Mitsubishi Motors' planned THB 16 billion (US$ 480 million) investment in Thailand is expected to support the production of hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the next-generation Triton pickup and Pajero SUV, rather than dedicated battery electric vehicles (BEVs), as part of the company's long-term electrification strategy.

The investment, first announced last month, will continue through to 2030 and is intended to support Thailand's role as Mitsubishi's regional production and export hub for electrified vehicles. The company already exports diesel-powered vehicles from Thailand, and the latest investment is expected to expand the country's role in the production of next-generation electrified models.

When the investment was announced, a translated press release published on the Thai government's official website stated that Mitsubishi was investing in "electric vehicle technology" and studying the production and export of "electric pickup trucks, including the Pajero", using Thailand as its production base.

However, subsequent reports have suggested that the wording may have resulted from a translation issue. According to media sources, the investment is intended for **electrified** vehicles, including the next-generation Pajero and pickup trucks, indicating that the programme is more likely to focus on hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains rather than dedicated battery electric vehicles.

In 2023, Mitsubishi confirmed that hybrid and battery electric powertrains for the Triton pickup had already entered the advanced engineering phase, while also outlining plans to introduce an electric pickup before the end of the decade.

Speaking in 2023, Mitsubishi Global Chief of Engineering and Product Strategy Hiroshi Nagaoka stated that the company expected to launch a hybrid Triton before considering plug-in hybrid or battery electric variants. He explained that a conventional hybrid could be integrated into the existing platform more easily, whereas PHEV and BEV versions would require more extensive engineering changes. Mitsubishi has also stated that it does not intend to use Nissan's e-Power hybrid technology.

Earlier this year, President and Chief Executive Officer Takao Kato told shareholders that the company would not develop battery electric vehicles entirely in-house, instead relying on partners, including Foxtron and Nissan, for BEV technologies.

The investment in Thailand and Mitsubishi's previously disclosed product plans indicate that the next-generation Triton and Pajero are expected to receive hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains as part of the company's electrification roadmap, although Mitsubishi has yet to confirm the final specifications of either model.