Plug-in hybrids make history

The PHEV variants of the Outlander and Eclipse Cross were among April’s top-three best-selling new vehicles – the first time two plug-in hybrids have achieved that feat in this country.

Mitsubishi Motors NZ (MMNZ) claimed second place overall among marques with 1,168 registrations last month.

That total included 971 PHEVs, which made up 60 per cent of the marque’s sales volume for April.

Another 1,500 plug-in hybrids have already been sold and are awaiting delivery as MMNZ remains the country’s overall best-selling new-vehicle brand of 2022.

Mitsubishi finished April in dominant fashion, propelled by the Eclipse Cross PHEV with 496 units and the Outlander PHEV, pictured, on 475.

“Since launching the next-generation Outlander PHEV two months ago, we’ve fielded an unprecedented level of enquiry for our plug-in hybrid range,” said Reece Congdon, MMNZ’s head of marketing and corporate affairs.

“Having two PHEV models break into the top three for the month and accounting for 11 per cent of the total market share for April is a huge testament to how well-positioned they are for families and young professionals.”

Congdon adds that, heading into winter, the forecast for MMNZ PHEV sales continues to look sunny with 1,500 more customers awaiting delivery of confirmed orders.

“At a time of rising fuel costs, squeezed household budgets and environmental concerns, we’re proud to be seen as the hybrid brand of choice for Kiwis.”

The Eclipse Cross PHEV has an electric range of 55km and combined range of up to 650km, while the Outlander PHEV comes in at 84km and 900km respectively. Both qualify for a clean car discount of $5,750.

April’s results come hot on the heels of a record-breaking March, which saw 3,566 registrations and a financial year best of 23,666 units – an 82.9 per cent increase from the modern-day high of 12,954 units set in the 2019 financial year.