Mitsubishi Triton
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Mitsubishi Triton | |
Also called: | Mitsubishi Forte ('78–'86) Mitsubishi L200 Mitsubishi Mighty Max ('82–'96) Mitsubishi Strada |
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Manufacturer: | Mitsubishi Motors |
Production: | 1978–present |
Assembly: | Laem Chabeng, Thailand |
Body style: | Pickup truck |
Related: | Dodge Ram 50 Plymouth Arrow Truck |
The Mitsubishi Triton is a compact pickup truck produced by Mitsubishi Motors. It was originally known as the Mitsubishi Forte in Japan from 1978 to 1986, and the Mitsubishi L200 in export markets. In 1986, the Forte name was discontinued in favour of the L200.
In the United States two captive imports of the Forte were sold by the Chrysler Corporation as the Dodge Ram 50 and Plymouth Arrow Truck from 1979. Mitsubishi itself imported it as the Mitsubishi Mighty Max when it began selling directly in the U.S. from 1982, at which point the Plymouth ceased to be available.
The Forte name was discontinued in Japan in 1986 when the second generation of the truck was introduced, in favour of L200. In Thailand, Australia and New Zealand the Triton name was introduced. It was available in three bodystyles; regular cab, extended cab ("Macro Cab"), and crew cab (which was not sold in North America).
The third generation was the first model built in Thailand, and is exported to 140 global markets. North America, which already has the Mitsubishi Raider, will not see the truck. The L200 name remains for the European market, but in Japan it has been superseded by Triton.
Two L200-based race vehicles were raced in the 2005 and 2006 Dakar Rally by Mana Pornsiricherd of Thailand and Alexey Burkut of Russia.
[edit] External link
- Mitsubishi Motors Thailand, official website
- "Mitsubishi Motors releases new Triton pickup truck in Thailand", Mitsubishi Motors press release, August 25, 2005