Mitsubishi Motors is one of Japan’s most well-known automakers, with a history that traces back over a century. It evolved from a shipping company into a global car manufacturer, contributing significantly to Japan’s industrial and automotive development.
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| Mitsubishi Model A |
Early History: Mitsubishi's Roots (1870–1917)
- 1870: The Mitsubishi Group was founded by Yataro Iwasaki as a shipping company, Mitsubishi Shokai.
- Over time, Mitsubishi expanded into various industries, including mining, banking, and heavy industries.
- 1917: Mitsubishi built Japan’s first mass-produced car, the Mitsubishi Model A, a hand-built luxury car based on the Fiat Tipo 3. However, due to high production costs, it was discontinued after 22 units.
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| Mitsubishi PX33 |
Growth in the Automotive Sector (1930s–1945)
- Mitsubishi’s automobile division started focusing on commercial vehicles.
- 1934: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) developed the PX33, Japan’s first prototype 4WD passenger car, commissioned for military use.
- World War II (1939–1945): Mitsubishi produced military aircraft, including the famous Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" fighter plane. After the war, Japan's industrial sector, including Mitsubishi, was dismantled and restricted.
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| Mitsubishi 500 |
Post-War Recovery and Expansion (1950s–1970s)
- After WWII, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was split into three separate companies by the Allied Forces.
- 1953: Mitsubishi returned to automobile production with the Mitsubishi Jeep, a licensed version of the Willys Jeep.
- 1960: Mitsubishi introduced the Mitsubishi 500, its first passenger car, designed to meet Japan’s growing demand for affordable vehicles.
- 1962: Launched the Colt 600, followed by the Colt 1000 (1963) and Colt 1100 (1966).
- 1970: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) was officially established as an independent automobile company, separating from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
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| 1982 Mitsubishi Pajero |
International Expansion (1970s–1990s)
- 1971: Mitsubishi partnered with Chrysler, which acquired a 15% stake. Mitsubishi models like the Dodge Colt were rebadged and sold in the U.S. under Chrysler brands.
- 1973: Introduced the Lancer, followed by the Galant, both of which became successful globally.
- 1980s: Mitsubishi expanded further into the U.S. market, establishing Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) in 1981.
- 1982: Launched the Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero/Shogun), an off-road SUV that gained global popularity and won the Dakar Rally multiple times.
- 1989: Mitsubishi became a top contender in the performance car market with the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Mitsubishi GTO (3000GT).
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| Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution |
Peak Success and Challenges (1990s–2000s)
- 1990s: Mitsubishi became Japan’s fourth-largest automaker.
- 1992: Introduced the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Evo), which became legendary in rally racing.
- 2000: Faced a major recall scandal when it was discovered that the company covered up vehicle defects for decades. This severely damaged Mitsubishi’s reputation and finances.
- 2003: DaimlerChrysler acquired a controlling stake but later pulled out in 2005, leaving Mitsubishi financially vulnerable.
- 2000s: Sales declined, and Mitsubishi struggled to compete with Toyota and Honda.
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| 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV |
Recent Years and Nissan Alliance (2010s–Present)
- 2016: Mitsubishi was involved in another scandal for falsifying fuel efficiency data, further damaging its reputation.
- 2016: Nissan acquired a 34% controlling stake in Mitsubishi, bringing it into the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
- 2018: Mitsubishi focused on SUVs and electrification, with models like the Outlander PHEV, one of the best-selling plug-in hybrid SUVs.
- 2020s: Mitsubishi continues restructuring, shifting towards electric and hybrid vehicles while maintaining a presence in off-road and performance segments.
Legacy and Impact
Mitsubishi is known for:
✅ Pioneering 4WD technology (PX33, Pajero, Lancer Evolution)
✅ Strong rally heritage (multiple Dakar Rally wins)
✅ Innovative plug-in hybrids (Outlander PHEV)
✅ Affordable, reliable compact cars (Lancer, Mirage)
However, it has also faced multiple scandals and financial struggles that impacted its market position. Today, Mitsubishi is rebuilding under Nissan’s leadership, focusing on SUVs, electric vehicles, and emerging markets.
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