Bangalore: The partnership between Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors, and Indian auto veteran Hindustan Motors (HM) seems set to undergo significant changes, with Mitsubishi Motors set to play a larger role in the marketing and distribution of all its passenger cars in India.

Mitsubishi Motors and HM are said to have initiated the process of appointing a new marketing advisor for marketing and sales of all Mitsubishi products in India.

Presently, HM manufactures some of Mitsubishi''s passenger cars, and also markets all its products.

The change has been undertaken to strengthen Mitsubishi Motors presence in India, and simultaneously ensure better product penetration of Mitsubishi''s passenger cars.

Sources say this could be the first of major changes in the relationship between the two auto companies.

Mitsubishi''s portfolio in India includes the Lancer, the Lancer Cedia and the sports utility vehicles (SUVs) Pajero and Montero, with the latter being the latest launch from the company in India.

The Lancer costs about Rs6.75 lakh, the Cedia about Rs8.6 lakh. These sell a total of around 250 units per month, and are manufactured in India.

The Pajero, priced at around Rs19 lakh, and the Montero costing around Rs32 lakh, sell a cumulative of around 200 units a month.

Both the sports utility vehicles are currently imported as completely built units.