Mitsubishi out of Dakar!!!

Mitsubishi Motors to withdraw from Dakar Rally

TOKYO, February 4, 2009 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today their decision to withdraw from Cross Country Rallying, starting with the legendary Dakar Rally.

In its 26 entries in this event, Mitsubishi Motors won the rally a total of 12 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, leading to today's announcement.

VW has with stated they will probally not be back next year too.. They are going to WRC and SCORE

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Permalink Reply by TOG on February 4, 2009 at 7:47am

they knew that Team Dakar USA was going to whoop that ass in 2010.

Smart move on their part !

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Permalink Reply by Keith on February 4, 2009 at 8:02am

Wonder when the Germans announce cutbacks? Not that I see them getting out.

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Permalink Reply by wilks7 on February 4, 2009 at 8:14am

that sucks....i hope others don't follow

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Permalink Reply by Blue Ridge Rob on February 4, 2009 at 8:17am

Peterhansel and Alphand are too good to be without rides. I wonder if VW will try to snatch one or both of them?

BRR

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Permalink Reply by TOG on February 4, 2009 at 8:27am

Wow. Let the conspiracy theories begin about RGM trying to put one of these guys in a car for 2010..lol.

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Permalink Reply by FlyHiFlyLo on February 4, 2009 at 12:59pm

VW has withdrawn too they are going WRC and Baja racing.

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Permalink Reply by Beagle7 on February 4, 2009 at 8:22am

WOW..I'd expect this from Nissan..they suck...lol

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Permalink Reply by FlyHiFlyLo on February 4, 2009 at 12:58pm

Nissan has already pulled out full factory support 2 years ago. The Nissans are run out of South Africa facility.

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Permalink Reply by Team Maranello on February 4, 2009 at 10:10am

WV has no reason to race unless it is fighting with other major manufacturers. The competition is what creates the perceived value among brands. I am glad all the big boys are pulling out and Dakar is going to back to it roots. A bunch of armatures who wanted the adventure of racing in distant lands and where mega budgets did not make much of a difference. I hope there are more Robby like operations that come into racing, smaller budget with interesting machines which will make watching the next Dakar a lot more fun.