Defying headwinds across the automotive industry, Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) increased its sales and market share in 2024 and, on 19 May, celebrated the standout performers, who contributed to those results, at its annual Diamond Dealer awards – held this year at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort.
Against a 14.1% decline in the total market during CY24, MMNZ grew its overall share to 11.7% with 14,156 registrations – a 5.5% increase from CY23 (+744 units), cementing its third-place position and reaffirming the brand as the preferred choice for many Kiwis across the country.
ASX and Outlander models were the second and third highest-selling passenger vehicles respectively, with Triton the third most popular light commercial vehicle. Eclipse Cross rounded-out Mitsubishis' fourth entry In the top ten at sixth more popular vehicle In Nz.
“In a challenging market, it’s exceptional value and customer service that will help to get you across the line,” said MMNZ Chief Operating Officer Tony Johnston. "These are both things that customers associate with our brand and which is why, while the broader market contracted, we continued to build momentum.”
That momentum has continued into 2025, with MMNZ holding second place in the market with 4,116 registrations as of April.
“That’s also a testament to the resilience and commitment of our dealers across the country, and the enduring strength of our vehicle range,” said Johnston.
“We never rest on our laurels – as a business or at a dealer level – and, while the hard work continues across every aspect of sales, parts and service, our annual Diamond Dealer event is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the very best of our high-achieving teams across the country – and incentivise next year’s winners.
“I’d like to congratulate our 2025 winners and say a big thank you to all of our dealers and their teams for never losing sight of the fact that our success is only ever measured in the satisfaction and loyalty of our customers.”
2025 MMNZ Diamond Dealers:
- Bay City Mitsubishi
- Brendan Foot Mitsubishi
- Delaney Mitsubishi
- Mexted Mitsubishi
- Morrison Mitsubishi Sockburn
- Piako Mitsubishi Morrinsville
- WR Phillips Mitsubishi
- Baigent Motors
- Cavanagh Motors
2025 Supreme Diamond Dealer:
- Morrison Mitsubishi Sockburn
Morrison Mitsubishi Sockburn – Mike Morrison
First-time Diamond Dealer Morrison Mitsubishi Sockburn stole the headlines at this year’s awards – and not just for being named Supreme Diamond Dealer. 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. Morrison Mitsubishi Sockburn is also the 2025 Finance Dealer of the Year and finished top of its group for Customer Service Excellence. That’s one way to fill a trophy cabinet!
Piako Mitsubishi Morrinsville – Darrell Russell
Darrell Russell and his team at Piako Mitsubishi Morrinsville continue to punch above their weight. This year’s success means Darrell now has an unsurpassed 17 Diamond Dealer awards to his name – and he also topped the charts for New Vehicle Sales in his group. The success of the dealership is rooted in a rural community with just 11,000 inhabitants, making this an even more remarkable story.
Brendan Foot Mitsubishi – Dave Foot
After going back-to-back in 2021 and 2022, Brendan Foot Mitsubishi makes a well-deserved return as a Diamond Dealer. Dave Foot and his team have come back in style, also taking home Top Market Share for their group.
Mexted Mitsubishi – Nicole & Mark Munkittrick
After getting a taste for success in 2024, Mexted Mitsubishi – based in Tawa, just north of Wellington – is back for more. Nicole and Mark took over the dealership four years ago and have rapidily proved their worth as Diamond Dealers. Mexted Mitsubishi also won Top Market Share for its group.
WR Phillips – Paul & Julia Phillips
WR Phillips has now won five Diamond Dealer titles in a row, thanks to strong performances across the board and a deep connection to its New Plymouth community. Paul and Julia also had the highest sales number in their group for a second consecutive year.
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 last year. They’re back for more with a second-consecutive award – and, to prove they haven’t forgotten their roots, also took home the Overall Parts Excellence award.
Bay City Mitsubishi – Aaron Chatfield
Aaron Chatfield is one of the most successful dealers in the MMNZ network. With 16 Diamond Dealer awards to his name (12 in a row) and consecutive Supreme Diamond Dealer awards between 2023-2024, his Bay City team continues to set the standard in a competitive region.
Baigent Motors – Justin Scelly
As MMNZ’s most awarded parts and service dealer, Justin Scelly oversees an exceptional team that now has a seventh Diamond Dealer award in a row to its name – setting a very high bar for all parts and service teams across the country.
Cavanagh Motors – Bruce Jensen
With their brand-new Visual Identity installed in Te Puke, Bruce and his Cavanagh Motors team hope their Diamond Dealer award for parts and service is the first of many, proving there’s more to Te Puke than kiwifruit and honeybees.
Overall Service Excellence
- Andrew Simms Mitsubishi Newmarket
Overall Parts Excellence
- Delaney Mitsubishi
Customer Excellence Award
- Peter Keown Automotive
Finance Dealer of the Year
- Morrison Mitsubishi Sockburn
Customer Service Excellence
Group 1: Morrison Mitsubishi Sockburn
Group 2: Mcverry Crawford Mitsubishi Palmerston North
Group 3: Delaney Mitsubishi
Top New Vehicle Sales
Group 1: Andrew Simms Mitsubishi Newmarket
Group 2: W.R. Phillips Mitsubishi
Group 3: Piako Mitsubishi Morrinsville
Top Market Share
Group 1: Brendan Foot Mitsubishi
Group 2: Mexted Motors Mitsubishi
Group 3: Archibald Motors
Managing Directors Award
Stefan Cooper, Ingham Mitsubishi Te Awamutu
For any enquiries, please contact:
Reece Congdon
021 470 296