Mitsubishi History

Mitsubishi – Detailed History

Mitsubishi is one of Japan’s oldest and most diversified industrial groups, with activities ranging from automobiles and heavy industries to finance, electronics, and energy. In the automotive world, it is known as Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC).

Origins of Mitsubishi (1870–1916)

Mitsubishi was founded in 1870 by Yatarō Iwasaki as a shipping company called Tsukumo Shokai. The company later adopted the name Mitsubishi, which means “three diamonds”—a symbol that remains its logo today.

Over time, Mitsubishi expanded into:

Shipbuilding

Mining

Banking

Heavy machinery

This expansion laid the foundation for Mitsubishi as a major Japanese industrial conglomerate.

Entry into Automobile Manufacturing (1917–1945)

In 1917, Mitsubishi produced Japan’s first series-production passenger car, the Mitsubishi Model A.

Although advanced for its time, the Model A was expensive and production ended after a few years.

During the 1930s and early 1940s, Mitsubishi focused mainly on:

Military vehicles

Aircraft (including fighter planes)

Heavy industrial equipment

Civilian automobile production slowed significantly during World War II.

Post-War Reorganization and Recovery (1945–1960s)

After World War II, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was broken into smaller companies under Allied occupation. Vehicle production resumed slowly in the late 1940s and 1950s.

Key developments:

Production of three-wheeled commercial vehicles

Launch of small, affordable vehicles to support Japan’s post-war recovery

Introduction of the Mitsubishi 500 in 1960, marking Mitsubishi’s return to passenger cars

Growth and Global Expansion (1970s–1980s)

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation was officially established in 1970.

Mitsubishi gained international recognition for:

Reliable small cars

Pickup trucks

Off-road vehicles

Important models included:

Mitsubishi Lancer

Mitsubishi Galant

Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero/Shogun)

Mitsubishi expanded into markets such as the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, often forming partnerships with foreign manufacturers.

Performance, Rally Success & Innovation (1990s)

The 1990s marked Mitsubishi’s performance peak.

Highlights:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, a high-performance rally car

Multiple victories in the World Rally Championship (WRC)

Technological innovations such as:

All-Wheel Control (AWC)

Advanced turbocharged engines

Mitsubishi also introduced popular SUVs like the Pajero, which dominated the Dakar Rally.

Challenges and Restructuring (2000s)

In the early 2000s, Mitsubishi faced:

Financial difficulties

Quality and recall issues

Increased global competition

The company underwent major restructuring, reducing costs and narrowing its product lineup. Despite challenges, Mitsubishi continued developing SUVs and crossovers.

Alliance and Modern Era (2010s–Present)

In 2016, Mitsubishi joined the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance.

This partnership strengthened Mitsubishi’s access to technology, platforms, and global markets.

Modern focus areas:

SUVs and crossovers (Outlander, Eclipse Cross, ASX)

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (Outlander PHEV)

Fuel efficiency and sustainability

Conclusion

From its beginnings as a 19th-century shipping company to becoming a global automotive brand, Mitsubishi has a long and resilient history. The company is best known for its engineering innovation, rally heritage, and durable SUVs, and it continues to adapt to the modern automotive landscape.

Mitsubishi products to date, focused mainly on Mitsubishi Motors vehicles (past and present), organized by category. Availability varied by market and generation, but this covers Mitsubishi’s global lineup over time.

🚗 Passenger Cars (Sedans, Hatchbacks, Compacts)

Small & Compact Cars

Mitsubishi Mirage

Mitsubishi Colt

Mitsubishi Minica

Mitsubishi i

Mitsubishi i-MiEV (electric)

Mitsubishi Space Star

Sedans & Mid-Size Cars

Mitsubishi Lancer

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (I–X)

Mitsubishi Galant

Mitsubishi Diamante

Mitsubishi Carisma

Mitsubishi Attrage

Mitsubishi Emeraude

Mitsubishi Proudia

Mitsubishi Dignity

🚙 SUVs & Crossovers

Compact & Mid-Size SUVs

Mitsubishi ASX (Outlander Sport / RVR)

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Mitsubishi Airtrek

Full-Size & Off-Road SUVs

Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero / Shogun)

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Mitsubishi Endeavor

Mitsubishi Nativa

🛻 Pickup Trucks & Commercial Vehicles

Mitsubishi L200 (Triton)

Mitsubishi Mighty Max

Mitsubishi Strada

Mitsubishi Raider

Mitsubishi Canter

Mitsubishi Fuso trucks (commercial line)

🚐 MPVs, Vans & People Movers

Mitsubishi Delica

Mitsubishi Delica D:5

Mitsubishi Grandis

Mitsubishi Space Wagon

Mitsubishi Space Runner

Mitsubishi Space Gear

Mitsubishi Chariot

🏎️ Sports & Performance Cars

Mitsubishi 3000GT (GTO)

Mitsubishi Eclipse

Mitsubishi Starion

Mitsubishi FTO

Mitsubishi Galant VR-4

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (rally performance)

⚡ Electric & Hybrid Vehicles

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Mitsubishi Minicab MiEV

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV

🚜 Kei Cars & Special Models (Japan)

Mitsubishi Minicab

Mitsubishi eK Wagon

Mitsubishi eK Space

Mitsubishi eK X

Mitsubishi Bravo

Mitsubishi Town Box