Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announced today its decision to withdraw from the Dakar Rally, the Dakar Series and all cross-country rallies.

In its 26 entries in the event, Mitsubishi Motors won the rally a total of 12 times, including seven consecutive victories.

A Mitsubishi spokesman said: "The sudden deterioration of the global economy made it necessary for the company to focus its resources more tightly, and for this reason the decision was taken to withdraw its Mitsubishi Motorsports (MMSP) works team from all cross-country competitions."