Triton brings the challenge to competitors
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
- Product News
- 21 November 2024
Mitsubishi Motors in Empangeni has emerged as the brand’s Dealer of the Year 2022, following a closely fought contest between all the dealers across the country.
Achieving this prestigious status is no mean feat, and dealer performance is closely monitored throughout, meaning they have to be at the top of their game every day.
“With the recently introduced Triton Single Cab and the entire Triton range being refreshed plus the fact the new Xpander is on its way, dealers are excited about the fact that they can offer customers state-of-the-art products at affordable prices,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing.
“Added to that, there is an impetus in the market as the COVID losses are slowly being turned around, and this reflects directly in significantly increased sales within the group.”
Mitsubishi Motors SA (MMSA) was recently the recipient of a Gold Award as the ‘Most Improved’ brand at the recent National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) awards with 2.8% improvement compared to last year.
Thato Magasa, Managing Director of MMSA, said: “The improved sales results are extremely positive, and the DOTY is an opportunity for us to come together and align our efforts as well as celebrate our business.
“We have the right product – and I am excited about the new products still to come – and we have a solid, enthusiastic and dedicated dealer network that will help us grow even more.”
According to Thato, the South African buyer still prefers going to a dealership for a person-to-person purchase. “We have taken note of that and worked hard to ensure that all our dealers’ operating standards are consistent, and this shows in the improvements we have achieved in Customer Satisfaction.
“Interestingly, 67% of vehicle services handled by our dealers are for vehicles that are out of warranty – testimony to the longevity and reliability of the product.”
Unlike in the past, when dealerships primarily waited for customers to come to them, we now take a more proactive approach, bringing our vehicles directly to places where people gather, allowing them to experience the product first-hand, including offering test drives,” says Gerrie van der Kaay, Dealer Principal at Supergroup Dealerships Jetour Midrand.
One of the latest Chinese automotive brands to establish itself in South Africa, GAC Motor, is benefitting from the expertise of well-known motor groups in the country, like the BB Motor Group.
Stellantis has announced the expansion of its multi-franchise dealer network with the addition of the Fiat and Jeep brands to the existing Westvaal Motor Group dealership in Klerksdorp in North West Province.