Mitsubishi retailers are waiting to learn details of a dealership image program the automaker is rolling out, according to the brand's dealer council chairman.
Dealers heard of the plans about a year ago and a dealership featuring the new look is going up in Lewisville, Texas, said Joe Bizzarro, Mitsubishi National Advisory Board chairman and dealer principal of Interstate Mitsubishi in Erie, Pa.
"A year might sound a lot to somebody, but by the time they get with architects and they come together on what kind of image, they get up their flagship store, then they put together a program for the dealers, that takes some time," Bizzarro said.
Bizzarro said dealers want to learn more about financial support Mitsubishi plans to provide for the redesigns, as well as the timeline to complete improvements. He expects the company may want dealers to begin moving on projects by mid to late 2019.
The Japanese automaker in July said it wanted to introduce new exterior and interior designs for 5,000 stores worldwide in the next several years.
"We are looking to start the process of having the new look replicated in 30 more dealerships" by this spring, Mitsubishi spokeswoman Erica Rasch wrote in an email to Automotive News. Mitsubishi has 355 U.S. dealerships and last had a store improvement program in the U.S. in 2000.
Bizzarro said having dealerships with the same image will help the brand connect with consumers who will get used to one look. The redesign includes a black, white and gray palette, while the store's exterior is decorated in black and features a diagonal "Dynamic Slope" on the facade.
He called the large Lewisville store "amazing." It's expected to be complete this spring.
"I think when other dealers see that, that really motivates everybody to say, 'Hey let's really engage, 'cause his numbers are jumping up,' " Bizzarro said. "Facilities mean a lot, they do. A lot of people don't think they do, but I know firsthand they do."
