TJM-accessorised Triton shows Mitsubishi is watching Ford and ARB

As the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton press conference concluded, a dramatic light show accompanied curtains lifting on ‘Triton World’ – an all-ute mini Motorshow at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

A total of 14 utes were present, from a 4x2 Thai base variant with a dot matrix head unit and a lowered race car concept through to fully-loaded models relevant to the Australian market.

Our design department was deeply involved in [TJM's] development, so we are improving how to work with accessory suppliers

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Mitsubishi had 14 different Tritons on show in Bangkok

On stage right was a surprise for Australian media, a trio of TJM-accessorised Tritons were on the floor. They ranged from lightly roo-barred Durian carriers to full-fat camping setups – and Mitsubishi is very much aware of Ford's relationship with ARB.

Arranged by the Thai arms of each company, the current TJM-Mitsubishi relationship is not the same as the tight-knit partnership between ARB and Ford Australia, but Mitsubishi isn’t against working more closely in the future.

“We have been talking with TJM for accessories for the new Triton, which isn’t what we’ve done in the past… This time, our design department was deeply involved in those developments, so we are improving how to work with accessory suppliers”, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Takao Kato, told 4X4 Australia.

To have the kit ready for the Triton’s reveal, the TJM team would have needed access to the cars for 3D modelling and measurement work, as well as evaluating how the changes affect the vehicle – for example, the suspension kit and integration of the radar sensor for the AEB system.

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Tritons one, two and four are TJM-equipped, and the third is a lowered racecar concept

“I know that Ford is working with ARB, and that's really significant, they are actually one team already. Compared with that, we are not there yet”, said Kato-san, admitting that Mitsubishi has been paying close attention to Ford’s relationship with ARB.

TJM parts won’t be sold in Australian Mitsubishi dealerships – at least initially – but the Japanese carmaker’s genuine accessories that were developed locally in South Australia will be available from the ute’s February 2024 on-sale date.

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This Triton is equipped with genuine accessories developed right here in Australia

Mitsubishi Triton Genuine accessories

Mitsubishi Australia has been hard at work developing genuine accessories at its South Australian home base for our market.

Aside from the unadorned high-spec black and orange cars on the stand – effectively a GLS and GSR – there was a fully-accessorised white Aus-spec GSR hooked up to a (large-for-Thailand) caravan to emphasise the 150kW/470Nm Triton’s improved 3.5-tonne towing capacity.

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It features all the kit from Mitsubishi’s genuine accessories catalogue, including:

Mitsubishi is yet to announce accessory pricing for the 2024 Triton.

TJM Triton accessories

Though Mitsubishi’s Japanese arm showed interest in further collaboration, as it stands the accessories will be sold through TJM suppliers only, in Thailand and the ASEAN region initially, with Australian introduction likely in the future.

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Click to see the full image gallery

Fitted to the most highly accessorised vehicle on show were the following parts:

“We’re excited to see this work finally come to life with Mitsubishi Motor Thailand,” said deputy MD of TJM Thailand, Trin Yiamyongchai. “The agile relationship we have with Mitsubishi has enabled us to produce accessories that will allow Triton customers to create bespoke vehicles that align with their exact needs and lifestyle.

“Our range of accessories for the Triton empowers our customers to do exactly that, they can add the precise elements they need to make a real difference in whatever they choose to do”, added Mr Yiamyongchai.