Contrasting developments are emerging from two arms of the Mitsubishi group, as Mitsubishi Corporation re-evaluates its commitment to major offshore wind projects, while its automotive counterpart, Mitsubishi Motors, announces the launch of newly redesigned vehicles for 2025.

Uncertainty Surrounds Three Key Offshore Wind Farms

Mitsubishi Corporation has confirmed it is considering a full withdrawal from three large-scale offshore wind farm projects planned for the coasts of Chiba and Akita prefectures. In a statement issued on the 27th, the company clarified its position: “We are currently exploring all possible options, including a withdrawal, but as of now, no final decision has been made.”

The projects in question are located off the coast of Choshi City in Chiba, and in two areas off Akita Prefecture—one covering Noshiro City, Mitane Town, and Oga City, and the other near Yurihonjo City. Mitsubishi Corporation, in partnership with a subsidiary of Chubu Electric Power, successfully won the public auction for these sites in December 2021. The combined plan was to construct a generation capacity of approximately 1.7 million kilowatts (1.7 GW) across the three locations.

Financial Pressures Mount on Green Energy Plans

The consortium’s victory in the 2021 auction was largely attributed to its significantly lower-than-competitor bid prices for electricity supply. However, the commercial viability of the projects has since come under scrutiny following a global surge in material and construction costs, exacerbated by the crisis in Ukraine.

The financial strain became evident in February 2025, when Mitsubishi Corporation reported a loss of ¥52.2 billion for the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal year from its offshore wind ventures, with the total annual loss projected at ¥52.4 billion. During an earnings briefing, company President Katsuya Nakanishi announced that the business plan for the wind farms would be “re-evaluated from the ground up.” The project’s future was cast into further doubt recently with reports that Kajima Corporation, the primary construction contractor, had withdrawn from the venture.

Despite widespread media reports from Nikkei and NHK about an imminent withdrawal, Mitsubishi Corporation initially responded on the evening of the 26th by stating, “This is not an announcement made by our company, and no decision has been finalised.”

Mitsubishi Motors Drives Forward with Kei Car Innovation

In a different turn of events, Mitsubishi Motors has announced a complete redesign of its popular “Delica Mini” kei car, scheduled for release in the autumn of 2025. The new model, with a price range of approximately £10,500 to £15,900, is now available for pre-order at dealerships across Japan.

The updated Delica Mini features a distinctive new front profile with large, semi-circular LED position lights, creating a look that is both friendly and robust. A redesign of the A-pillar angle and position has also allowed for a 115mm increase in interior length.

In a first for the kei car segment, the vehicle will feature a “Drive Mode” selector, allowing the driver to choose from five different settings to adjust engine response and control for various road conditions. It will also be the first to be fitted with Kayaba’s advanced “Prosmooth” shock absorbers for improved ride comfort.

Enhanced Safety and a New eK Space

The new Delica Mini will also see significant safety upgrades. Its “Mitsubishi e-Assist” driver support system will be the first in a kei car to include a Blind Spot Intervention system, which helps prevent collisions when changing lanes. This is complemented by the addition of a Blind Spot Warning and a Rear Cross Traffic Alert system.

Alongside the Delica Mini, Mitsubishi Motors is also launching a fully redesigned “eK Space” kei car in autumn 2025. Priced between approximately £9,400 and £10,500, this model has been developed to offer a blend of approachable design and ease of driving in urban environments.