MMNZ celebrates Diamond Dealers and gears up for landmark year

Bay City Mitsubishi named Supreme Diamond Dealer for the third time in four years
MMNZ retains third overall market position and second in passenger vehicles
14,172 new vehicles sold, delivering a 10.4% market share
Diamond Dealer awards held at Tākina Wellington, attended by more than 200 dealer and head office staff
All-new Outlander Sport revealed, the first of three new Mitsubishi models launching in 2026

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) has capped another year of strong performance by recognising the standout members of its nationwide dealer network at the 2026 Diamond Dealer awards, held at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre on May 8.

Against a competitive market backdrop, MMNZ once again secured third place overall, while maintaining its position as the second most popular passenger vehicle brand in the country. This was driven by strong sales of the ASX and Outlander models, which were the second and third highest-selling passenger vehicles respectively, and Triton as the third most popular light commercial vehicle.

A total of 14,172 new vehicles were sold across the year, delivering a 10.4% market share – a result that reflects both the enduring appeal of the Mitsubishi range and the strength of its dealer network nationwide.

That momentum carried into the awards evening, which brought together more than 200 attendees from across the dealer network and MMNZ head office. The event also provided a glimpse into the future, with the reveal of the Outlander Sport HEV – Mitsubishi’s first hybrid electric vehicle for New Zealand – kicking off a major product rollout of three new models in 2026.

MMNZ Chief Operating Officer Tony Johnston said the 2025 sales results speak to the strength and resilience of the brand and the people behind it.

“In a market that continues to evolve, to hold our position and deliver more than 14,000 vehicles is an outstanding performance,” said Johnston.

“But what really underpins that is our dealer network – our dealers are the face of Mitsubishi in communities right across the country. Their commitment to customers, their ability to adapt, and the pride they take in what they do is what keeps Mitsubishi relevant to Kiwis right across the country and underpins everything we achieve as a business."

“Our Diamond Dealer awards are about recognising the very best of that effort – the teams who go above and beyond, year in and year out.”

Johnston said the breadth of winners highlights the depth of talent across the network.

“What stands out every year is just how competitive these awards are. To be recognised at this level means you’re delivering excellence across every part of the business – and doing it consistently."

“It’s a huge achievement, and one that reflects the pride our dealers take not just in selling vehicles, but in building long-term relationships with their customers.”

With a strong pipeline of new product and a highly engaged dealer network, MMNZ heads into 2026 with confidence – and with its Diamond Dealers once again leading the way.

2026 MMNZ Diamond Dealers:

Bay City Mitsubishi (Tauranga)
Morrison Mitsubishi Sockburn
Wayne Kirk Mitsubishi Hastings
W.R. Phillips Mitsubishi (New Plymouth)
Morrison Mitsubishi Ashburton
Delaney Mitsubishi (Kapiti Coast)
Simon Lucas Mitsubishi (Auckland)
Baigent Motors (Matamata)
Peter Keown Automotives (Oamaru)

2026 Supreme Diamond Dealer:

Bay City Mitsubishi

Bay City Mitsubishi – Aaron Chatfield

Bay City Mitsubishi once again set the benchmark across the network, taking out the coveted Supreme Diamond Dealer title, as well as Overall Parts Excellence.

Bay City Mitsubishi is one of the most accomplished dealerships in the MMNZ network. With 17 Diamond Dealer awards to his name (13 in a row) and consecutive Supreme Diamond Dealer awards between 2023-2024, and now in 2026, his Bay City team continues to set the standard in a competitive region.

Morrison Mitsubishi Sockburn – Mike Morrison

After stealing the headlines at last year's award as a first-time Diamond Dealer taking out the coveted Supreme Diamond Dealer title, Morrison Mitsubishi Sockburn has retained its Diamond Dealer status for a second year running. Having only been in operation since October 2021, Mike Morrison and his team have quickly become standout performers thanks to their high standards and strong community connections.

W.R. Phillips – Paul & Julia Phillips

A benchmark for consistency, W.R. Phillips has now won six Diamond Dealer titles in a row, underpinned by strong performances across the board and a deep connection to its New Plymouth community.

Delaney Mitsubishi - Brent & Rachel Delaney

With a string of parts and service awards to their name, Brent and Rachel Delaney added vehicle sales to their Kapiti Coast dealership in 2021 and won their first Diamond Dealer title in 2024. Their drive to stay on the coveted Diamond Dealers list has delivered their third-consecutive award and the top spot in Customer Service Excellence - Group 3.

Baigent Motors – Justin Scelly

One of MMNZ’s most awarded parts and service dealers, Justin Scelly oversees the exceptional Waikato-based Baigent Motors team that has just secured its eighth Diamond Dealer award in a row – continuing to set a very high bar for all parts and service teams across the country.

Wayne Kirk Mitsubishi Hastings – Sam Kirk & Emily Pederson

Deeply embedded in its Hawke’s Bay community, Wayne Kirk Mitsubishi has built a reputation on strong local knowledge, consistent performance and a commitment to customer service. Wayne and Anna’s six Diamond Dealer titles have set a high bar, and with the dealership now under the leadership of the next generation, Sam Kirk is already rising to the challenge with his first Diamond Dealer win.

Simon Lucas Mitsubishi (North Shore) – Simon and Carolyn Lucas

A long-time high performer within the network, Simon Lucas Mitsubishi continues to deliver consistent results, blending experience with a strong customer-first approach. Back on the winner’s podium for the first time since 2024, Simon Lucas Mitsubishi now has 14 Diamond Dealer titles.

Peter Keown Mitsubishi – Peter and Susan Keown

Oamaru-based Peter Keown Mitsubishi has been delivering excellence with Mitsubishi since 2001. A trusted name in its region, Peter Keown Automotives won its first Diamond Dealer Award in 2024 and will be taking home another trophy to the community it represents.

Morrison Mitsubishi Ashburton – Mike Morrison

Backing up success across multiple locations, the Morrison Mitsubishi Ashburton operation, led by the 2025 winner of the Managing Director’s Award Mike Morrison, continues to deliver strong results, driven by a disciplined approach and a clear focus on customer satisfaction.

Manukau Autos – Jason Robb

A newcomer to the Mitsubishi network in 2025, this South Auckland dealership has wasted no time making an impact, topping the country in customer service index scores in its first year. Driven by a mission to make vehicle ownership better for every customer, Jason Robb and his team have set a high benchmark from day one – making this year’s Managing Director’s Award a fitting result.

Award winners across the network

In addition to Diamond Dealer honours, standout performances were recognised across a range of key categories:

Overall Service Excellence:

Magnus Lennie

Overall Parts Excellence:

Bay City Mitsubishi

Finance Dealer of the Year:

Andrew Simms Mitsubishi Botany

Customer Service Excellence:

Group 1: Manukau Autos
Group 2: McVerry Crawford Mitsubishi Palmerston North
Group 3: Delaney Mitsubishi
Parts & Service: Cavanagh Motors