The Auto Writer

Only In New Zealand….

In a bid to drum up sales, Mitsubishi Motors' New Zealand operation is offering customers who purchase a new Triton ute a goat with their purchase.

Southern Hemisphere Marketing Strategy

If you want to sell cars these days you have to come up with a novel approach. For Mitsubishi Motors’ New Zealand business that approach involves including a goat with the purchase of its Triton ute, a vehicle commonly known as a pickup truck in North America.

“We firmly believe that New Zealand’s recovery is in the hands of the rural sector and they’re the people who are buying our utes,” said MMNZ general manager of sales and marketing Peter Wilkins. “Goats, like our Tritons, are hardy, versatile units, which will integrate directly into existing farm operations”.

“Goats improve farm productivity by providing an environmentally friendly defence against noxious weeds and they’re a lot cheaper than toxic sprays”.

“Goats also provide export commodities that can help improve our balance of payments. They grow a fine micron fleece, much like the renowned Merino, which can be used to produce high-quality garments. Goat’s milk provides a nutritious alternative for the growing number of lactose intolerant people and while goat meat is seldom featured in Western restaurants, developing countries consume vast quantities,” said Mr Wilkins.

“And, most importantly, there is no such thing as Goat Flu – so no threat to tourism. It’s hard to see a downside,” he added.

“At MMNZ, we are aware that three years of drought has severely depleted sheep and beef populations, so what better time to ‘float the goat’?” said Mr Wilkins. “We’ll supply a free goat with every Triton sold before August and do our bit to loosen the grip of the recession”.

“On the off chance that the purchaser already has enough goats or feels that goat herding is better left to those in drier climes, we’ll supply a ‘no goat package’ consisting of a five-year/100,000km extended warranty, five free WOF inspections, 5,000km road user charges, five years of roadside assistance and $500 of genuine or approved Triton accessories,” Mr Wilkins said.

Goats. What’s Next?

So there you have it — a novel marketing approach to move a slow selling product.  I like to find out if dealers elsewhere are coming up with their own schemes; if you have heard of something feel free to hit the reply button, add your comments and a link to an applicable web page.

Source: Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand

Special thanks to news.com.au for sharing this story.

Photo Credit: Franci Strümpfer