Mitsubishi has always been a niche brand - especially compared to the giants that make up Japan, Inc - but one that inspires unusually strong customer loyalty.
Mitsubishi drivers also tend to keep their vehicles longer than the industry norm, which presents the company with a dilemma, as many of its most loyal and valued customers have cars that are way beyond the duration of their warranty, service and roadside assistance plan.
So Mitsubishi SA decided to do something about it, and is now offering free roadside assistance for Mitsubishi cars, bakkies and SUV's up to seven years old.
All you have to do to qualify for free roadside assistance for a period of two years is to visit the Mitsubishi SA website and register your Mitsubishi for the scheme.
That includes mechanical breakdown towing (up to two tows a year to the nearest approved Mitsubishi service centre), unlimited battery jump-start assistance for the two-year period, and unlimited tyre-change assistance for the two-year period.
Here's how it works:
In the unlikely event that your Mitsubishi suffers a terminal mechanical infarction, phone the 24-hour helpline number 0861-133-355. They can also help if you run out of fuel, lose the keys or even lock them in the car
If the car can't be repaired on the spot, they'll arrange for it to be towed in.
If it can't be repaired on the same day, they'll cover the cost of getting you home and back to the dealership to fetch the car when it's ready.
If you're more than 100km from home when disaster strikes, you can choose whether to stay overnight in a hotel, or hire a car to get you home. Obviously T's & C's apply - don't expect them to put you up at the Ritz or give you a Bentley to play with!
And finally, for those customers whose Mitsubishis are more than seven years old, there's a 10 percent discount on your next service or repair at a Mitsubishi dealer.