Rancon Rolls Out Locally Assembled Mitsubishi Xpander in Bangladesh
In a landmark moment for the country's automobile sector, Rancon Auto Industries Ltd. officially launched the locally assembled Mitsubishi Xpander in Bangladesh on the night of June 28. Marking a historic first, the vehicle was introduced in four variants through a musical ceremony, with the first unit ceremoniously handed over to customer Azizur Rahman by Rancon Executive Director Zakia Rouf.
Powered by a 1.5-liter MIVEC engine, the seven-seater family SUV is described as a seamless blend of Japanese reliability and local innovation. The vehicle is priced at BDT 3.4 million.
The event's chief guest was H.E. Iwama Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh. Also present were Romo Rouf Chowdhury, Group Managing Director of Rancon, and Farhana Karim, Managing Director.
Top officials from Mitsubishi Motors, along with prominent figures from the banking and private sectors, also attended the launch.
Rancon termed the event a milestone in its dream to transform Bangladesh into a global manufacturing hub. The Rancon Industrial Park, which spans 52 acres, currently manufactures global brands including Mitsubishi Motors, Mercedes-Benz bus chassis, Suzuki motorcycles, Proton, JAC, LG, and Toshiba—showcasing Rancon’s long-term vision and industrial capabilities.
In a video message from Japan, Takao Kato, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, remarked, “This is a beautiful beginning. The dual AC-equipped Xpander is originally designed for the ASEAN region and has already proven its success as a family vehicle in Bangladesh. Our partnership with Rancon will pave the way for even more high-quality and reliable vehicles in the future.”
Yutaka Yano, Division General Manager at Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, who was present at the event, said, “Rancon Auto Industries is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and stringent quality control. From an advanced paint shop to final assembly, every stage follows Mitsubishi’s international standards. That’s why the Bangladesh-made Xpander is safe, reliable, and affordably priced. Beyond manufacturing, Rancon has also built a robust after-sales service network across the country, setting new benchmarks in customer service.”
Romo Rouf Chowdhury, Group Managing Director of Rancon, stated, “For the last 50 years, we have been the official distributor of Mitsubishi in Bangladesh. With the government’s investment-friendly policies and the support of our partner Mitsubishi, we have created a system that allows us to manufacture Japanese technology vehicles locally, at affordable prices. Our factory houses a cutting-edge paint shop, advanced assembly line, and trained workforce under Mitsubishi’s supervision. Each Xpander comes with a five-year warranty and two years of free servicing. With 11 after-sales touchpoints, our commitment is to deliver quality and safety at an accessible price to the people of Bangladesh.”
H.E. Iwama Kiminori, the Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, added, “This launch is not merely about a car—it symbolizes the strategic partnership, technology exchange, and enduring friendship between Japan and Bangladesh.”
