Sales in the UK of pick-ups in their many configurations, from single to club to double cabs, continued to out perform the overall new car and commercial vehicle markets in 2005.

The sector growth was confirmed last month by Mitsubishi Motors in the UK at the media launch of their all-new L200 pick-up range that went on sale on 1 March.

The pick-up sector last year accounted for 34,314 sales, the eighth year in succession of growth. In 1998, when double and club cab pick-ups started to enter the market, total sales were just 7,553 units. The 347% growth has been driven by private buyers wanting more versatile SUV vehicles, company car users attracted by the low taxation levels, fashion conscious must-have recreational users, owner-operators, small business customers and to a lesser extent by commercial and farming users opting for a pick-up rather than a utilitarian 4×4.

The L200 range has consistently been the market leader and at its peak in 2003 the range accounted for 45% of all UK pick-up sales. Since then even with the emergence of lifestyle and workhorse models from other manufacturers such as Ford, Nissan, Toyota and Isuzu, the L200 has still remained the top selling range overall with a 35% market share.

Last year 12,026 Mitsubishi L200s were sold in the UK, 9,242 of which were what Mitsubishi call ‘high series’ models such as the accessory loaded Animal and Warrior derivatives. Reflecting the demand by today’s UK customers for up-market pick-ups the L200 accounted for 44% of all sales in the private retail sector. In the fleet sector L200 models accounted for 23% of sales with Ford leading the way with a 37.4% market share.

Mitsubishi pointed out that although ‘Benefit in Kind’ tax will increase from April 2007 to £3000, from £500, for a driver using a pick-up as a company vehicle, this is still significantly less than the charge for an equivalently priced car. There will also remain an advantage for pick-up drivers paying less fuel tax than their counterparts driving an equivalent company car.

Mitsubishi is predicting sales of 9,000 units of the new L200 range in 2006, rising to 13,000 vehicles in 2007, its first full year on the market. "We are planning conservatively at the moment," says sales and marketing director Lance Bradley. "However, this new vehicle is so good and so radically different from everything else on the road that it could fuel further growth of the pick-up segment just as the old model did between 2001 and 2003. If demand increases beyond the original plan, we are ready to respond."

Mitsubishi said ownership costs for the L200 have also been improved. Service intervals have risen from 9,000 to 12,500 miles per year and the pick-up is covered by a comprehensive 3-year/100,000 mile mechanical and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty plus 3-year pan-European breakdown cover. Residual values – which remain favourable for the outgoing L200 – are likely to be further improved with the introduction of the new model. Martin Ward, manufacturer relationship manager of CAP, one of the leading residual value guides, estimates the new L200 double cabs will be valued at £1,000 more than the out-going models over the usual 36month/60.000 mile period.

The all-new L200 range goes on sale from 1 March in single and double cab body styles. The club cab version will follow in August. Prices start at £12,249 and rise to £19,999, these are commercial vehicle on the road prices excluding VAT.

The 4Work and 4Life models are in the range to meet he needs of customers who want a practical business tool. The ‘high value’ models such as Warrior, Animal and Elegance, which will take an estimated 80% of all L200 sales, will appeal to buyers attracted by the lifestyle looks and the SUV comparable driveability and performance offered by the new range.

The new L200’s radical sports styling for the exterior is derived from Mitsubishi’s Dakar Rally winning Pajero Evolution model.

A new Euro IV 2.5-litre, 134bhp, DI-D common rail diesel engine gives 17.5% more bhp, 30% more torque and a 26% improvement in fuel economy over the previous models. A 160bhp power upgrade is available for all models but is fitted as standard on the Animal versions.

Mitsubishi says a best in class turning circle for all versions and improved legroom for double cabs is part of the new specification. The workhorse attributes of the L200 remain with a towing capacity of 2.7 tonnes and a payload for all derivatives of over one tonne.

Mitsubishi resources:

Mitsubishi UK

Mitsubishi L200