An experience unlike any other
We took three lucky winners of an online contest to Japan for the exclusive Mitsubishi Motors Experience, a behind-the-scenes look at what we do.
For most of us, our knowledge of cars doesn’t extend far beyond knowing how to drive on roads. Cycle & Carriage offered a chance to change that, promising three lucky winners of an online contest the unique opportunity to witness the car assembly and manufacturing process while on an immersive, cultural trip to Japan, the homeland of Mitsubishi Motors.
Customers were encouraged to submit photo and video entries in answer to the question “Why Mitsubishi should send me to Japan”. The winners and their partners then received an all-expenses-paid, customised getaway to the Land of the Rising Sun from 24 to 28 October 2017, marking a fun-filled adventure of endless discoveries.
Getting up close with the cars was one of the highlights of the Mitsubishi Motors Experience trip. The winners, Daniel and Cheryl, Bobby and Joey, and Vincent and Jessica, were invited to the biennial Tokyo Motor Show, where they got an exclusive first-look at the futuristic e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT. This highly innovative, all-electric SUV is Mitsubishi’s new technical prototype, whose performance is enhanced by its four-wheel drive system and artificial intelligence technology, which helps augment the driver’s capabilities.
Mitsubishi Outlander owners Daniel and Cheryl were thrilled to discover the cutting-edge features of the car and to witness the latest that Mitsubishi had to offer its customers. “The Motor Show was a very interesting experience (for us). It’s (our) first time (at) such a huge exhibition and convention. Mitsubishi definitely put on a good show with the release of the e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT,” said Daniel.
After visiting Tokyo Motor Show, the lucky winners had an exclusive Japanese dinner with staff from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
Perhaps the most transformative event was the rare, closed-door visit to the Mitsubishi Motors Plant in Okazaki, where our winners observed first-hand how car parts are assembled and the steps leading to a finished product.
Witnessing the making of a car gave Daniel and Cheryl a fresh perspective on driving. “The best part was (seeing) how a car is built. And when we’re actually driving it, you actually start to think, ‘Hey, I use that component, like the steering wheel, (and) that’s how it’s put on,’” said Daniel.
Cheryl added: “It was a very special experience being in Japan and in the plant itself, because that’s not something you can experience in Singapore.”
No trip to Japan is complete without visits to its famous landmarks or a chance to discover the country’s unique culture and heritage. Our winners gazed down on the spectacular city from up high at the Tokyo Skytree, weaved between crowds at the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market and soaked in the spirituality of Asakusa Kannon temple, which was bright and warm with the energy of both locals and tourists alike.
They also took part in activities such as a traditional tea ceremony at The Koomon and tried their hand at the ancient art of Japanese percussion in a taiko drum lesson at Taiko Center.
Outlander owners Bobby and Joey loved the novelty of the drum lessons. “I’ve never done any drumming before, so I really enjoyed it. It’s a pretty good workout as well, (and) I’m really impressed (with) the trainer. I think he’s very, very passionate in t`his activity,” said Joey.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Attrage owners Vincent and Jessica cherished the chance to be robed in the Japanese kimono for the tea ceremony.
“We were very happy to … have (had the) chance to experience wearing a very traditional kimono (while participating in) the tea ceremony, (and) to be able to enjoy a cup of tea, relax (and) practice mindfulness,” said Vincent.
Overall, the trip proved a truly unforgettable experience for the winners, who relished the exclusive opportunity to discover more about their favourite cars, while taking in Japan’s unique culture.
Curious to see what our winners did on the trip? Don’t miss our video diary here: