History of Mitsubishi

The Japanese company Mitsubishi was founded in 1880. However, the first attempts to create a car were made only in 1917. So the Model A was introduced, which did not gain much popularity and was quickly discontinued. After that, the company switched to the creation of a truck, while simultaneously improving the technology for the production of power units for aircraft and cars.

In 1921, the Mitsubishi T1 truck was introduced, which within two years was widely used in the Japanese automobile market, and in 1923 the model entered service with the army. It was thanks to the conclusion of a lucrative contract with the government of the country that Mitsubishi received the necessary funds to start large-scale work to create new cars. As a result of these studies, the company’s engineers introduced in 1931 the first Japanese car Mitsubishi 450AD, equipped with a diesel power unit. And in 1932, the company’s first bus was introduced, equipped with a similar diesel engine as in the 450th model. In 1934, two more diesel-powered buses were introduced, but the announcement of all-wheel drive vehicles “Mitsubishi” in 1935 aroused more interest. At the same time, two separate enterprises within the concern were spun off – one for the production of military equipment, the second for the production of Fuso trucks.

In 1939, the company switched to the production of bombers and power units for aircraft, tanks and heavy equipment, completely stopping all other projects. The Second World War had a monstrous impact on the enterprises of the Mitsubishi concern, which by 1945 were either completely destroyed or rendered completely unusable for further operation. Due to the crisis state of the entire Japanese economy, the concern was divided into 40 separate enterprises, some of which came under the control of American and British entrepreneurs. At the same time, such measures made it possible to keep in the hands of the founders of “Mitsubishi” some part of the production, which allowed the resumption of production of cars in 1946. This is how the ultra-compact three-wheeled Mitsubishi Mizushima was introduced. However, the model was not in great demand, but this did not prevent the expansion of the product range. In the same year, the Mitsubishi Silver scooter was presented, as well as the B1 bus with a unique power unit that ran not only on gasoline, but also on almost any combustible liquid. In 1951, the production of Mitsubishi trucks was resumed, called T31 and T33. In addition, the first truck model with a tilt cab was introduced in the Japanese market.

In 1952, deliveries of brand products to Thailand and Chile began, where buyers highly appreciated the reliability and low cost of Mitsubishi models. In addition, after the end of the occupation of Japan, the company began to unite again, becoming one of the largest conglomerates in the country. In 1956, sales of the first truck with a power unit located behind the cab began.

In 1961, a compact sports sedan model was introduced, which won many awards in the most prestigious motor racing competitions in Asia. Thanks to this success, the conquest of the global automotive market began. So in 1963, deliveries of Mitsubishi buses to Canada began, and in 1964, the Egyptian government purchased a batch of 100 eight-ton Mitsubishi T31 trucks.

As if anticipating the approach of the fuel crisis, the Japanese company produces two subcompact models – Minica and Colt, which have become record holders for the minimum fuel consumption. In addition, the Mitsubishi Galant, a compact sedan aimed at the automotive market in the United States of America, was presented. After a successful entry into the American market, large-scale production of compact sedans and hatchbacks began, the main feature of which was precisely low fuel consumption.

One of the most pivotal moments in Mitsubishi’s history took place in 1982 when the first generation Pajero SUV was introduced. Its simple design and powerful diesel engine have made it the most popular off-road vehicle in the world. And after the modernization of the model in 1991, off-road cars from Japan became the standard of quality for a long period.

By 1998, the American division of Mitsubishi became part of the Daimler-Chrysler concern, which allowed the Japanese brand to expand its presence in the US and Canadian automotive markets. However, all cooperation gradually came down to the fact that Mitsubishi sedans and hatchbacks began to be sold in North America under the Dodge brand, and SUVs retained the Mitsubishi brand. However, the Japanese company also found success in Europe – a brand factory was opened in Holland, and a strategic agreement was concluded with the French concern Peugeot-Citroen.

At the same time, the company’s engineers did not sit idle, starting work on the creation of the first crossover and a new generation of Mitsubishi Lancer. The Mitsubishi Outlander mid-size crossover was released in 2003, and a year later the ninth generation Lancer was introduced. It is worth noting that after the release of these models, sales of mid-size sedans Mitsubishi Galant and Karisma fell rapidly. Buyers increasingly preferred all-wheel drive models. In 2001, Mitsubishi takes part in the prestigious Paris-Dakar rally-raid, which wins in one go for the next eight years.

By 2005, the Japanese brand “Mitsubishi” is rapidly gaining popularity, and the company’s engineers are releasing more and more new models. However, the latest Pajero update did not bring the expected success, but thanks to the presence of a crossover in the range of cars, sales remain at a high level. In 2007, the Outlander is updated, which becomes the new leader in the company’s model range, and all compact models disappear from the European car market, with the exception of the Lancer.

In 2008, Mitsubishi engineers took part in the creation of all-wheel drive vehicles for Peugeot and Citroen, and also launched a new generation of gasoline engines equipped with the world’s first boost system that maintains low fuel consumption while increasing engine power. In the same year, the construction of several factories began in China, where Mitsubishi cars were produced for a long time under the brands of various local brands.

In 2009, the first Mitsubishi models were introduced, equipped with hybrid and electric engines, marking a new milestone in the history of the automotive industry. Unlike many other manufacturers, the Japanese firm has launched one of its electric vehicles, called the I-Miev, into mass production. Joint developments with Citroen were also presented, which led to a complete monopolization of the car market with an electric motor, since 95% of all models sold were equipped with a power unit from Mitsubishi. And in 2011, the company’s first compact crossover, called the ASX, saw the light of day.

In 2012, the start of sales of the new generation Outlander was announced, which received an updated design and a whole range of engines, one of which was an increased power electric motor. In 2013, plans were announced for Mitsubishi to enter the luxury car market through a technological collaboration with another Japanese automaker, Infinity. It is expected that under the brand “Mitsubishi” sedans will be released, which will allow the brand to return to the classic passenger car market.

In 2013, a 10% increase in sales of Mitsubishi vehicles was noted. According to statistics, both new models and those that have already become classics were popular. In particular, the Mitsubishi L200, which has been the sales leader in the SUV Pick-Up class for more than 10 years, has not lost any of its appeal in the eyes of motorists.

In the spring of 2014, the company’s management announced its intention to build a research and development center in Thailand. There it was planned to study new trends and test products for the countries of Southeast Asia (ASEAN).

In addition, the company continued to upgrade existing models and develop new ones.