MMNZ rewards Diamond Dealers in a year of growth 

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) increased its sales and market share in 2024. Recently it celebrated the standout performers contributing to those results at its annual Diamond Dealer awards. The ceremony was held at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort on May 19. 

While the total market fell by 14 per cent last year, MMNZ grew its overall share to 11.7 per cent with 14,156 registrations. That is an almost six per cent increase from the previous calendar year.  And it cemented its third-place position. 

ASX and Outlander models were the second and third most popular passenger vehicles in 2024. Triton the third most popular light commercial vehicle. Eclipse Cross was the fourth Mitsubishi amongst the top ten, in sixth position.

MMNZ Chief Operating Officer Tony Johnston commented: “In a challenging market, it’s exceptional value and customer service that will help to get you across the line. 

“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 continues into 2025, with MMNZ holding second place in the market with 4116 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 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 

Mike Morrison 

First-time Diamond Dealer Morrison Mitsubishi Sockburn stole the headlines at this year’s awards. 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. 

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. He has 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 return, 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, is back for more. Nicole and Mark took over the dealership four years ago and have rapidly 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 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. They set a high bar for all parts and service teams across the country.  

Cavanagh Motors – Bruce Jensen 

With a new visual identity installed, 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 Director’s Award 

Stefan Cooper, Ingham Mitsubishi Te Awamutu