Mitsubishi supplies at lowest level in over a decade
Customer waiting times longer than they’ve ever been as global supply hampers brand in boom yearMitsubishi customers are waiting up to six months for their new vehicles to be delivered as global supply problems reduce stock levels in Australia to a low point not seen for more than 10 years.
And it looks as though the situation will get worse before it will get better.
The Australian arm of the Japanese brand is not alone in experiencing problems related to overseas production and supply due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a global shortage of microprocessors.
But in a year in which demand for SUVs and 4x4 dual-cab utes is soaring, and sales across the industry are booming, Mitsubishi is finding the going tough.
Sales figures released today show that Mitsubishi sold 6478 vehicles in May, including 2074 examples of the Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 ute, which was well up on May 2020 when heavy COVID-19 restrictions were in place but below previous years such as 2018 when it was closer to the 7000-unit mark overall.
The result handed Mitsubishi fifth position among the leading players – only just, as Hyundai was a mere 28 cars behind – and while for the year to date the triple-diamond brand is holding third position behind Toyota and Mazda, the company is expecting ongoing difficulties in the months ahead.
A spokesperson has told carsales that the brand’s result in May “is reflective of global production capacity challenges as well as global semiconductor shortages”.
“We predict that we will continue to see longer lead times to delivery – three to six months – for the next two quarters,” the spokesperson said.
“On top of this we’re seeing increased demand, so customers are waiting longer than they ever have for their vehicles.
“This has resulted in us having a good volume of sold units waiting to be produced and arrive.
“And, as you would expect, our dealer and manufacturer stock has not been this low for over 10 years.
“Global headwinds mean this could go even lower before it starts to increase again.”
Other high-volume mainstream brands reporting critical supply shortage issues include Hyundai, Kia and Nissan.
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