[benbsb29]

While the Mitsubishi-Nissan alliance has made it to #1 in global sales numbers, it is interesting to see how this merger has helped leapfrog VW in the numbers game. More so, when Mitsubishi has been known for lacklustre numbers in certain markets as well as an almost negligible presence in the US auto market.

A fact i had noticed right from the time i was here in Australia, is how Mitsubishi enjoys a strong presence in this market, and more so one where it sees a good number of brand new cars roll off the showroom floors. Now, the numbers are there for all to see.

Mitsubishi have taken the decision to focus on their core strengths which is in the Utility vehicle/SUV segment, with an almost negligible presence in the passenger car segment. Even there, with the Lancer soon reaching the end of its life-cycle, it is as good as not having a worthwhile representative.

What Mitsubishi brings to the table with their offerings is reliability, as well as value for money alternatives, as compared to their Japanese brethren with the hallowed T badge.

Here's an analysis of Mitsubishi's strong performance in the Australian market, with data based on the article on www.caradvice.com.au

However, the value-driven company might be quietly laughing to itself right now, after posting 21,215 sales over the first quarter (Q1) of 2018, up 15 per cent over its record 2017 result.

This places it fourth in-market, behind Hyundai but ahead of Ford, Nissan and Holden.

The company did even better in March, finishing third overall and ahead of Hyundai, with 8810 units and market share of 7.3 per cent. It was the company’s highest March on record, which is a pretty good way to wrap up the Japanese financial year.

Mitsubishi was also the market’s #3 SUV brand over Q1, with 12,538 sales placing it behind only Mazda (13,386) and Toyota (19,405), and ahead of Alliance partner Nissan.

Mitsubishi also seems to have struck gold with their latest offering in this market, which is the Eclipse Cross, a mini SUV which slots in between the ASX (#1 seller in its segment) and the Outlander. Even the aging but legendary Pajero saw a 8% jump over Q1 sales.



What the Australian market has proved is that for the right kit, reliability and price there is always a market for the taking. I couldn't be happier having grown up with a Mitsubishi L200 pickup(Also called the Triton) and a Lancer in the family, and now owing a Pajero.

Link to original article : https://www.caradvice.com.au/637431/...sales-success/

[raj_5004]

My life started in UAE with a Lancer 2.0 GT. UAE never received the 2.4 in the Lancer.

It was a great car and gave me absolutely no issues except for a AC refrigerant leak, at which point I sold off the car. And it had an amazing resale value as well. The CVT gearbox was a big dud though and the car made a racket at high RPM.

Mitsubishi enjoys a decent market share due to the Lancer and Pajero in UAE. But there is no hiding from the fact that sales is dying and the sole reason is that other players are offering much more advanced products at a little more cost. Whereas Mitsubishi is still selling the age old models which simply lacks the jazz these days.

Their new offerings like Montero Sport, Outlander & Eclipse Cross have found next to no takers in UAE.

And now they have slashed their prices heavily affecting the resale value of the cars bought initially at higher prices. Also, their local dealership is not up to the mark and offers very sub par experience to the owners during service visits. Would you believe that you need to stand in a queue behind 10 people when you drop-off your car for service? And this is Dubai where customers are treated like GOD everywhere else!

Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Mazda, etc. offers very attractive warranty and service packages too. Mitsubishi does not even offer that.

[GTO]

Nice read, thanks for sharing Benny!

Originally Posted by benbsb29

While the Mitsubishi-Nissan alliance has made it to #1 in global sales numbers

More like Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi. In that order, due to Mitsubishi's minuscule size compared to the other two.

i was here in Australia, is how Mitsubishi enjoys a strong presence in this market

And the Aussies really love their Landcruisers & Pajeros, no?

Even the aging but legendary Pajero saw a 8% jump over Q1 sales.

I find it fascinating how consistently weak brands find rare success in some country or the other. There's Buick in China, Suzuki in India and Mitsubishi in Australia. Buick would have probably been killed off by now, if it weren't for the Chinese love affair. Likewise, Suzuki is a cheap, basement bargain brand worldwide; In India, it rules!

[benbsb29]

Originally Posted by raj_5004

My life started in UAE with a Lancer 2.0 GT. UAE never received the 2.4 in the Lancer.

It was a great car and gave me absolutely no issues except for a AC refrigerant leak, at which point I sold off the car. And it had an amazing resale value as well. The CVT gearbox was a big dud though and the car made a racket at high RPM.

My dad's grouse used to be that the spares were priced higher in comparison to the equivalent Toyota.

Originally Posted by raj_5004

Mitsubishi enjoys a decent market share due to the Lancer and Pajero in UAE. But there is no hiding from the fact that sales is dying and the sole reason is that other players are offering much more advanced products at a little more cost. Whereas Mitsubishi is still selling the age old models which simply lacks the jazz these days.

Their new offerings like Montero Sport, Outlander & Eclipse Cross have found next to no takers in UAE.

Thanks for the insight on Mitsubishi's sales performance in the UAE market.
Interesting to see, as the exact opposite is seen in the Australian market with their new offerings.

Originally Posted by raj_5004

And now they have slashed their prices heavily affecting the resale value of the cars bought initially at higher prices.

Kinda reminds you of Ford in India, doesn't it?

Originally Posted by raj_5004

Also, their local dealership is not up to the mark and offers very sub par experience to the owners during service visits. Would you believe that you need to stand in a queue behind 10 people when you drop-off your car for service? And this is Dubai where customers are treated like GOD everywhere else!

Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Mazda, etc. offers very attractive warranty and service packages too. Mitsubishi does not even offer that.

Is this the same Al Habtoor motors group? I remember them from my childhood days. Well, they better buckle up if they intend to survive.

Originally Posted by GTO

Nice read, thanks for sharing Benny!


More like Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi. In that order, due to Mitsubishi's minuscule size compared to the other two.

True. Also, with Mitsubishi being the last into the fold, they would be named last in the conglomerate.

Originally Posted by GTO

And the Aussies really love their Landcruisers & Pajeros, no?

Lancers were quite popular, but i suppose the lack of a new model means the sales might be dropping. Even then i see quite a few new ones, noticeable with the facelifted bumper and DRLs.



Pajero for its age continues to sell in decent numbers. I guess the name speaks for itself. So much so that it doesnt necessarily find a place on the showroom floor of the dealership i visited for the warranty recalls on my Pajero. The sales push is now more towards the Pajero Sport.

For those interested, this should be a good watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTwUVAPUpRY

Originally Posted by GTO

I find it fascinating how consistently weak brands find rare success in some country or the other. There's Buick in China, Suzuki in India and Mitsubishi in Australia. Buick would have probably been killed off by now, if it weren't for the Chinese love affair. Likewise, Suzuki is a cheap, basement bargain brand worldwide; In India, it rules!

Good point. It is indeed amazing!

[Nonstop-driver]

Originally Posted by benbsb29

Mitsubishi also seems to have struck gold with their latest offering in this market, which is the Eclipse Cross, a mini SUV which slots in between the ASX (#1 seller in its segment) and the Outlander. Even the aging but legendary Pajero saw a 8% jump over Q1 sales.

Attachment 1750588

That design bears an extremely high resemblance with Indian Creta. The wheels, bodyline crease, window line, fog lamps, overall size and stance.. Swap the headlamps and grille and it will look like a facelift of the same car.

[benbsb29]

Originally Posted by Nonstop-driver

That design bears an extremely high resemblance with Indian Creta. The wheels, bodyline crease, window line, fog lamps, overall size and stance.. Swap the headlamps and grille and it will look like a facelift of the same car.

Being of similar dimensions, there are bound to be some similarities. However, i disagree that it looks almost like a Creta. The Eclipse Cross has more cuts and creases, and not to forget an unmistakable rear. That said, i don't really find its looks appealing.

[Sankar]

I follow Andrew, a 4x4 journalist, on youtube and since I like Pajero. Since we are on Mitsubishi here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCXcKkUqAAU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvPdEHD8qvg

Montero Overlanding Part1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTC_Xdb7Iz8

Part 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhI6-TLwpSQ