Mitsubishi aims to sell around 25,000 vehicles in China next year, local media reported today, citing a statement made by Mitsubishi Sales China General Manager Hiroyuki Nagasawa.

According to Mr. Nagasawa, the new Outlander SUV, which made its debut in Beijing this week, will make up 80 percent of those sales. The Outlander, which is currently sold as an import model, is available in five different variations with two different engine options, priced between 229,800 yuan and 344,800 yuan (US$ 36,456-54,700).

Mr. Nagasawa believes that the price for the Outlander is relatively low for an imported model. Mitsubishi hopes to take advantage of that price point to reverse its declining fortunes in the Chinese market.

Mitsubishi managed to sell just 40,000 automobiles in China this year, far less than the 60,000 units it sold in 2011. Furthermore, import Mitsubishi sales in 2012 only managed to reach 15,000 units. However, representatives from Mitsubishi stated that the 300,000 sales target for 2015 will remain unchanged.

The new joint venture company between GAC and Mitsubishi was officially registered this October. Mitsubishi has previously stated its intent to set up its largest SUV manufacturing center worldwide in China within the next five years.