The Company was founded by the late Mr W.R.Phillips who previous involvement in the motor industry spanned two decades.
With over 80 years in business the dealership has been trading for four generations:
- W.R Phillips (Bill),
- Bill’s son’s – Neil and Rex Phillips,
- Neil’s son – Paul Phillips – Current Dealer Principal,
- Paul’s son – Ryan Phillips – Current Sales Manager
- Paul’s son – Jared Phillips – Current Finance & Insurance Manager
History of Mitsubishi with W.R. Phillips
In 1946 the Company was appointed a Todd Motors dealer for Taranaki selling and servicing the Rootes Group product from Britain, Hillan/Sunbeam vehicles, Commer and Karrier, Chrysler and DeSoto trucks and David Brown tractors. In 1953, Humber vehicles replaced the Hillman brand. In 1971 Todd Motors secured the Mitsubishi Motors franchise for New Zealand and in the same year W.R. Phillips New Plymouth was appointed a Mitsubishi dealer. In 1987 Todd Motors sold their New Zealand interests to Mitsubishi Corporation and W.R. Phillips became an exclusive Mitsubishi Dealer. To date W.R. Phillips Mitsubishi is one of Mitsubishi New Zealand’s oldest dealerships.Our Community Our Team
We know how important it is to support our community and we are proud to be involved the following organisations.- Major partner of Sport Taranaki since 2001
- Vehicle provider for New Plymouth Boys High School and sponsor of the 1st XV
- Event partner with Cut-A-Trail Events and the Taranaki Off Road Half Marathon
- Proud supporter of Life Education Trust
- Alzheimer’s Taranaki
- Circle of Security Parenting New Plymouth
- Conductive Education Taranaki
- Dress for Success New Plymouth
- MS Taranaki
- Okato Playcentre
- Opunake Loop Trail
- Room 22 at Devon Intermediate
- Rotokare Scenic Reserve
- Sailability Taranaki
- Whenukura School
