Photo/Illutration Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s all-new Triton pickup truck set to be introduced in the Japanese market for the first time in 12 years is shown in Kawasaki on Nov. 30. (Takumi Wakai)

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. announced it will shortly release an all-new version of its Triton pickup truck, the first in Japan in 12 years, even though the vehicle is not expected to generate huge sales.

The automaker opted to revive the model that was scrapped in the first place due to sluggish sales to keep the brand name alive.

The light-duty truck with a roofless bed is particularly popular in Southeast Asian nations. 

Also called Mitsubishi L200, Triton is Mitsubishi Motors’ flagship model, accounting for about 20 percent of all vehicles sold by the company worldwide.

However, the small truck market in Japan is dominated by mini trucks.

Triton was originally released in Japan in 2006.

But poor sales led to the model being junked in 2011.

The latest model will be sold at a starting price of 4.98 million yen ($35,000), including tax. It will become available from Feb. 15.

“It is not a model that sells a large number of units because it is hobby oriented,” said Takao Kato, the company president.

Still, the carmaker decided to resurrect the model because it attaches importance to the brand, citing its all-wheel control technology that is one of its outstanding characteristics.

The main appeal of Triton is its drivability as it is able to traverse rough terrain even when the wheels on one side are off the ground.

“It represents what makes Mitsubishi Motors what it is,” Kato added.

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