New Car Reveals and Auto Shows: Munich, Tokyo, Shanghai — 2026-09-08
Mitsubishi Motors has officially unveiled the all-new Pajero cross-country SUV in Tokyo, marking the return of the flagship nameplate after a five-year hiatus. Meanwhile, preparations for IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover are intensifying, with over 150 world premieres announced for commercial vehicles and electric trucks.
New Car Reveals and Auto Shows: Munich, Tokyo, Shanghai — 2026-09-08
Top developments
Mitsubishi Unveils All-New Pajero World Premiere
On September 2, 2026, Mitsubishi Motors held a world premiere event in Tokyo to reveal the fully redesigned Pajero. The new model is positioned as the brand’s new-generation flagship, featuring a robust design with powerful fenders and sculpted surfaces to emphasize its off-road capabilities. This launch marks the first time in years that the Pajero nameplate has been revived for a dedicated cross-country SUV, aiming to compete directly with rivals like the Toyota Prado.
IAA Transportation 2026 Promises 150+ Premieres
The upcoming IAA Transportation show in Hannover (starting September 14) is set to feature more than 150 world premieres and innovations for commercial vehicles. The event will heavily focus on electric trucks, megawatt charging technologies, and autonomous driving solutions. German media outlets highlight that established manufacturers and Chinese newcomers alike will dominate the exhibition halls, signaling a shift in the heavy-duty vehicle market toward electrification.
Kia PV7 Electric Van Details Leak Ahead of Premiere
German automotive blogs have detailed the upcoming Kia PV7, a large electric van expected to make its world premiere soon. The vehicle is described as having a design influenced by the PV5, with flexible rear configurations for commercial use. A key point of speculation remains whether the PV7 will utilize 800-volt architecture, which would significantly impact its charging speeds and market positioning against European rivals.
Ralliart Pajero Concept Shown but Not Confirmed for Production
Following the main Pajero reveal, Mitsubishi displayed a "Ralliart" styled concept version of the new SUV. However, executives clarified during press briefings that there are currently no plans to produce a dedicated Ralliart performance variant of the new Pajero. The concept serves primarily to showcase styling accessories and heritage cues rather than a production roadmap item.
Local view
Japanese media coverage of the Pajero launch has been extensive, with Car Watch and Best Car providing detailed breakdowns of the launch schedule. Best Car reported that while the world premiere occurred on September 2, the official Japanese domestic announcement is scheduled for October 29, with sales beginning December 17, 2026. The outlets noted Mitsubishi's ambitious global target of producing and selling 10,000 units within the current fiscal year, highlighting the strategic importance of this revival for the brand's identity.
In Germany, electrive.net is focusing on the commercial vehicle sector ahead of IAA Transportation, emphasizing the surge in electric truck offerings. Their analysis suggests that the Hannover show will be a critical battleground for defining the next generation of logistics vehicles, with a specific focus on range improvements up to 700 km and new charging standards.
Context & numbers
- Pajero Launch Timeline: World Premiere: Sept 2, 2026; Japan Official Announcement: Oct 29, 2026; Japan Sales Start: Dec 17, 2026.
- IAA Transportation Scale: Over 150 world premieres and innovations are confirmed for the show running from September 14–20, 2026, in Hannover.
- Hyundai Ioniq 3 Pricing: The new Hyundai Ioniq 3, which launched recently, starts at €28,950 in Germany with a range of up to 497 km (WLTP).
On the radar
- IAA Transportation Opening: The show opens on September 14, 2026, in Hannover, with major press days preceding it. Expect significant announcements from Daimler Truck, Volvo, and Chinese entrants like BYD Commercial.
- Pajero Production Targets: Monitor reports on whether Mitsubishi meets its aggressive 10,000-unit global production target for the remainder of FY2026, as this will indicate the viability of the revival strategy.
- Kia PV7 Premiere Date: Keep an eye out for the official confirmation date for the Kia PV7 world premiere, which is expected later this autumn.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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