Mitsubishi to retain Ralliart name for sporty models

Ralliart announced it would be closing its doors earlier this month, leaving the future of Mitsubishi's performance products up in the air. Although Ralliart is technically a separate division from Mitsubishi, the tuning firm has been associated with go-fast Mitsubishi models for years.

Despite the demise of Ralliart, Mitsubishi says it will continue to use the name on sporty versions of its Lancer model. "We still own the Ralliart name, and we still intend to brand our cars with it," Maurice Durand, a spokesman for Mitsubishi, said.

Durand noted the only difference going forward will be that Mitsubishi "won't have to pay royalties to use the name anymore."

Although the Lancer Ralliart carries the Ralliart name, the car doesn't actually use any parts from the tuning firm. Moreover, Mitsubishi doesn't distribute Ralliart parts to any of its U.S. retailers, so there will be no effect there either. However, Mitsubishi is expected to continue using the Ralliart name on merchandise like hats and jackets for years to come.

References
1. 'Ralliart unit folds...' view