Mitsubishi drives towards growth

Mitsubishi Motors SA looks forward to continuing their growth momentum.

A variety of initiatives have been put in place to assist the Mitsubishi dealer network.

The brand will launch a number of new and updated models during 2023.

JOHANNESBURG – Mitsubishi Motors South Africa is looking ahead to a successful 2023 and have several strategies in place to take the brand to new heights. This includes a renewed focus on the dealer network and customers as well as the launch of a variety of new models, with the aim of increasing sales and market share. 

The continued success of the brand can be attributed to a rollout of new and updated models during 2022 including updates to the popular ASX, Pajero Sport Aspire, Xpander, Triton Heritage Edition as well as the rollout of single cab Triton models. This product offensive is set to continue into 2023 ensuring that the entire Mitsubishi range remains as fresh as possible. 

Globally, Mitsubishi’s current midterm plan focuses on steadily implementing structural reforms, enhancing growth and focusing on profitability with a target of selling 1.05 million cars during the 2022 financial year. 

Providing customers with reliable and attractive products by further advancing the genetic of 4WD and off-road performance which Mitsubishi vehicles are known for remains a key focus. 

A renewed focus on our dealer partners

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa remains committed to improving product competitiveness through product positioning and offering, will place renewed focus on building brand affinity and look forward to assisting their dealers by way of lead generation. 

“Mitsubishi understand that the dealer network is the heartbeat of the business and will be increasing the dealer network. A salesforce retention program is also in development to assist with attracting and retaining quality sales people,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA). 

“In recognition of the significance of our dealer network we have improved the contribution to dealer income and strive to offer a stable and consistent stock supply across our range. As a celebration of our dealer network, we will re-introduce the dealer of the year and diamond club,” adds Allison. 

Plans for growth in a challenging environment

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa understand the importance of doing business with big business and are developing a commercial vehicle range as well as increasing throughput through cross border, fleet and rental channels. 

During 2022 Mitsubishi Motors South Africa retailed 4315 new models with the Pajero Sport, Triton and Xpander responsible for the bulk of those sales.  Mitsubishi believe that several trends will impact the new car market this year. Improvements in production output and lower logistics costs will most likely lead to an oversupply of vehicles in the SA market while rising fuel prices, increased raw material costs and current dollar strength will lead to increased vehicle prices. 

The rising cost of living is eroding middle class disposable income while low GDP growth will impact business to business buying power,” says Allison. In the regulatory environment automotive aftermarket guidelines, Financial Intelligence Centre changes as well as the move towards cleaner fuels and Euro 5 engines. 

A renewed focus on customers will see Mitsubishi Motors South Africa launch customer loyalty programs as well as a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction. 

“Despite these challenges Mitsubishi Motors South Africa believe that there is still room for growth in the segments that we compete in and will continue to offer our customers the latest in terms of product, while sticking true to the values that make Mitsubishi products what they are,” concludes Allison

• Two models with new ES specification level added to ASX line-up
• One engine option and a choice of manual transmission or CV
• TEnhanced value proposition with an extensive list of standard comfort and safety features from just R369 995
• Additional top-of-the range Aspire model expected to arrive late March 2022

JOHANNESBURG – Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) is making its range of sought-after vehicles accessible to a wider customer base with the introduction of a new ES specification level for the popular ASX. Slotting in below the two existing models, henceforth badged as LS variants, there are now two new ES derivatives in either manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The ASX ES models cater to customers who put a high premium on value for money, but still demand a proven crossover SUV with the best possible combination of attractive design, advanced technology, spaciousness, fuel economy and competitive pricing.

“The ASX was first introduced in South Africa in 2011 and since its launch, over 9300 units have been sold in South Africa, making it the most successful model for the brand in the last decade. The ASX has also opened the Mitsubishi brand to younger families seeking access to the legendary Mitsubishi way of life. The addition of the two ES models with revised specification levels now places this lifestyle within reach of buyers for whom affordability is a greater consideration,” explains Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at MMSA.

Apart from featuring the same powertrain combinations as the LS models, the ES additions to the range also boast the same striking exterior styling, spacious interior, upgraded seats and advanced mechanics.

Exterior

Key exterior features include LED headlights and LED daytime running lights (DRL), as well as LED fog lamps and electrically adjustable foldaway mirrors. At the rear, ES models have LED brake lights, LED taillights, LED reverse lights and a rear spoiler with a high-mounted stop lamp.

Interior

Standout interior features of ES-specced models include electric windows all round, fabric upholstery and manual air-conditioning. A radio/CD player is standard, while a touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available as an option. USB and accessory sockets are provided, as is Bluetooth connectivity with hands-free voice control. Driver comfort is enhanced by the inclusion of cruise control.
The rear seats have a 60:40 split, and boot space is a respectable 406 litres with all seats in place. However, this can be expanded to 1 206 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Performance

The new ES models use the same engine as their LS siblings, this being Mitsubishi’s 2.0L MIVEC aluminium powerplant, offering 110 kW at 6 000 r/min and peak torque of 197 Nm at 4 200 r/min.
As with the LS specification level, the ES is available with a five-speed manual transmission or CVT.
Mitsubishi’s INVECS-III six-step CVT offers a good combination of performance and fuel efficiency.
The ASX boasts a towing capacity of 1 260 kg (braked) for the manual transmission and 750 kg for the CVT (unbraked), making it a great getaway partner for families who seek adventure outside of the city.

Safety

As with all Mitsubishi products, safety features abound in ASX ES models. These include hill start assist (HSA) and active stability and traction control (ASTC), as well as anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist (BAS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).
Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body construction, which provides superior all-direction collision safety design, is supplemented by side impact protection beams, a collapsible steering column, brake pedal recession protection and whiplash injury reduction seats to ensure optimal occupant safety. Driver, passenger and knee airbags as well as ISOFIX child seat anchor points are also standard as part of the package.
ASX ES models also boast rear park distance control and a keyless operating system with a unique smart key that works within a 70 cm radius from the vehicle for easy locking and unlocking. Once inside, the driver can start the engine with the simple touch of a button.

Warranty and service

The ASX range is covered by Mitsubishi’s three-year/100 000 km manufacturer warranty, a three-year /60 000 km service plan and three-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km or once a year.
“The ASX has proven itself to be a youthful, urbanised crossover SUV for those who appreciate quality, capability, practicality and versatility in a vehicle. With the introduction of the ES models, more South Africans will now be able to benefit from Mitsubishi’s impressive SUV heritage and unrivalled reputation, while enjoying enhanced affordability and value for money,” added Allison.
“Following the 2021 introduction of the Xpander, this is the next step in MMSA’s strategy to bring the brand to more local buyers by offering a wider range. It also marks the beginning of an extremely compelling product offensive in 2022 where we look to enhance our entire model range.”
MMSA has also confirmed the expected arrival of the limited edition ASX Aspire, which will feature refreshed exterior and interior styling.
”The Aspire nomenclature will be introduced across the Mitsubishi passenger vehicle range and will complement the Exceed derivatives. Aspire models will, however, be focused more on technology and styling enhancements,” Allison concluded.

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