Before sunrise, Downer crews are already clearing slips on a storm-battered highway in Hawke’s Bay. On a power line outside Hamilton, technicians work to restore essential services. In Central Otago, a field team navigates frost-covered gravel roads to inspect a slip-prone hillside before the next weather front hits.

These are the moments where Downer steps in – helping to keep roads, rail and essential infrastructure safe and operational, even in the toughest conditions.

"We are an essential service provider due to our commitment to rapid response and restoration of key services" says Josh Hedley, Group General Manager Fleet ANZ - Downer. "Our people live and work in communities throughout New Zealand and have a very strong emergency response culture."

For more than a decade, Mitsubishi Motors NZ (MMNZ) has supported Downer’s nationwide operations with fleet vehicles equipped to meet the demands of every environment.

Downer operates around 2,500 Mitsubishi vehicles throughout New Zealand. From Triton and Pajero Sport tackling rugged backcountry terrain to Outlander and Eclipse Cross supporting teams in towns and cities, the fleet is designed to match New Zealand’s diverse geography and operational demands.

Fit For The Front Line

"Our passenger fleet is an essential part of our operations" says Josh. “Passenger vehicles play a crucial role supporting frontline teams to deliver essential services for communities across New Zealand.”

When it comes to vehicle selection, each model is assessed against operational tasks, geographic and environmental conditions, safety and compliance requirements, load and towing needs, sustainability considerations, and driver feedback.

“This ensures our people have the right vehicle to perform their roles safely and efficiently,” explains Josh.

For frontline infrastructure and construction crews, Triton is the go-to workhorse. With up to 1T payload and 3.5T braked towing capacity, reliable off-road performance, and versatile configurations, it enables teams to access remote or complex worksites and transport heavy tools, small plant, surveying equipment and site-specific materials.

“The Triton excels in rugged terrain and has proven invaluable across remote rural worksites, including transporting equipment into hill country and flood-affected areas,” says Josh.

Outlander is widely used by operational leaders and project supervisors, who spend long hours travelling between worksites. Its hybrid options, advanced safety features and interior space – alongside its storage capacity for specialist inspection tools, safety equipment and communications gear – make it well suited to both urban and regional work.

Eclipse Cross is ideal for mixed environments where compact size, manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency are essential for day-to-day travel.

Across the fleet, vehicles typically travel between 25,000-40,000km per year, making durability and whole-of-life performance critical. Fuel efficiency across the Mitsubishi range aligns with Downer’s operating cost management and emission-reduction targets.

A Partnership That Delivers

The relationship between Downer and MMNZ runs deeper than just a purchase agreement.

Felicity Butler, MMNZ National Fleet Sales Manager says the company is proud to play a role in helping Downer deliver essential services for communities across New Zealand.

“Supporting a fleet of this scale goes beyond supplying vehicles – it requires operational insight, lifecycle expertise and nationwide support. It’s all about delivering confidence across their operation.”

With Downer operations running 24/7, any vehicle out of action directly impacts the ability to respond and deliver on project deadlines.

“Reliable servicing, fast turnaround times and access to parts are critical,” says Josh “The scale of the Mitsubishi dealer network gives us confidence that timely support is available wherever our people are working.”

MMNZ understands how critical fleet reliability is, particularly when safety and response times are on the line. “Our Fleet Support Operations Team is committed to providing exceptional service every day to keep the wheels turning,” says Felicity.

After a decade of working together, the partnership continues to support Downer’s ability to be wherever Kiwis need them, whenever they need them – whatever the conditions.