Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Shokai was established in 1873 as a shipping and trading company. Yataro skillfully diversified the company into mining, leading to the discovery of rich copper veins in the Yoshioka Mine.

In 1916, Hisaya resigned as the President of Mitsubishi during the WWI boom and passed the leadership to his cousin Koyata Iwasaki. This transition marked a significant shift in Mitsubishi's corporate structure and leadership.

The Mitsubishi Jeep was offered in a wide variety of body types, including canvas or metal top, delivery wagon, and with either gasoline or diesel engines. Approximately 200,000 units were sold over 45 years.

In October 1965, Mitsubishi Motors launched the Colt 1500 in Japan to strengthen the Colt series and cater to the growing demand for high output cars in the country. The Colt 1500 featured a longer wheelbase, four headlamps, and a more powerful 1.5L engine.

In August 1966, Mitsubishi introduced the first generation Minicab Truck, featuring a 359cc 2-stroke air-cooled engine and exceptional ride comfort.

In 1974, Mitsubishi triumphed in the challenging WRC Safari Rally in Kenya with the Lancer 1600 GSR, demonstrating its agility and strength in navigating diverse terrains. The rally covered over 6,000 kilometers in five days, testing both drivers and automakers.

In September 1978, Mitsubishi introduced the Minica Ami 55, a fourth-generation model with a wider body and a new 546 cc 2-cylinder 4-stroke water-cooled engine. It featured the company's lean-burn MCA-Jet emissions control system, meeting Japan's 1977 emission regulations and achieving fuel consumption of 22 km/L in Japan's driving cycle test.

The second-generation Lancer, known as Lancer EX, was launched in April 1979 with a focus on optimized size and quality. It featured clean styling with straight lines, a hexagonal body cross-section for more interior space, and new technologies like MCA-JET system engines.

The Mitsubishi Pajero was first introduced as a concept at the 1979 Tokyo Motor Show. It aimed to achieve a harmony between 'taste of the wild' and 'beauty'.

In May 1980, Mitsubishi launched the New Galant Σ, New Eterna Σ, New Galant Λ and New Eterna Λ models. These vehicles were designed to be 'sedan/coupe with worldwide currency,' focusing on low fuel consumption, high performance, comfort, and quality. They featured new gasoline and diesel turbo engines with various displacement options.

In October 1980, Mitsubishi introduced the Forte, a four-wheel drive vehicle that utilized a part-time direct drive silent chain transfer case developed based on their experience with the Mitsubishi Jeep. This innovation resolved issues related to gear noise and power loss, making it suitable for high-speed on-road driving.

In September 1981, Mitsubishi Motors introduced the Minica Econo, a bonnet-type van that shared the body of the Ami L. It featured elegant styling with rectangular headlamps, oversize plastic bumpers, and a 2-cylinder 4-stroke water-cooled engine with Silent Shaft balance technology.

In October 1981, Mitsubishi introduced the 1.8L turbo model of the Lancer EX, affectionately known as the 'LanTurbo'. This high-performance model featured an engine with electronically controlled fuel injection and a TC05 turbocharger, capable of developing 135 PS and accelerating from 0 to 400 m in 16.0 seconds.

In March 1982, Mitsubishi Motors expanded its product lineup by introducing the Tredia 4-door sedan and the Cordia 2-door coupe. These models were designed to provide a spacious interior within compact exteriors and focused on reducing vehicle weight. They featured innovative styling with aerodynamic design elements and were powered by a 1.6 L turbo engine.

In March 1983, the Minica Ami L Turbo was introduced as the first turbocharged K-car in Japan, with a power output of 39 PS.

In October 1983, the Lancer Fiore underwent a full model change to the 'Lively casual vehicle' theme, featuring excellent aerodynamics, a large glazing area, 'boomerang' design headlamps, and a roomy interior space.

Mitsubishi Motors introduced the Galant Σ Hardtop and Eterna Σ Hardtop in October 1984 as their first 4-door hardtop models, replacing the Galant Λ and Eterna Λ. These models featured advanced technology like ECS electronic suspension and EPS electronic power steering.

In October 1990, the GTO Coupe was introduced as a modern coupe type vehicle.

The first-generation Pajero (Montero, Shogun) was launched in January 1991 after a full model change. It was a full-feature four-wheel drive vehicle that combined all-terrain capabilities with urban amenities.

In February 1991, Mitsubishi launched the RVR, a recreational vehicle type model aimed at replacing the heavy-duty character of full-feature SUVs with a lighter persona. It featured a 2.0 L DOHC engine and passenger-friendly driving dynamics.

The Lancer Evolution was introduced in October 1992 by Mitsubishi Motors. It was specifically designed to compete in WRC events, requiring a minimum annual production volume of 2,500 units.

In January 1993, Mitsubishi Motors introduced the Diamante Wagon in the domestic market in Japan. The station wagon, based on the sedan model, was known for its luxurious features such as genuine leather upholstery, split fold-down rear seatback, and fully automatic climate control.

The Lancer Evolution II was introduced in January 1994 by Mitsubishi Motors. It incorporated feedback from its predecessor and focused on enhancing handling and stability, with improvements such as a mechanical plate type LSD and adjustments to the wheelbase and track.

The FTO sport coupe was launched in October 1994 as a model that provided access to sports car performance with its unique curved design.

The Lancer Evolution IV was launched in August 1996, featuring Active Yaw Control (AYC) technology that enhanced cornering performance and braking stability by controlling driving and braking forces between the left and right wheels based on driving conditions.

In October 1996, Mitsubishi Carisma was imported into Japan with a focus on providing 'Genuine European comfort'. The Japan market model featured a 1.8L 16-valve engine and emphasized comfort and spaciousness.

The Chariot underwent a full model change after six years and was introduced in October 1997 as the Chariot Grandis, a premium space utility wagon aimed at a new generation of customers. The new model featured a larger size, enhanced durability, and a more stylish design.

In February 2001, Mitsubishi Motors gave the series a facelift and introduced a CVT model to their lineup, enhancing the overall design and technology of the vehicles.

In May 2004, Mitsubishi Motors introduced the eK Active as the fourth model in the eK series. It stood out as the sole K-crossover SUV available, featuring unique design elements for all-terrain performance.

In October 2005, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) introduced the Mitsubishi 380 as the replacement for the Mitsubishi Magna, the only vehicle being produced at its Australian assembly plant. Despite significant investment, the initial sales projections fell short, leading to production cutbacks and concerns about the plant's profitability and long-term survival.

In January 2006, Mitsubishi Motors launched the i K-car, which introduced a new rear-midship layout to overcome traditional tradeoffs in design, interior space, and safety. The innovative design featured large wheels, an egg-shape silhouette, and a powerful yet fuel-efficient engine.

In August 2006, Mitsubishi introduced the Lancer Wagon MR, a model that combined the aggressive front end styling of the Lancer Evolution IX with the rear end lines of the Lancer Wagon. It featured a lightweight body with reinforced joins and additional spot welds for rigidity, along with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 4G63 MIVEC turbo engine.

The Galant Fortis was launched in August 2007 as a Global Standard Sporty Sedan, featuring a new 2.0L MIVEC engine and a 6-speed Sport Mode CVT. It boasted a balance between safety, environmental performance, and comfort.

The Lancer Evolution X, the tenth iteration in the series, was launched in October 2007 with a brand new platform, engine, and design as a new-generation.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia announced the closure of its Adelaide assembly plant by the end of March 2008, resulting in the loss of 700 to 1,000 direct jobs and up to 2,000 jobs in supporting industries.

In May 2016, Nissan began the acquisition of a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors, aiming to make Nissan the largest and controlling shareholder of Mitsubishi and turning Mitsubishi Motors into a member of the Renault–Nissan Alliance.

In October 2016, Nissan completed the acquisition of the 34% controlling interest in Mitsubishi Motors, with Carlos Ghosn becoming chairman of Mitsubishi as well.

On June 25, 2019, Mitsubishi Motors announced the relocation of its North American headquarters from Cypress, California, to Franklin, Tennessee, as part of a strategic move. This decision aligned with the company's plans for the future.

In 2021, Mitsubishi brought back RALLIART, offering hope to racing fans. Mitsubishi CEO Takao Kato announced the brand's plans to re-enter the global motorsports arena in the future.

On March 9, 2022, Mark Chaffin was named the president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors North America, succeeding Yoichi Yokozawa. This leadership change signified a new chapter for the company's operations in North America.

The release of the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, showcasing Mitsubishi's commitment to eco-friendly vehicles.