The Global Financial Crisis has claimed its latest motorsport scalp with Mitsubishi quitting its Dakar Rally program. The withdrawal goes further and brings an end to Mitsubishi’s involvement in all cross-country rally events.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation says the global economy has forced them to tighten their belts.
Brief statement below.
MITSUBISHI MOTORS TO WITHDRAW FROM DAKAR RALLY AND ALL CROSS-COUNTRY RACES
- 26 entries, 12 victories, including 7 consecutive wins
- Deterioration in global economy forces decision
- Includes the Dakar Rally, Dakar Series and all cross-country races
TOKYO, February 4, 2009 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today their decision to withdraw from the Dakar Rally, the Dakar Series and all cross-country rallies.
In its twenty-six entries in the event, Mitsubishi Motors won the rally a total of twelve times, including seven consecutive victories. In addition to this unparalleled record the company also gained 4WD technology that informs its production vehicles, most visible in their durability and off road performance.
The sudden deterioration of the global economy made it necessary for the company to focus its resources more tightly, and for this reason the decision was taken to withdraw its Mitsubishi Motorsports (MMSP) works team from all cross-country competitions.