Mitsubishi’s target vehicle strategy addresses diverse customer lifestyles
12 times Dakar Rally winners Mitsubishi Motors have among the best vehicles on the market. Their range has been manufactured to cater to South African conditions making them class-leading in every regard. But, like many manufactures, 2020 saw a huge decline in sales for Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) with the COVID-19 restrictions being almost a nail in the coffin. Despite this, MMSA has announced that there may be an uprise of hope.
Nic Campbell, General Manager of MMSA says “Continued customer interest in our diverse range proves that we are getting the mix right in terms of our model derivatives and our target markets,”
Leading the forefront of the MMSA’s sales is the Eclipse Cross. This of course is no surprise as compact SUV’s have been in high demand lately. The Eclipse Cross combines style with excellent driving dynamics and intuitive safety technology, making it the ideal option for buyers. Campbell added that although there are three Eclipse Cross models on offer, the 1.5-litre version with its CVT has reigned supreme as the most popular. This partially thanks to its nifty turbocharged engine that produces 110 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque.
Another booster in sales for Mitsubishi has become the Triton model. This too is no surprise as South Africa’s bakkie market has continued to soar despite the increased demand for SUV’s. Here, the 2.4-litre 4x4 model with a six-speed manual transmission has become the crown jewel in sales.
“The bold Triton is engineered beyond tough. Whether you need the practicality of a dedicated workhorse or the luxury and versatility of an SUV, the Triton’s combination of super-responsive, smooth, and powerful performance, silky transmission, and passenger-friendly features is exactly what buyers in this segment require,” Campbell enthuses.
Another star in sales for MMSA has become the ASX as well, the 2.0 CVT model to be specific. MMSA targeted young families with this urbanised SUV and has clearly reaped the benefits. The ASX may be a compact SUV but it still provides plenty of room inside, as well as a spacious boot. Campbell continued. “Add to that appealing styling, good performance, and plenty of space and it’s easy to see how the ASX manages to hold its own against other offerings in the market.”
Last on MMSA list of successful sales, is the highly praised Pajero Sport. Locally available in three models, the 2.4 4x4 model with its advanced eight-speed automatic transmission has become a big hit in sales and a clear favourite for consumers.
Campbell closed off by saying “We have a solid reputation for being able to identify demands and shaping our new vehicle strategy accordingly. Watch this space, because MMSA has no intention of letting up,”
