Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) president Takao Keto hosted the brands 2022 national dealer conference in Australia, telling guests that the company will resurrect the Ralliart sub brand as a future driver of emotion.
Kato says he was impressed by his first visit to Mitsubishi Motor Australia Limited’s (MMAL) new Adelaide Head Office, in particular noting the investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, solar power generation and upcoming installation of bi-directional charging equipment.
He congratulated MMAL’s dealer network and staff for their combined efforts over the last two years, citing their resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the supply-constrained market, to achieve sales growth and achieve third place in Australian sales over the 2021 Japanese Financial Year (which ended 31 March 2022).
“Australia is a core part of the global Mitsubishi Motors family. Your ability to perform throughout challenging conditions greatly contributed to our company’s success last year. I know it was not easy, so thank you for your hard work and dedication,” Kato says.
“We are investing heavily to secure a robust product line up for the longterm future with core markets like Australia front of mind.
“Global market conditions remain volatile and will continue to present challenges, and opportunities, for Mitsubishi Motors in the coming year.
“I am confident that with focus and commitment, we will be able to overcome these together to achieve our objectives,” he says.
Kato also outlined the company’s future brand direction, “developing environmentally-friendly vehicles that embody the unique ‘Mitsubishi Motors-ness’, combining safety, security and comfort”.
MMAL chief executive Shaun Westcott says he was proud to showcase the new head office and give Kato the opportunity to understand the Australian market first-hand.
“Mr Kato’s visit has been invigorating for both our dealer network and our staff,” he says.
“MMAL has strong ambitions to sustainably grow in Australia, by using our unique sense of adventure and combining it with a truly environmental focus.
“We have been delighted at how well received our strategies have been received by Mr Kato, and to hear his insights into the future of Mitsubishi Motors and the impact the Australian business can make,” he said.
2022 Distinguished Dealer Award
Kato was also on-hand to personally congratulate MMAL’s highest performing dealers as part of the prestigious Distinguished Dealer Award ceremony, alongside Westcott.
“Recipients of this award have demonstrated an engagement and willingness to work with us through challenging business conditions,” said Westcott.
“They embody exactly what it means to be part of the Mitsubishi Motors network.”
Established in 1981, MMAL’s Distinguished Dealer Award is the highest accolade available to a Mitsubishi dealer, celebrating success across sales, after sales and customer experience.
Award Winners
Australian Motors Mitsubishi Morphett Vale – Dylan Nunn
This was the third straight year Australian Motors Mitsubishi Morphett Vale has won the award, and the fifth time overall.
Motorama Mitsubishi Moorooka – Joel Mullins
Motorama has now taken back-to-back awards, and 2022 represents the fifth time Motorama has taken the award.
Wanneroo Mitsubishi – Glenn Miller
This is the sixth such award for the Wanneroo Mitsubishi team.
Werribee Mitsubishi – Brad Hopkins and Conrad Taylor
Werribee endured strict COVID state lockdowns to emerge victorious.
Ballarat Mitsubishi – Peter King
This is the third award for the Ballarat Mitsubishi team.
Wide Bay Mitsubishi – Jason Wiegmink
Wide Bay Mitsubishi was particularly acknowledged for exceptional customer service.
De Maria Mitsubishi – Frank De Maria)
Frank and his team have now taken back-to-back awards.
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