Mitsubishi Motors SA continues excellent performance

  • Mitsubishi Motors SA has received Gold status in the NADA DSI survey for the third year running.
  • The ongoing good performance is testament to a healthy relationship with its dealer network.
  • Mitsubishi Motors outperformed the industry average considerably and was ranked highly in a variety of the survey categories.

JOHANNESBURG – Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) achieved an excellent result in the latest National Automotive Dealer Association (NADA) Dealer Satisfaction Index, with a Gold status award for the third year running.

NADA has measured dealer’s satisfaction with their various automotive brands annually since 1996. A total of 34 independently researched brands participated in the 2023 NADA DSI survey which is conducted by the appointed research company Lightstone. The survey is conducted over 14 categories.

A total of 1 362 responses were received, 1181 of these were received from passenger or light commercial dealerships. The survey evaluates aspects such as dealer satisfaction, communication & relationships, vehicle range and vehicle distribution amongst others.

Mitsubishi achieved Gold status for the third year running with a score of 79,8 percent, outperforming the industry average of 76,4% considerably.

“The responses from our dealer network that participated in the survey are used to gauge our performance and are testament to the great relationship we have with our dealers across all aspects of the business,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager Marketing for Mitsubishi Motor South Africa.

Mitsubishi dealers ranked the brand highly in a variety of the measured categories including parts availability and technical training for dealer staff while Mitsubishi was also one of the best performers in the franchise compliance category.

“The NADA DSI awards are a great tool in highlighting where we can improve and refine our business operation to the advantage of our dealer network and ultimately our customers,” adds Allison.

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa have initiated a number of key strategic programs with the aim of improving all aspects of their business, including a recently launched fleet program to improve their value proposition for their dealer network and customers alike. The brand has also focused on improving their in-store experience through a reformed frontline staff learning and development program.

In 2023 we have both expanded and strengthened our dealer network and have put an immense amount of effort into ensuring that our dealers have a steady supply of the latest Mitsubishi products to offer customers. This will be bolstered as we completely refresh our line up with a number of exciting models over the next 12 months,” concludes Allison.

ENDS

Caption:

Left to right: L-R – Ghana Msibi (CEO WesBank), Steven Terblans (General Manager Aftersales – MMSA), Nic Campbell (General Manager Sales – MMSA), Ryan Seele (NADA)

Mitsubishi Xpander drives vital business goals for Basadi Automotive Group

  • Mitsubishi Motors South Africa are empowering the Basadi Automotive group with an all-new Mitsubishi Xpander.
  • Mitsubishi Motors are proud to assist an up and coming business partner with the tools needed to excel in the motor industry.
  • The versatility of the seven-seater Mitsubishi Xpander knows no boundaries.

JOHANNESBURG – Mitsubishi Motors South Africa have bolstered their partnership with the Basadi Automotive Group through the sponsorship of a Mitsubishi Xpander.

The keys to the branded Mitsubishi Xpander were handed over to Basadi Automotive Group founder Josephine Malakoane at Mitsubishi Bedfordview.

Basadi Automotive Group was established by Josephine Malakoane in 2018 and is 100 percent black female owned. The company specialises in vehicle transfers, vehicle carrier movements, de-fleet inspections and collections as well as new vehicle deliveries nationwide.

“Mitsubishi Motors SA has an existing partnership with Basadi Automotive Group through the Motus Enterprise and Supplier Development programme and we are delighted to help them take their business to the next level with the sponsorship of a Mitsubishi Xpander,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

The Mitsubishi Xpander’s combination of the versatility and practicality of a multipurpose vehicle thanks to its seven-seater capability combined with the rugged and sporty looks of an SUV make it perfectly suited to the needs of the Basadi group who will use the vehicle to transport drivers between vehicle collection points as part of Basadi Automotive Groups vehicle ferrying service.

“We previously relied on e-hailing services to move our drivers between vehicle drop off and collection points so the Mitsubishi Xpander is going to make a massive difference in our business operationally as it will allow us to be independent and more efficient in our daily operations,” explains Malakoane.

“The Xpander is perfect for our needs, it is spacious and comfortably accommodates seven adults, while it is also fuel efficient which is always a consideration in a business that does a lot of travelling. In addition the SUV styling of the Xpander means that we can travel in style without being mistaken for a minibus taxi,” adds Malakoane.

The Mitsubishi Xpander will be branded in Basadi Automotive livery which will also allow the vehicle to act as a moving billboard as it travels to dealerships and stock yards around the country.

“Mitsubishi Motors pride ourselves in developing long standing relationships, both with our customers, many of whom are loyal to the brand thanks to our reputation for reliability and durability as well as with our suppliers and partners. We are honoured to assist Basadi Automotive Group with the sponsorship of a vehicle and hope that it will allow them to serve our needs better, grow their business and be the start of a long and fruitful relationship,” says Allison.

The Mitsubishi Xpander is one of the top selling models in the Mitsubishi range thanks to its unique combination of practicality, SUV styling and a powerful yet fuel efficient engine.

The flexible seating of the Mitsubishi Xpander can be configured to suit a variety of needs. The second and third rows feature a 60/40 split, while the seats of the third row can be folded completely flat and stowed to create additional space in the cargo area.

Occupant comfort is guaranteed thanks to air-conditioning with a manual rear overhead cooler, electric windows all round, a USB port in the front, 120W power sockets to supply each row of seating and clever storage compartments under the seats to keep personal items out of the way but within reach.

Driver comfort is ensured thanks to a tilt and telescopic multifunction steering wheel that features Bluetooth and hands-free communication as well as a multimedia system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and a rear-view camera.

Powering the Xpander is a 1.5-litre DOHC 16-valve engine that features Mitsubishi’s Intelligent Innovative Valve Timing Lift Control (MIVEC) system and Electronically Controlled multipoint fuel injection, resulting in a peak output of 77kW at 6 000r/min and 141Nm at 4 000r/min.

Despite its formidable performance the Xpander will use just 6,7 litres/100km in manual guise and 7,0 litres/100km when paired with an automatic transmission.

Bolstering its people carrying status is the fitment of a variety of safety features as standard. The Xpander is built around an advanced all-direction collision reinforced impact safety evolution (RISE) body construction which incorporates side impact bars and an impact-absorbing structure at the front of the vehicle. Airbags for the driver and front passenger, seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters, ABS with EBD and Isofix child seat mounting points are in place to keep all occupants safe.