Mitsubishi is introducing new models of the Triton (above); Challenger and Outlander. Photo / Supplied

Mitsubishi is introducing new models of the Triton (above); Challenger and Outlander. Photo / Supplied

Battered by the recession and currency fluctuations, and a decision to leave the rental car market, stifled by a lack of interesting new products and hammered by consumer resistance to price increases, Mitsubishi's trip through 2009 has been on a rocky road.

Sales are way down and last month the unthinkable happened, Korea's Kia Motors moved ahead of the Japanese triple-diamond brand in New Zealand.

But now Mitsubishi's fighting back with a quartet of new models, including its hero Outlander and a package of other measures including what the company reckons to be the best new-vehicle warranty in the business.

"God knows, we need something to put a bit of bounce back into our business," lamented Peter Wilkins, Mitsubishi's general manager of sales and marketing, frustrated by months of disappointing spreadsheets.

"These models are just what we want. We've been waiting a long time for them to come," he said at the midweek introduction.

Joining Outlander with its new Evo-type nose is a new Triton ute with traction control and stability control, new engine and larger tray. In February, a new version of the Triton-based Challenger SUV joins the lineup.

And the interesting looking CX compact crossover that slots in under the Outlander will join the fleet mid-year.

It's not just Mitsubishi that needs a boost. All but a few brands have hurt during the year and new-vehicle sales to the end of December are likely to be down by about 35 per cent to around 65,000. The forecast for 2010 is growth of about 5 or 6 per cent.

Wilkins said that, compared to October 2008, car sales were down 26 per cent last month, light commercials down 34 per cent and heavy commercials 40 per cent. "These are massive changes for the industry to cope with."

Mitsubishi got off to a bad start of its financial year, selling fewer than 200 vehicles in April and May. "We never thought we'd be so deliriously happy with 300 or 400 units a month in August and September," said Wilkins.

The company's short-term fortunes were not helped by a decision to withdraw from the buy-back rental car market in which cars are sold to rental companies at a guaranteed buy-back price. "We had to commit to a selling price three to six months in advance of delivery and we had to commit to a buy-back price 12 or 18 months later," said Wilkins. "If you want to think about crystal ball gazing, about predicting exchange rates and predicting the market, one thing's for sure - you're going to get one of those wrong, and if you get it wrong you pay. We've never made any money out of the rental business."