Mitsubishi claims top spot

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) remains the country’s most popular car brand of 2022 after topping 2,000 retail sales last month.

Demand for its new vehicles means it’s number one on the mid-year ladder for registrations, which follows a strong end-of-financial-year performance with three “record-busting results backed by five years of steady growth”.

Daniel Cook, chief operating officer, says MMNZ’s ongoing strong results are underpinned by a “proven product range suited to diverse Kiwi lifestyles”, which includes the market-leading PHEV Outlander and Eclipse Cross. 

He also pays tribute to the quality of service and dedication of the entire Mitsubishi Motors team. “Credit for our remarkable performance must go to teams on the ground,” says Cook, pictured. “It’s their expertise and dedication that saw Mitsubishi Motors awarded most satisfied customers by Canstar Blue in 2021.

“We’ve rapidly gained market share over the past five years thanks largely to the hard work and ambition of the dealer network, as well as successfully navigating supply difficulties faced by the industry globally.”

Pointing to the success of Mitsubishi’s PHEV range, Cook says the team takes its responsibility in helping to lower the country’s vehicle emissions “very seriously”.

“Kiwis have embraced our plug-in hybrid technology, and the Outlander and Eclipse Cross PHEVs are well-equipped to meet that challenge.

“Our target for 2022 is for PHEV products to make up one-third of our total sales, a feat that can’t be matched by our closest competitors. We have the right product to suit New Zealand’s needs in this changing climate and our sales are testament to that.”

Cook adds MMNZ’s “exceptional performance” has been recognised by a visit from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s president, Takao Kato.

“This support meant a lot to our team. During his trip, Kato san pledged his support to keeping MMNZ in the top spot for the full year. We will all be working hard to ensure that’s the case and to keep supplying our customers with vehicles in a timely manner.”

According to NZTA statistics, MMNZ sold 1,827 new passenger vehicles and 179 new commercials during June.