Marques turn to foreign models

Japanese carmakers are introducing overseas-made models to their domestic market to provide consumers with more options as the popularity of SUVs and utes increases.

Mitsubishi Motors is next month bringing its Triton ute, which is produced in Thailand, back to Japan after a 12-year gap. 

It says the decision to reintroduce the model comes after people grew increasingly interested in vehicles suitable for outdoor activities during the Covid-19 pandemic, reports the Japan Times.

Meanwhile, Honda Motor is planning to bolster its SUV line-up with the launch of the WR-V, which is made in India.

The company adds the vehicle will target young people purchasing SUVs for the first time.

The popularity of SUVs and utes was on the rise before the pandemic, the Japan Times notes, with Toyota adding the Hilux into its domestic range in 2017 after a 13-year break.