Hooniverse Asks: How would you advertise Mitsubishi vehicles?


The above is an image that Mitsubishi Motors, specifically their marketing department, circulated around on social media. It’s speaks of the torque, or rather the lack thereof, that the engine of Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross generates. By any comparison, that isn’t much – the base Volkswagen Golf has more.
The thing is, the current lineup of Mitsubishi CUVs isn’t that bad. They have all the latest safety features, good sound systems, heated seats, Apple CarPlay connections, and other stuff that buyers desire. It’s not always integrated as well as other makers, and the vehicles are showing their age, but they’re not bad. The final sales prices are much lower than the competition, too. 
So, you’re in charge of marketing these Mitsubishi’s. The job is important to you as it’s a stepping stone in your career. If you are successful here there will be plenty of other opportunities. How do you advertise these vehicles?
http://hooniverse.info/2018/09/27/review-2018-mitsubishi-eclipse-cross-sel/

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24 responses to “Hooniverse Asks: How would you advertise Mitsubishi vehicles?”

  1. Alff Avatar
    Alff

    “Someday you’ll be able to afford a good car, but for now at least this one is new.”

  2. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    Lower payments and a better warranty than the Buy Here Pay Here dealers!

  3. Lokki Avatar
    Lokki

    We started from (the) Zero. Look what we’re up to now.
    Mitsubishi

  4. KentMB1 Avatar
    KentMB1

    Market them as an underdog. Make a connection to the small kid on a football team who is nimble and hard to tackle, or a nerdy kid who isn’t popular but ends up inventing something awesome. Then show those kids now in their 20’s and 30’s and driving off swiftly in a Mitsubishi on a pleasant, typical commercial world, empty windy road. Tagline: “Taking you to your next journey – Mitsubishi”

  5. Sjalabais Avatar
    Sjalabais

    Basically the only advertisement I notice is the funny stuff. All the other noise goes straight through the vast emptiness between my ears. As I hear a lot of people here say “Mishibishi”, and companies that don’t take themselves seriously are generally perceived as relaxed and relatable, I’d go for something like: “Easier to afford than to pronounce”. A whole series of proud owners explaining features and gleaming about low cost, then they say: “That’s why I really like my Mishibishi” – [insert slogan].

    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar

      Great minds think alike. But I’m not being snarky, I think it would be a masterstroke of marketing. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7e3563b50d30832a7e70a70a8d8e830370de863b77d9624e9db3e2d81553b34c.jpg

      1. P161911 Avatar
        P161911

        Or, “No, no, you are thinking of the other third tier Japanese brand, Suzuki, THEY left the US market. We’re still here.” (for now)

        1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar

          We don’t talk about that. Ever.

  6. HuntRhymesWith Avatar
    HuntRhymesWith

    I’d look to another giant experienced with selling cheap stuff: Harbor Freight. Imagine tacky “Mitsubishi BEATS Mercedes” comparisons and spamming email inboxes with weekly deals. Think of the Volvo Turbo vs. Lotus ad from the 1990s, but with much less class. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1a2cdb90ef079112e1ba4e69b8da3d9b762342043cb699bfb9404775115756b4.jpg

    1. P161911 Avatar
      P161911

      http://hooniverse.info/2012/09/24/truth-in-advertising-hazard-fraught-tools/
      So you get a free i-MiEV with purchase of a Outlander?

      1. HuntRhymesWith Avatar
        HuntRhymesWith

        And a free mirage just for walking in the door. But they’re never in stock.

    2. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      20% off with coupon.

    3. Tank Avatar
      Tank

      Mitsubishi, The Harbor Freight of automobiles

  7. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    “It’s Not From Korea – Really!”

  8. Harry Callahan Avatar
    Harry Callahan

    Mitsubisihi: Good Enough

  9. Harry Callahan Avatar
    Harry Callahan

    Mitsubishi: The vehicle you keep for life! (because the depreciation will kill you)

  10. SlowJoeCrow Avatar
    SlowJoeCrow

    Can they dust off their classic selling point of “We finance anyone with a pulse”?

  11. Maymar Avatar
    Maymar

    The Mirage is slow, ugly, and frugal, like another well-loved car that leaned into its quirks in its advertising. If nothing else, it’d be refreshing to see something celebrate its cheapness in a way other than typical dealer $99/MONTH WITH ZERO DOWN advertising.
    https://images.theconversation.com/files/96203/original/image-20150925-17729-rmngoj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip

    1. Vairship Avatar
      Vairship

      Emphasizing that it’s frugal and ugly doesn’t always pay off: https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e737dca22bc2afba713898f3a3d3910cb859c56d058770d9d7f0151d37952b54.jpg

  12. Tank Avatar
    Tank

    “Mitsubishi, we just don’t care anymore”

  13. neight428 Avatar
    neight428

    (1) adequate
    (2) cheap
    (3) superior to any other vehicle in a measurable way in terms of quality or performance
    Guess which two we picked?
    “Newer than a used car”
    “The substance abuse issues of our finance guy is our HR nightmare and your pathway to a new vehicle!”