Nine years of sustained growth. Record-breaking sales results. Third highest market share. As Mitsubishi Motors NZ continues its march towards a 10% slice of the market, the top-performing dealers from among its ranks were this weekend heralded for their contribution to the brand’s latest success.
In a year that included a number of highlights for MMNZ – including Triton outmuscling Hilux on more than one occasion to claim second spot in the ute rankings – its committed network of 56 dealers upped their game yet again to ensure the brand continues to exceed expectations.
Within a group that collectively achieved 8.4% market share for FY2018, with 12,954 sales, were eight outstanding performers, who led the front line across every aspect of their businesses – in sales, customer satisfaction, finance and service.
Those dealers have been awarded MMNZ’s highest accolade and named Diamond Dealers for 2019.
The winners are: Mexted Mitsubishi (Tawa), Bay City Mitsubishi (Tauranga), McVerry Crawford Palmerston North, Piako Mitsubishi Rotorua, Piako Mitsubishi Morrinsville, Archibald Mitsubishi (Kaitaia), Delaney Mitsubishi (Paraparaumu – Parts & Service), Baigent Motors (Matamata – Parts & Service)
“The success of the Mitsubishi brand in New Zealand is a shared success. We are extremely proud of our dealers and their unwavering drive for excellence,” said MMNZ chief operating officer Daniel Cook. “It takes a lot to maintain good results; it takes even more to better those results year after year.
“Our Diamond Dealer Awards programme is designed to recognise these achievements and to incentivise the continued push required within each dealership to reach our collective goal of 10% market share – an ambitious but achievable target.”
Strength in depth
Mr Cook pointed to the brand’s broad national appeal and dynamic vehicle range as key factors behind the network’s strong regional success this year.
“Our line-up has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of Kiwis across the country – in the city, in the country, in work and in play. Great vehicles, at great value, with great aftersales service and support make sense no matter where you call home,” said Mr Cook.
Mexted Mitsubishi (Tawa) – Alan and Helen Mexted
Mexted Mitsubishi retakes its seat at the top table after several years of coming close. While others have pipped them to the post in holding aloft the Diamond Dealer trophy, Mexted has been leading the way when it comes to service, winning the Excellence in Customer Service award in 2016, 2017, 2018 and again this year.
Mexted’s Michael Strudwick was named Best Service Advisor in MMNZ’s inaugural Technical Skills Competition in 2016 and reclaimed the title in 2018, while John Baker claimed Best Parts Advisor in 2017.
Bay City Mitsubishi (Tauranga) – Aaron & Angela Chatfield
Aaron and Angel Chatfield take home their sixth consecutive Diamond Dealer trophy, having delivered exceptional results from a facility under redevelopment through sheer tenacity and exceptional leadership. This pair have quickly made winning a habit, not missing a beat since taking over the dealership in 2014.
McVerry Crawford Palmerston North – Tom & Amy McVerry
This family dealership has enjoyed an exceptional year on all fronts of the business, achieving Top New Vehicle Sales within its group, as well as Overall Parts Excellence. This is their first Diamond Dealer award since 2014, and they’ve taken it in some style.
Piako Mitsubishi Rotorua – Nigel & Michelle Rumpler
After being named Finance Dealer of the Year in 2018, Nigel Rumpler and his team have topped their group for market share and claimed the ultimate prize – a realisation of the team’s determined effort to make a quick return to the winners’ circle, following their last appearance in 2016.
Piako Mitsubishi Morrinsville – Darrell & Catherine Russell
Darrell & Catherine Russell may need a new shelf in their trophy cabinet – or a larger cabinet altogether – as they head home with their ninth consecutive Diamond Dealer award out of a total of ten.
This dealership proves that operating in a town of less than 10,000 needn’t restrict business – especially with trusted parts and service support from Jono & Amiee Taaffe at nearby Piako Mitsubishi Te Aroha.
As the first dealership in Australasia to sport Mitsubishi Motors’ new global visual identity, on brand-new premises, the Russells have plenty of reasons to be proud of their continued success.
Archibald Mitsubishi (Kaitaia) – Andrew Archibald & Inna Shibiloua
Since last winning top prize in 2014, the dealership operation has been passed down the family tree. In a short space of time, Andrew Archibald has stamped his own mark on the business to take this network leader to even greater heights.
A huge 38% market share has help propel the team to the top, underpinned by a solid all-round performance in aftersales and support.
Delaney Mitsubishi (Paraparaumu – Parts & Service) – Brent & Rachel Delaney
MMNZ’s commitment to ensuring the best aftersales care in the country continues to be upheld by this high-flying crew on the Kapiti Coast. Brent and Rachel Delaney are well known within their local community and renowned for the high level of service they provide. Their unstinting commitment to customer service makes them deserving winners of a third consecutive Parts and Service Diamond Dealer Award.
Baigent Mitsubishi (Matamata – Parts & Service) – Justin & Catherine Scelly
With a Diamond Dealer win in 2016, Justin & Catherine Scelly know what it takes to be the best. Strong supporters of MMNZ’s aftersales initiatives, the Scellys are among the network’s most innovative operators, putting their customers at the heart of everything they do. Their continued dedication to going the extra mile for their loyal rural base sees them return to take the second Parts and Service Diamond Dealer Award of 2019.
Further 2019 MMNZ award winners
Diamond Dealers were not the only winners to enjoy the limelight on MMNZ’s annual awards night. Other categories in which dealerships were rewarded for their excellence included:
Excellence in Customer Service
Group 1 - Stephen Duff Mitsubishi
Group 2 - Mexted Mitsubishi
Group 3 - McVerry Crawford - Fielding
Overall Parts Excellence
McVerry Crawford, Palmerston North
Overall Service Excellence
Auckland Motors
Top New Vehicle Sales
Group 1 - Andrew Simms Newmarket (1,104 units)
Group 2 - McVerry Palmerston North (472 unit)
Group 3 - Piako Mitsubishi Morrinsville (328 units)
Top Market Share
Group 1 - Andrew Simms Botany (9.0%)
Group 2 - Piako Mitsubishi Rotorua (15.3%)
Group 3 - Archibald Mitsubishi (38.0%)
Managing Directors Award
Brendan Foot Mitsubishi
Finance Dealer of the Year
Pacific Motor Group
The Diamond Dealer awards were this year held at Trinity Wharf, Tauranga