Galloper, a Spanish brand whose operations were suspended in 2004, is returning to the market in October. The return includes two chassis cab utility vehicles, both manufactured in China: the Ayanet pickup and the Gredos SUV.
These models are actually renamed versions of Nissan cars but are equipped with Mitsubishi engines. In the Spanish market, they will have an initial price of approximately 154 thousand reais (equivalent to 26 thousand euros).
The responsibility for this operation falls on Galloper Ibérica, a company recently established with the aim of reviving the name of the former importer. The adopted strategy follows the model used for thirty years. Previously, the Hyundai Galloper was a Korean adaptation of the Mitsubishi Montero, which was sold in other locations as Pajero, with two generations launched in 1991 and 1997.
In Spain, this utility vehicle was introduced by Galloper España and distributed through the Mitsubishi network, retaining Mitsubishi emblems.
The Ayanet is essentially a Nissan Navara D23, corresponding to the same generation known as Frontier in Brazil. The Gredos represents the version prior to the redesign of the Nissan Terra, an SUV derived from the pickup, but which was not commercialized in the country.
Visual modifications to the vehicles are limited to the addition of the Galloper lettering on the front and tailgate, as well as a new emblem composed of three horizontal lines.
Internally, the dashboards are characterized by large multimedia screens covering the entire center console, a feature shared with the Dongfeng/Oting Paladin, which is sold in China and Eastern Europe.
The most significant change occurs in the engine compartment, where Nissan components have been replaced by a Mitsubishi 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine delivers 221 hp and 36.7 kgfm. The transmission used is an eight-speed ZF automatic, and all-wheel drive is provided by BorgWarner, including a transfer case with reduction and rear differential lock.
According to Galloper Ibérica, the engine complies with Euro 6 emission regulations. To meet the more demanding Euro 7 standard, the company is studying the possibility of offering variants with mild hybrid and LPG systems.
Both models are manufactured by the Chinese company Anhui Coronet, under license from Zhengzhou Nissan, a company in which Nissan holds a stake with Dongfeng. Galloper Ibérica is evaluating the possibility of transferring the assembly line to Spain in the future, without setting a specific deadline.
The commercial launch is scheduled for October in the Spanish market, with subsequent expansion plans for other European nations. The Ayanet will have an initial price of 26 thousand euros, while the Gredos will cost 39 thousand euros, equivalent to about 232 thousand reais. The goal set is to reach 60 dealerships by the end of the year.