Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) names Yoichi Yokozawa President and CEO

In late March, MMNA named Yoichi Yokozawa as president and chief executive officer.

Since joining Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in August 1998, Yokozawa, 55, has held senior-level positions throughout MMC's financial, strategic planning, Nissan-MMC Alliance, and global marketing and sales organizations. He was previously president and CEO of MMNA from April 2011 until February 2014.

To read more about the recent executive changes at MMNA, please click here.

Construction of MMNA headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee is complete
Following last year's relocation of the company to Tennessee, MMNA recently completed construction on its permanent headquarters at the new McEwen North development in Franklin. The company continues to wait until a 14-day downward trend in new Coronavirus cases is achieved, per Federal criteria, before beginning a comprehensive, phased return to the workplace for both headquarters and regional staff.

The permanent office space is the most tangible demonstration of Mitsubishi's ongoing plan to reinvigorate its presence and vehicle offerings in the U.S. marketplace.

Images of MMNA's new office space at the McEwen North development in Franklin, Tennessee.

Mitsubishi Motors and dealer partners respond to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
Mitsubishi Motors is dedicated to  supporting employees, dealer partners and customers amid the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. Actions taken include:

• MMNA is reimbursing dealer partners for 100% of their expenses related to COVID-19 supplies and support. This includes masks, gloves and additional cleaning supplies to keep their staff safe; remote-working equipment and software to allow their businesses to continue to operate; and steering wheel and seat covers, and enhanced cleaning methods and materials designed to keep all customer vehicles safe.
• MMNA developed and implemented remote check-in procedures for sales and service needs at all dealerships, all designed to provide customers peace of mind when purchasing or servicing a Mitsubishi.
• MMNA enhanced its digital support systems to allow more connectivity for our dealer partners to make it easier for customers to shop for vehicles remotely, with most dealer partners responding to online inquiries within one hour.

MMNA's financial partner Ally also provided up to 90-days deferred payments with the purchase of a new Mitsubishi, and up to 120-days of deferred payments for current Mitsubishi customers with financing through Ally. Moreover, Ally Financial provided a no-cost extension of 30 days for any expiring vehicle leases.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in Japan also rose to the challenge, and in April, began producing face shields and face masks at its Okazaki Plant to donate to city of Okazaki to help prevent the spread of infection. Another MMC production site, Pajero Manufacturing Co., Ltd., also donated face shields to a hospital in Minokamo City.

Meanwhile, MMNA celebrated essential workers through its #Honk4Heroes social media campaign and is encouraging its employees and dealers to help support the recovery of local restaurants with a #TakeoutTuesday challenge.

For the latest on our COVID-19 response, including Ally Financial offers and assistance, please click here.

MMNA partners with Nashville-area Community Resource Center
In mid-April, MMNA provided the Nashville-based Community Resource Center (CRC) with a six-month Community Utility Vehicle (CUV) loan of a 2020 Outlander PHEV. The CUV loan will allow CRC staff and volunteers the flexibility they need to deliver essential supplies to families and nonprofits in need throughout the area, which is still reeling from a devastating tornado outbreak across Middle Tennessee in March and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

To learn more about how the CRC will utilize the Outlander PHEV to respond to those in need, please click here. Learn more about other CUV donations here.

MMNA launches new Trust & Confidence ad campaign
Now, more than ever, Mitsubishi Motors remains committed to providing its customers with reliable and capable crossovers and affordable vehicles during uncertain times.

The brand's latest Small Batch advertisement reinforces how Mitsubishi delivers peace of mind, advanced safety features, roadside assistance and a 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. So when you get on the road, you can focus on what really matters.

To watch the latest advertisement, please click here.

Mitsubishi Motors shares messages of perseverance, resilience and optimism in latest "Small Batch – Big Impact" film
In late April, MMNA celebrated Team Record the Journey's successes and triumphs at the 2019 Rebelle Rally with its latest digital video. The film recounts U.S. Army combat veteran Rachel Ridenour and U.S. Air Force veteran Karah Behrend's experiences during the 2019 Rebelle Rally, a grueling eight-day, off-road navigational rally and the longest competition of its kind in the Lower 48 states.

To watch the inspirational endeavors of Team Record the Journey and their Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross in the 2019 Rebelle Rally, please click here.

DEALERSHIP AND CUSTOMER SERVICE NEWS

Mitsubishi Motors service satisfaction scores rise in J.D. Power 2020 Customer Service Index Study
In mid-March, Mitsubishi Motors announced improved performance and increased customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power 2020 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study.

For the second year in a row, Mitsubishi placed first in the non-premium segment for its Fixed Right First Time ranking, demonstrating the highest levels of customer satisfaction with their vehicles after the first repair at a dealership. The recognition follows a concerted effort by MMNA and its dealer partners to improve and reinvent every aspect of the Mitsubishi Motors brand in the U.S.

To read more about Mitsubishi's improvement in J.D. Power's 2020 CSI study, please click here.

Two Mitsubishi dealers recognized as 2019 "Best-in-Class" award winners for CSI and SSI scores
In late April, MMNA recognized two outstanding Mitsubishi dealer partners for their top scores in the 2019 Mitsubishi Diamond Satisfaction System survey. RC Hill Mitsubishi-DeLand was recognized as "Best in Class" for Customer Service Satisfaction for the second consecutive year, and Tony Mangino Mitsubishi was recognized as "Best in Class" for Customer Sales Satisfaction. Congratulations to both of these dedicated dealer partners for their commitment to providing the highest levels of customer service!

Tony Mangino Mitsubishi staff pose with their collection of award banners inside of Tony Mangino Mitsubishi.

RC Hill Mitsubishi-DeLand staff pose with their collection of award banners outside of RC Hill Mitsubishi-DeLand.

Five more Mitsubishi dealer partners complete renovations under global design program

After being globally announced in July 2018, MMNA now has 9 dealer partners who have completed the transition to the company's new Visual Identity Program. Mitsubishi Motors' Visual Identity Program is on course to introduce an updated exterior and interior design and an improved retail and shopping experience to approximately 5,000 dealerships worldwide.

There are more than 90 dealerships across the U.S. currently enrolled in this program.

To learn more about the Visual Identity Program and ongoing dealer renovations, please click here.

PRODUCT NEWS

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander wins Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Award for second consecutive year
For the second year in a row, the Mitsubishi Outlander has been honored with the 2020 Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Award in the three-row Mid-Size SUV category. The award recognizes new vehicles with the lowest projected ownership costs over a five-year period of operation.

The back-to-back recognition from Kelley Blue Books is a testament to Mitsubishi's commitment to providing buyers with affordable and dependable crossovers that are built to last and serve them well over many years.

To read more about the award and its selection criteria, please click here.

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