Shoot us a Text. Episode #1359: Mitsubishi is jumping back into the pickup market with help from Nissan, a supplier strike threatens GM’s truck production at a critical moment, and the internet-famous F-250 robins have finally left the nest, clearing the way for one very patient delivery. Show Notes with links: Mitsubishi is heading back into the U.S. pickup truck market for the first time in nearly two decades, teaming up with Nissan on a midsize truck while also reviving the iconic Pajero/Montero SUV.Mitsubishi will launch a U.S.-built midsize pickup sourced from Nissan, likely tied to the next-generation Frontier platform expected later this decade.The truck marks Mitsubishi’s return to the segment after discontinuing the Raider pickup following the 2010 model year.The strategy is part of a three-step U.S. revival plan: expand off-road offerings, enter new segments through Nissan partnerships, and grow the dealer network with urban satellite stores.Mitsubishi is also reviving the Pajero (Montero) SUV this fall, building it on the Triton pickup platform and creating an entire family of Pajero-branded vehicles.“We will prioritize restoring profitability and work to turn the business around through brand strengthening and product strategies.” — Mitsubishi President Keisuke Sugiura A labor dispute at American Axle is putting pressure on one of GM’s most important profit centers. Nearly 1,000 UAW workers have walked off the job, threatening the supply of axles used in Silverado, Sierra, Colorado, and Canyon pickups just as GM ramps up truck production.UAW members at American Axle’s Three Rivers, Michigan plant began striking after contract talks broke down over wages and mandatory overtime.Workers say they are still living with wage cuts accepted during the 2008 financial crisis, with many production employees topping out around $22 per hour despite years of strong supplier profits.The plant produces critical axles for GM’s full-size and midsize pickups, giving the strike potential to impact some of the automaker’s most profitable vehicles.Timing is especially challenging for GM as it looks to capitalize on Ford’s pickup production constraints and growing competition from Ram, whose truck sales are up 23% this year.“For 18 years, these members have built you an empire of profit, while getting treated like dirt.” — UAW President Shawn Fain. Remember the F-250 that became a federally protected bird sanctuary? The robins have officially left the nest, the truck can finally head to its new owner, and the dealership's unexpected wildlife story turned into an international feel-good headline.Lugnut, Axle, Diesel and Turbo officially flew away last week, ending a month-long delivery delay for the customer’s F-250.What started as a quirky dealership story ended up earning coverage from The New York Times, People, The Guardian, Automotive News and even Ford's corporate media channels.Olathe Ford-Lincoln leaned into the moment, giving the birds names, posting updates, and turning a routine vehicle delivery into a viral community story.The customer, a construction company, never pressured the dealership and agreed to let nature take its course before taking delivery.“The new owners said they were in no hurry to get the truck and the robins could finish raising their family.” — Diane Johnson, Executive Director, Operation WildLife.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
