteer instead of just saying I like it because it's fully sick.

I should be able to buy a car and drive it around stock standard and enjoy it. If I have to fork out extra cash just to enjoy driving it, it's not the car for me.
What i'm saying is, someone who is used to driving RWD will then drive a FWD car and think it's sh!t. I drive FWD all the time, when i drove my mates VPII i hated it, just didn't feel right. I could only figure that was because i'm not used to driving the RWD. I mean, in most cases it felt the same, only around corners did it feel different.
I believe in any car you can't just buy a car and know it straight away, you have to learn how it drives. Maybe RWD is supposedly more popular because more people have grown up with RWD and just assume FWD is ghey because it doesn't "Feel right".

i reckon, if your a good driver, you can control under and over steer, and it should matter

i find fwd very very annoying in the wet,cause the slights tap will send the wheels spinning

i find rwd more fun on launch due to no ****ty front wheel spin, but i've only ever driven my dad's bmw, so there is no wheel spin from the back, so i'm guessing thats the traction control working,

and as someone else said before, i guess with properly tune suspension you minimise wheelspin and throw in traction control or lsds

or just get into an awd

No I disagree because oversteer is a lot easier to control, and usually when the back-end goes out it's not going to get you killed. When understeering you're going straight when you're wanting to turn, which can leave you driving straight into a wall or barrier.

"Most cars are designed to understeer so a normal driver can instinctively control the car. In a race situation, oversteer is prefered because a good driver can control the car easier and corner faster". http://www.nastyz28.com/pthandle.html#oversteer
See above, and that 2nd part of your post contradicts yourself, "in a race situation its better". Last time i checked public roads weren't a race track (though some may argue that lol).
Most cars are designed to understeer, so with FWD you don't have to worry about oversteer.

No I disagree because oversteer is a lot easier to control, and usually when the back-end goes out it's not going to get you killed. When understeering you're going straight when you're wanting to turn, which can leave you driving straight into a wall or barrier.


see i diasgree understeer is faily progressive. where as oversteer mostly chatches people off guard, they back of quickly then end up going the other way.

and as for getting killed.

ok say you over steer lose it and i understeer and loose it. i hit something maybe another car or a pole head on, i have the front of the car all before i hit, where you on the other hand are going side ways so much high chance your going to hit something in the side be it another car or pole i know whos going to come off better

see i diasgree understeer is faily progressive. where as oversteer mostly chatches people off guard, they back of quickly then end up going the other way.

and as for getting killed.

ok say you over steer lose it and i understeer and loose it. i hit something maybe another car or a pole head on, i have the front of the car all before i hit, where you on the other hand are going side ways so much high chance your going to hit something in the side be it another car or pole i know whos going to come off better



"Most cars are designed to understeer so a normal driver can instinctively control the car. In a race situation, oversteer is prefered because a good driver can control the car easier and corner faster".
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from speaking to people that have raced RWD cars i have heard they are set up for sligh understeer, as i good drive will always be about to counter that with over steer if needed




but anyways back to the 380, let hope it sales get batter

see i diasgree understeer is faily progressive. where as oversteer mostly chatches people off guard, they back of quickly then end up going the other way.
Exactly, i find with understeer you can feel it way before it happens. Whereas oversteer catches you off guard, maybe you feel it coming but any sudden movements and it flings back the other way. But i guess it comes back to my main argument, it depends on what you're used to driving.

i havent heard of too many people who were... i was just driving along and the car just went straight into the pole dont know what happened as opposed to i was just talking it slow in 3rd, and out of nowhere... it spun, and my skyline is all beat up now:bowrofl:

seriously awd is a bit of a strange one i have found so far in the wet.... it kinda all wheel drifts... strange, u gotta get it more sideways to avoid going too far off the road... if you know what im getting at...

Good going for turning this into yet again another FWD vs RWD debate. The sales of the 380 have got nothing to do with it being a FWD vehicle.

****ING GET OVER IT@!!

I would have removed all the posts in this thread, but its a waste of time as the very same bandwagon wankers will get onto the whole RWD crap.. yet again..

Next person to bring up an FWD vs RWD debate in a thread that has got NOTHING TO DO WITH IT will cop a smack up side the head with my little friend the ban stick..

god you guys make me annoyed at time! :rant: