Ralliart Scales Down Business

[AVANTI R5]

After many years of successful business Ralliart Japan is now going through a streamlining process due to the economic downturn

Ralliart will continue to sell its range of automotive parts and goods collections at various outlets in Japan for the time being at least, but support for motorsports customers (support for participants, technical assistance and Driver Of The Year award) will cease. Also on the domestic front, Ralliart Member’s Club (RMC), online shop, Ralliart sponsored driving events and email magazine will all be abolished from April 1st. The Ralliart online shop will continue receiving orders until March 28.

It’s much the same story outside Japan according Ralliart’s English press release:

Along with the scale down of our business activities this time, we would cease the following business and operation which we have done so far. We would like to express our sincere apology to all of customers though we would make you much inconveniences.

Meanwhile, we wish you a continuous support to Ralliart family and entrants driving Mitsubishi cars who play an active part all over the world.
Items which would cease our business and operation along with our business scale down;

1. Support to motorsport customers(Support to the participation, Technical Support, and Awarding of Mitsubishi/Ralliart Driver of the Year)
2. New Planning, Development and Merchandise of Ralliart products (Except FIA VO parts) :*1
3. Information of new products and dispatching motorsport information(at web):*2

*1 FIA VO parts development and those application work shall be done by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation as it is. *2 FIA Group-N information shall be open at the web site of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. Date of the cease: 1st April, 2010

http://ralliart.com/10topics/100310.html
http://www.ralliart.co.jp/
Image: Ralliart

http://www.7tune.com/ralliart-scales-down-business/

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[BeatLA]

A sad day indeed.

[BOY]

mitsu isn't far behind

[SilverSubaab]

Originally Posted by BeatLA

A sad day indeed.

Agreed.........hopefully things will turn around sooner than later...........

[Dirty25RS]

so no Ralliart 3D HDTVs?

[subyski]

Mitsubishi and Ralliart did a poor job marketing their products, especially since they don't distribute to the U.S. market. Until recently, most people didn't know what Ralliart was unless they follow Rally Racing. Even now, it's only known as a trim level for the Lancer lineup. Mitsubishi and Ralliart missed an opportunity to market their products and unfortunately a company has to cease operations.

At least with Subaru, people recognize STI as a model trim and as parts. Here in the U.S., you can get STI parts for other model trims.

[Scoobie Doogie]

The problem with RALLIART selling parts in the USA had to do with MMA. MMA wanted a big cut in profits to sell throught the dealers and made the parts far too expensive. If they were smart and took small margin they'd have built more of a following here. I talked with a friend who owns a Mitsu dealership about it and that's what he explained to me.

[jimmi]

The other issue is missing the opportunity to use Ralliart as a true tuning company like Subaru and Ford. SVT releases real preformance parts that still offer warrenty coverage. Most Evo owners mod their cars...why not cash in at a premium for those who want to keep the warrenty.