Tokyo, December 10, 2024 – Mitsubishi Motors announced that the Next-Gen Triton one-ton pickup truck has won the Design Car of the Year, awarded to car with excellent exterior and interior design, at the 2024-2025 Japan Car of the Year awards.

In awarding the Design Car of the Year, the organising committee commended Mitsubishi Motors for giving its signature 4WD a rugged yet inspiring design that encourages customers to explore a new lifestyle. The Triton was also recognised for its robust form that harmonizes with the bold Dynamic Shield front-end design, as well as its well-balanced proportions despite being a double cab.

Based on the “Beast Mode” design concept, the all-new Triton embodies the toughness and power expected of a pickup truck. It boasts an imposing look, expressing robustness as well as agility. The Dynamic Shield front design concept, which expresses both powerful performance and a sense of protection, is optimized for a pickup truck by combining robust, three-dimensional front grille with powerful fenders and protectors that emphasize its shape.

Inside, the instrument panel has been designed with the Horizontal Axis concept, featuring a strong, horizontally-themed design that allows drivers to easily notice changes in the vehicle’s posture while driving. With a nod to professional use, soft pads have been incorporated in key areas to protect passengers, while geometric shapes and metallic elements create a high-contrast, modern space. The switches are designed to be clearly visible, and the dials and switches can be operated even while wearing gloves. Following the Mitsubishi Touch approach, the steering wheel, grips and door handles are designed with a focus on grip comfort and sturdiness.

The Triton is a one-ton pickup bakkie that traces its roots back to the Forte, originally released in 1978. Since then, about 5.7 million units have been produced over five generations and sold in approximately 150 countries around the world, making it Mitsubishi Motors’ global strategic model.

Challenge accepted

“Challenge accepted! Adding another accomplishment to the recently scooped TopGear South Africa Bakkie of the Year award, the Next-Gen Triton is providing South Africans with a bakkie that delivers the best in design and tailored to suit their needs,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

Developed under the product concept of “Power for Adventure,” the all-new Triton features a complete overhaul of everything from the interior and exterior design to the chassis, ladder frame, and engine. It was first launched in Thailand – where its production plant is located – in July 2023 and introduced in Japan in February 2024. The all-new Triton is being rolled out sequentially in some 100 countries worldwide. In addition to commercia use, this distinctively Mitsubishi one-ton pickup bakkie caters to customers’ adventurous spirit, opening up the possibilities for water sports, winter sports, and outdoor activities.

About the 2024-2025 Japan Car of the Year

The awards of the 45th Japan Car of the Year were given to models which premiered or started sales in the Japanese market from November 1, 2023, to October 31, 2024. The 10 Best Cars were selected on November 6, and after the 10 Best test drive on November 26, the jury voted for each award. The results were announced on December 5, and winners were selected for the 2024-2025 Japan Car of the Year, Import Car of the Year, Design Car of the Year, and Technology Car of the Year.

• The Next-Gen Mitsubishi Triton has scooped the Bakkie of the Year title at the TopGear South Africa Awards 2024, powered by WesBank.
• This award comes just two weeks after the Next-Gen Mitsubishi Triton’s launch in South Africa.
• The Next-Gen Mitsubishi Triton has received a variety of prestigious awards.

JOHANNESBURG – Mitsubishi’s Next-Gen Triton has scooped the Bakkie of the Year award, at the TopGear South Africa Awards 2024, powered by WesBank, just two weeks after it’s South African launch.

This annual event recognises the finest cars, brands and individuals that have shaped the local automotive landscape in 2024. With 26 awards presented across various categories, the evening honoured vehicles that have set new benchmarks in innovation, performance, quality and value, as well as other areas that are sometimes overlooked. In addition to the cars, so too were the dynamic individuals and companies who have contributed to the continued success and growth of the industry honoured.

Judges lauded the Next-Gen Triton for its compelling combination of unique styling, a roomy interior and excellent off-road ability and therefore found it to be a deserving winner of the Bakkie of the Year award. Judges were also impressed by the excellent value for money proposition which the Next-Gen Triton represents.

Adding to this value for money offering is the fact that pricing includes Mitsubishi’s Diamond Advantage Warranty which comprises a five-year/unlimited mileage, unrestricted warranty as well as a five-year/90 000km service plan. Also included is a five-year unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan with 24/7 support nationwide.

Since making its global debut a year ago the sixth generation Mitsubishi Triton has received a variety of prestigious awards including the special award at the RJC Car of the Year for 2025 run by the Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC), an iF Design Award 2024 in the product design discipline and the 2023 Good Design Award presented by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion amongst a host of others.

“Internationally the all-new Triton has been an award winner since its launch and it is great to see this trend continue in South Africa,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

With a diverse model range, exclusive locally tailored editions, and the strongest warranty in its class, the Next-Gen Triton is ready to take on any challenge with confidence, a fact that is already being confirmed by this latest award.

“The South African bakkie market is extremely competitive and for our Next-Gen Triton to win the TopGear South Africa Bakkie of the Year is a massive achievement and hopefully a hint at the success we expect from this excellent product in South Africa,” concludes Allison.