Takashi Sakamaki will succeed Shinya Ikeda for the top job at Mitsubishi Malaysia.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, has announced the appointment of Takashi Sakamaki as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. He succeeds Shinya Ikeda, who has led the company since October 2021 and was instrumental in introducing the sixth-generation Triton as well as the facelifted Xpander.
Sakamaki steps into his new role with more than 20 years of international experience in the automotive industry. His career with Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) has spanned business strategy, export operations, and market development across key global markets such as China, Indonesia and Mexico. He has also held senior leadership positions overseeing CBU exports, OEM partnerships, and global business development.
“It is an honour to take on the leadership of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia at such a dynamic time for the automotive industry. With Mitsubishi Motors’ strong heritage in Malaysia and the dedication of our talented team, I am confident we are well-positioned to navigate emerging challenges and seize new opportunities,” said Sakamaki upon his appointment.
Reflecting on Mitsubishi’s two-decade presence in Malaysia, he added: “Twenty years ago, MMM set out to redefine mobility in Malaysia. Today, we celebrate not just our journey, but the trust of every driver who chose Mitsubishi. As we look ahead, our commitment remains unwavering – to provide safety, security and comfort that our customers and communities can trust. We strive to deliver a fulfilling mobility lifestyle that awakens the adventurous spirit, all built on the foundation of reliable technology and peace of mind. I look forward to continuing to provide exceptional value and quality to every Malaysian driver.”
Under outgoing CEO Shinya Ikeda, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia strengthened its brand appeal with the introduction of the new Triton and the updated Xpander last year, both of which have been strong contributors to the company’s sales performance. Since their respective debuts, more than 120,000 Triton units and 50,000 Xpander units have been sold locally, firmly establishing Mitsubishi’s position in Malaysia’s pick-up and MPV segments.
The Xpander is currently priced from RM 99,980, while the award-winning Triton range is available in five variants:
- Triton Single Cab – RM101,980
- Triton MT – RM114,980
- Triton AT GL – RM116,980
- Triton AT Premium – RM145,980
- Triton Athlete – RM159,980
Despite offering only two models, Mitsubishi continues to chart steady sales in Malaysia, consistently ranking among the top ten best-selling car brands in the country. Whether the tri-diamond marque can maintain this position amid intensifying Chinese competition, however, remains to be seen.
