Mitsubishi Motors SA (MMSA) has received a Gold Award in the 2026 National Automotive Dealer Association (NADA) Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) awards.

NADA has measured dealer’s satisfaction with their various automotive brands annually since 1996. The survey is conducted over 14 categories by an appointed research company.

The survey monitors the relationship between dealers and manufacturers and serves as a platform for dealers to indirectly provide feedback to manufacturers and importers. In 2026 a total of 36 automotive brands participated in the survey which attracted a record 1 610 dealer responses, reaching 92 percent of franchised Passenger and Light Commercial Vehicle dealerships.

Manufacturers were assessed across Dealer Friendly Investor Friendly

Manufacturers were assessed across Dealer Friendly, Investor Friendly and Customer Friendly indices, creating a comprehensive picture of dealer manufacturer relationships. The 2026 study also delivered the highest overall satisfaction scores on record, with Passenger and Light Commercial Vehicles achieving 79.8 percent and the Commercial Vehicle sector reaching 79.1 percent.

The survey questionnaire goes into detail with 65 questions, covering all aspects of dealer operations and the dealer OEM relationship. This provides an excellent insight into how dealer partners perceive the relationship and where they feel brands can do better. The consistent methodology of the survey has also enabled meaningful year on year comparisons.

As always the NADA DSI survey is

Across the industry dealers identified communication, transparency, dealer support, profitability, parts availability and broader product offerings as key improvement priorities. Confidence in manufacturer backed approved used vehicle programmes and growing support for New Energy Vehicles further demonstrate an industry focused on customer value.

Mitsubishi Motors achieved a Gold Award once again, after a previous four-year Gold streak was interrupted by a Silver Award in 2025.

“The DSI survey remains one of the industry’s most respected measures of dealer-manufacturer relationships. As always, the NADA DSI survey is a great tool for identifying where we can improve the business relationship with our dealer network, to the ultimate benefit of our customers,” says Lerato Nonyane, General Manager: Product & Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

Order to secure a Gold Award brands need

“While receiving a Gold Award is great, the ultimate goal is to always improve. The results of the 2025 survey were utilised to ensure that we improve where necessary and this has resulted in us achieving a Gold Award once again,” explained Nonyane.

Mitsubishi Motors dealers ranked the brand highly in a number of categories that form part of the survey. In order to secure a Gold Award brands need to achieve an overall DSI score of between 75 and 84,9 percent, which places Mitsubishi Motors well above the industry average.

“Awards decided by the people we work with every day hold a special significance. The DSI Survey is based on feedback from our dealer network, making this recognition a reflection of the strength of our partnership,” added Francois Gultig, General Manager Sales and Operations at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa.

Past few months Mitsubishi Motors SA have put

“Our dealers are the face of our business and key to our ongoing success in South Africa. We value our dealer network and are always looking for ways to improve our relationship with them and make their lives easier,” explains Gultig.

“Over the past few months Mitsubishi Motors SA have put numerous strategies in place to strengthen communication, support the network, and to work together to create a better experience for our dealers and customers. It is great to see that these initiatives are appreciated by our dealer network. There is still plenty to be done but to be honoured with a Gold Award once again, confirms that we are moving in the right direction,” says Gultig.

Mitsubishi Motors SA look forward to leveraging their great relationship with their dealer network as they expand their Triton line up with the addition of the Bi- Turbo and Darkened GLS derivatives.