Dazzling dealers scoop awards
Morrison Mitsubishi Sockburn has been named the 2025 Supreme Diamond Dealer at an annual awards celebration held by Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ).
The Christchurch business was among nine dealerships to achieve diamond dealer status this year. It also won the finance dealer of the year category and topped its group for customer service excellence.
MMNZ says despite recent headwinds across the automotive industry, it increased its sales and market share in 2024.
The awards ceremony at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort on May 19 was an opportunity to celebrate its standout performers who contributed to those results
The marque notes its share of the new-vehicle market grew to 11.7 per cent and 14,156 registrations in 2024, making it the third best-selling brand.
Sales were up by 5.5 per cent, or 744 units, from the previous year and came against a 14.1 per cent decline for the overall market over the same period.
Tony Johnston, MMNZ’s chief operating officer, says: “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.”
The company notes its momentum has continued into 2025 and it was second in the market with 4,116 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,” adds Johnston.
“We never rest on our laurels – as a business or at a dealer level – and, while 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.”
The 2025 MMNZ Diamond Dealers are: Bay City Mitsubishi (Tauranga), Brendan Foot Mitsubishi (Lower Hutt), Delaney Mitsubishi (Paraparaumu), Mexted Mitsubishi (Wellington), Morrison Mitsubishi Sockburn, Piako Mitsubishi Morrinsville, WR Phillips Mitsubishi (New Plymouth), Baigent Motors (Matamata) and Cavanagh Motors (Te Puke).
Award citations
Morrison Mitsubishi Sockburn – Mike Morrison: The first-time Diamond Dealer has only been in operation since October 2021 but Morrison and his team have quickly become standout performers. 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: This year’s success means Russell now has an unsurpassed 17 Diamond Dealer awards to his name – and he 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 residents.
Brendan Foot Mitsubishi – Dave Foot: After going back-to-back in 2021 and 2022, Brendan Foot Mitsubishi return as a Diamond Dealer. Dave Foot and his team also took home top market share for their group.
Mexted Mitsubishi – Nicole and Mark Munkittrick: After tasting success in 2024, Mexted Mitsubishi is back for more and also won top market share for its group.
WR Phillips – Paul and 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. It also had the highest sales number in its group for a second consecutive year.
Delaney Mitsubishi – Brent and Rachel Delaney: A second consecutive award for Delany Mitsubishi and it also scooped the overall parts excellence award.
Bay City Mitsubishi – Aaron Chatfield: One of the most successful dealers in the MMNZ network, Chatfield has 16 Diamond Dealer awards to his name. 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, Scelly oversees a team that now has a seventh Diamond Dealer award in a row.
Cavanagh Motors – Bruce Jensen: With a new visual identity installed, Cavanagh Motors hope their Diamond Dealer award for parts and service is the first of many.
Other winners
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: WR 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
