Company Vehicle: Can you identify your brand’s single leadership area when it comes to non-ICE product? PHEV/BEV/Self charge hybrid/MHEV or other?
Mitsubishi Motors NZ: Mitsubishi Motors is focused on being the global leader in Plug-In Hybrid Technology. Mitsubishi was the first brand to launch a PHEV SUV, and in New Zealand has become the dominant player with our Outlander and Eclipse models, comprising 67 percent of all PHEV sales in 2022.
Company Vehicle: What – in your opinion – makes your ‘hero’ non-ICE solution better than the others?
Mitsubishi Motors NZ: Kiwis have taken to PHEV, and Mitsubishi PHEV’s now make over 20 percent of all EV/PHEV sales nationally. Kiwi families and businesses love SUVs because they enable us to partake in the adventures our country is known for. With excellent off-road and towing capability, load space and safety, the AWD Eclipse and Outlander PHEVs mean our customers can enjoy their normal pursuits on the weekends, but operate as a pure EV during the daily commute. In short, they get all the benefits of an SUV and an EV, with no limitations or restrictions.
Company Vehicle: Outside of pricing specials, does your brand offer incentives to fleet buyers in respect of non-ICE vehicles?
Mitsubishi Motors NZ: We provide fleet reviews and usage suggestions to ensure our vehicles will be the best fit for their organisation and meet company objectives.
Company Vehicle: Is Mitsubishi Motors NZ on track with its non-ICE vehicle plans here? Have you reached your targets in terms of supplying the market?
Mitsubishi Motors NZ: Sales of our PHEV’s, have significantly exceeded our expectations over the past two years. As an early pioneer of EV (iMiEV) and PHEV we are delighted to see Kiwis recognise our expertise in this area. Our goal now is to continue securing more of global production to meet the growing demand in New Zealand from both fleet and retail customers.
Company Vehicle: Do you see a ‘flattening’ of interest or are you still seeing significant uptakes of your non-ICE product?
Mitsubishi Motors NZ: Demand is still increasing for PHEV in New Zealand, and we believe will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. We anticipate a further 25 percent growth in sales in 2023, limited only by supply.
Company Vehicle: In your opinion, is the fleet sector engaging more with the idea of non-ICE product and are they as informed about it as they should be, or are there still some gaps that need to be filled in terms of education?
Mitsubishi Motors NZ: I believe NZ fleets are some of the most conscious in the world, being highly engaged with reducing emissions, and it’s great to see. We have many long-term Mitsubishi fleets that have reviewed their vehicle requirements and moved from ICE to PHEV. A number have even moved vehicle type, from diesel utes to PHEV SUVs. Finding they can achieve the same work outcomes, while lowering fleet emissions and operating costs.
Company Vehicle: What do you see the biggest hurdle to fleets taking up non-ICE vehicles? At the moment, supply of suitable product is proving the largest challenge for many fleets.
Mitsubishi Motors NZ: In many cases a move to pure EV requires significant business process change or disruption. Charging infrastructure is still very expensive, particularly for large battery capacity vehicles and workplace-based charging. PHEV adoption is a way to minimise this additional cost and business risk.
Company Vehicle: And the biggest advantage?
Mitsubishi Motors NZ: Obviously the C02 reductions and running cost savings are huge motivators. But we also see a huge shift in driver engagement and enjoyment. PHEV vehicles offer smoother, quieter running and ultimately less driver fatigue for those using the vehicle as a workplace.
Company Vehicle: How have you seen government’s support of the uptake of non-ICE product, particularly as it pertains to your non-ICE product?
Mitsubishi Motors NZ: The government incentives have made a significant impact to demand for PHEV. They lower the upfront purchase price, and clearly tell businesses what the government direction is.
Company Vehicle: Given there is an Election in October, is there a message you would give to an incoming government, or the re-elected government should that happen?
Mitsubishi Motors NZ: Its important government keeps supporting the introduction of low emissions vehicles. As an industry we need to keep striving towards lower emissions, and improve the age of our vehicle fleet here in New Zealand. This also brings significant safety benefits.
Company Vehicle: Has there been any new information, specifically on the electrification of a utility vehicle, which you can share: timelines, development progress, anything, even if it is status quo (and please reiterate the status quo)?
Mitsubishi Motors NZ: Mitsubishi Motors is committed to the ongoing development of our PHEV technology. There is also a lot of work underway to lower emissions of ICE vehicles, which we see will have a significant place in our vehicle fleet makeup for the remainder of this decade. Particularly in the commercial space.
