Mitsubishi’s industry-leading warranty with a difference is official.
Buyers who service their cars at a Mitsubishi dealer as part of its new capped-price service plan will get a 10-year/200,000km warranty – longer than the five years offered by most mainstream brands, and the seven offered by Kia, MG, and SsangYong.
Update, 18/12/20 1:30pm: The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) issued a notice today that it doesn’t object to Mitsubishi’s warranty. We’ve included key parts of their response below.
Those who take their cars outside the dealer network will get the same five-year/100,000km warranty currently offered by Mitsubishi, or the seven-year warranty it often uses as a promotion.
“The ACCC has allowed this notification to stand based on current information. There is no basis at present to conclude that the notified conduct has the purpose, effect or likely effect of substantially lessening competition,” said ACCC Commissioner Stephen Ridgeway.
“The ACCC carefully considered a variety of factors in its decision, including a large number of submissions from independent mechanics, aftermarket parts suppliers, members of the public and associations,”
“While a number of consumers will no doubt value a longer warranty, we recognise the concerns that the requirement to use Mitsubishi dealers and service centres may have an impact on independent mechanics’ ability to provide competition.”
Mr. Ridgeway added the ACCC can revoke this approval “if, as this warranty arrangement is implemented, the evidence shows that it is materially harming competition”.
Mitsubishi’s new, longer warranty is one of a few featuring a distance cap. The seven-year warranty from Kia has no kilometre limit.
Honda has also offered seven years as part of sales promotions but hasn’t committed to making the longer coverage permanent.
Mitsubishi is introducing the warranty and capped-price service plan to coincide with its 40th anniversary in Australia.
The first showrooms opened on October 1, 1980. Mitsubishi Australia launched with 24 dealerships, and has now grown its network to more than 180.
“Over the years, our products and dealerships have certainly changed. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to Australia – it is as firm now as it was on October 1, 1980,” said Mitsubishi Motors CEO, Shaun Westcott.
“40 years is an incredible achievement, and I’d like to acknowledge all of those who have contributed to that success. The future will continue to be what we make of it. And, Mitsubishi Motors is exploring technologies that I am confident will change how we live for the next 40 years – and more.”
Diving into the archives, here are Mitsubishi’s sales averages since launch:
- 1980s: 63,000 per year
- 1990s: 68,000 per year
- 2000s: 63,000 per year
- 2010s: 71,000 per year
Having once manufactured large cars like the Magna and 380 in South Australia, the best-selling Mitsubishi this year is the Triton ute.
It’s followed by the compact ASX crossover and and mid-sized Outlander.
