Mitsubishi Motors UK’s sales success continues

Mitsubishi Motors UK has posted new vehicle sales of 10,111 units for quarter three, up 1% against last year, in a market that is down 2%. Mitsubishi is experiencing a significant new model transition period during which it has finished selling Space Star, Carisma and Shogun Pinin whilst Shogun, Shogun Sport and Outlander are all currently being phased out. Despite these changes, fresh products like the new L200 and Colt have ensured a strong sales performance.

The pick-up segment has continued to grow at an extraordinary rate, rising 17% so far this year. Mitsubishi’s new L200 and pre-2006 model have taken a 52% retail share this year, with sales up to the end of September almost equalling previous full year pick-up sales of 12,000 units. Mitsubishi retained overall segment leadership at 37% compared to Nissan Navara’s 31%, Ford Ranger’s 18% and Toyota Hilux’s 8%. This trend looks set to continue with the recent introductions of the L200 Club Cab and L200 Single Cab Tipper.

Sales of the Colt continued to grow in quarter three, with retail share in the competitive super-mini segment up to 1.28% vs. 1.22% in 2005. Special offers of one year’s free insurance and three years’ free servicing introduced as a package on the Colt for the first time in quarter three, were well received by buyers seeking a stylish, economical small car with a reputation for reliability. Shogun and Shogun Sport remain in demand, with both enjoying exceptionally loyal customer bases.

Lance Bradley, Sales & Marketing Director of Mitsubishi Motors UK states: “This has been a very successful quarter, particularly considering the changes we are experiencing in our model line-up. The new L200 continues to go from strength to strength and with over 8,000 sales in just seven months this distinctive vehicle has become an increasingly frequent sight on the roads.”

The new L200 pick-up is currently top of the retail light commercial vehicle sales charts with an 8% segment share. However, the new L200 is just one part of Mitsubishi’s popular range of light commercial vehicles which includes the pre-2006 model L200, the Shogun and Shogun Sport. Mitsubishi has the largest range of 4x4 commercial vehicles in the UK and is celebrating this fact by holding a “4Work Week” from November 4th-12th 2006, unveiling special offers on commercial products across its UK network of 141 dealers.