Way back in ’74, when kipper ties and platform shoes were all the rage, The Colt Car Company, known as Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, first entered the UK vehicle market. The company, run under joint ownership of Mitsubishi Corporation and David Blackburn, first operated out of a four-room office at Dollar Street in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. It wasn’t long before they secured larger premises in nearby Spitalgate Lane. In 1981 following considerable growth, the company constructed new purpose-built premises at Watermoor in Cirencester, which was opened in March 1983 and has been home to the business ever since.
In September 2021, following Mitsubishi Motors’ decision to withdraw from new vehicle sales in the UK and parts of Europe, the company transitioned to an aftersales only focussed business as part of the IM Group, supporting customers via its 110 dedicated dealerships, with servicing, parts, warranty repairs and all other aftersales care.
Now in its 50th year of trading, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK plan to celebrate their anniversary in style with a calendar of events planned to honour the brand and its heritage.
The 50th anniversary year kicked off in February at the annual Mitsubishi Motors in the UK Aftersales Conference. The event brought together all 110 Mitsubishi aftersales dealers across the UK, with special recognition going to Tees Valley Motors and Devonshire Motors, who were recognised with long-service awards for 20 years and 35 years respectively and Fields Mitsubishi and Grays of Holbeach who have represented the brand for an amazing 45 years.
Across the whole of 2024, the 50th anniversary will be commemorated via the brand’s social media channels as well as a host of dealer events taking place.
On 21 September, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK and its customers will further honour the brand’s long-established heritage with the 50th Anniversary Rally. Bringing together owners and enthusiasts from across the UK, the rally will start at the headquarters of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, traverse the Cotswolds and culminate at Badminton House in Gloucestershire, home to the Badminton Horse Trials, a former long-standing and recognisable partner of the brand.
From 8-10 November, it is planned that Mitsubishi Motors will be present at the Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham in conjunction with Stephen Blackburn, former Main Board and Aftersales Director. A selection of classic Mitsubishi vehicles from Mr Blackburn’s collection will be on display.
This anniversary serves as a testament to the brands success and enduring popularity among its customers.
