Mitsubishi: The driving force behind the NSRI

When every minute counts, it’s important that the NSRI’s teams know that they have a vehicle that they can rely on. Enter Mitsubishi, who have been our partners for more than 20 years.

“Mitsubishi first came on board as a sponsor in 2002, when Mitsubishi was still part of Daimler Chrysler. I think Bennie van Rensburg of Daimler Chrysler mentioned that they would like to take over our competition vehicle discount,” Stuart Moerdyk, Retail & Corporate Relationship Manager for the NSRI recalls. “We could then offer a Mitsubishi prize of two vehicles – a Pajero five-door and a Pajero three-door vehicle. At first it was just the competition vehicles that were discounted, but this grew to include all NSRI fleet vehicles.”

The NSRI’s fleet now consists almost entirely of Mitsubishi vehicles and the discount is applied to the whole NSRI fleet. Mitsubishi also sponsors several NSRI events, including their golf day.

“All of our stations now have a Mitsubishi vehicles. They are reliable and tough, and we very rarely experience problems with them. We can’t afford for our vehicles to break down when time is of the essence,” Stuart says. “Another important point is that we get sufficient discount on the new vehicles to resell after three years to almost cover the cost of another new vehicle as a replacement, and so with the vehicles being covered under warranty and a service plan, the cost of owning new rescue vehicles is almost void altogether.”

This year the NSRI is giving away not two but four Mitsubishi vehicles in their annual car competition, a feat that would not be possible without the manufacturer's support. First prize is a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport MY224X4 and Mitsubishi Xpander 1.5L, second prize is a Mitsubishi Eclipse 2.0L CVT, and third prize is a Mitsubishi ASX 2.0L.

“Mitsubishi South Africa is grateful and proud to be the official vehicle partner for the NSRI,” Nic Campbell, General Manager of Sales at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa enthuses. “We believe that our tough, reliable vehicles perfectly represent the work done and the dedication of the NSRI. We understand that when called upon, the NSRI needs to be available and ready to jump into action to save lives. We’re greatly appreciative of the fact that our vehicles are their vehicles of choice.”

“Supplying the fleet of Triton bakkies that is used in everyday NSRI duties, helping in fundraising activities, and being a Strategic Partner of an organisation that is so widely respected allows us to make a difference in many lives. May this amazing relationship continue for many years to come!”

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