Family feel for SUV campaign

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) has cast 13 children from its own staff’s families to star in its latest Outlander campaign.

The company’s newest TV advert features a chaotic cast of kids and animals – from the chief executive’s granddaughter to Willow, the office dog.

“Everyone says don’t work with kids or animals, but we did both – and it paid off,” says Reece Congdon, MMNZ head of marketing and corporate affairs. 

“Our stars all took direction exceptionally well and grabbed the opportunity with both hands – or paws.”

The commercial celebrates Kiwi family life by showing a number of quirky, relatable moments from hyperactive kids and sleepy toddlers to dinosaur costumes and cheer squads.

MMNZ says many of the scenarios were inspired by real-life anecdotes from employees and brought to life by their own children.

“Nobody knows the weird and wonderful challenges ‘seven-seat parents’ encounter each day better than the MMNZ team who live the Outlander brand,” adds Congdon.

The campaign, much of which was filmed at MMNZ’s head office in Porirua, was developed in partnership with Wellington-based agency Once Upon a Time, directed by Ro Tierney, produced by Louise de Groen and led from MMNZ’s side by Reece Congdon, Jordan Roes and Alice Heyward. 

Petrol models of the 2025 Outlander have started arriving in dealerships, with PHEV variants due in September.

Available in five or seven-seat configurations across petrol and PHEV variants, with 2WD and 4WD options, the latest model offers features designed to meet the demands of busy Kiwi life.

These include enhanced safety technology, up to 100km pure EV range and up to 950km combined range on PHEV models, a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and updated exterior styling and new wheel design.

“The 2025 Outlander is smarter, safer and even better equipped to handle Kiwi life in all its forms – from beach trips to school runs, muddy mountain bike weekends and everything in between,” says Congdon. 

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is available from $43,990 plus on-road costs.