mitsubishi

A brief history about mitsubishi: Mitsubishi Motors, part of the vast Mitsubishi conglomerate, holds a distinguished place in Japan’s automotive history. Its story began in 1917 when the company built its first car, a seven-seat sedan modeled after the Fiat Tipo 3. Only 22 units were made before production ended, but it marked the start of a century-long journey in engineering and innovation.

The modern Mitsubishi story truly began in 1934, when Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and Mitsubishi Aircraft merged to form a larger industrial group. Initially focused on airplanes, ships, and trains, the company developed a four-wheel-drive prototype sedan in 1937 known as the PX33, which was designed for military use. After World War II, Mitsubishi shifted toward civilian vehicles, producing small three-wheelers like the Mizushima and scooters such as the Silver Pigeon to meet Japan’s growing need for affordable transportation.

By the 1950s, Japan’s economy was recovering, and Mitsubishi saw an opportunity to build cars for families. The company launched the Mitsubishi 500, a compact sedan, followed by the Minica and the Colt 1000 in 1963. Rising sales led to the reformation of the Mitsubishi group in 1970, when Mitsubishi Motors Corporation was officially established.

Seeking global expansion, Mitsubishi formed an alliance with Chrysler, which purchased a 15% stake in the company. This partnership allowed Mitsubishi to sell rebadged models abroad—such as the Dodge Colt in the United States and the Chrysler Scorpion in Australia—while establishing a stronger dealership network across Europe. The collaboration boosted production, but Chrysler’s financial troubles in the late 1970s forced it to sell off several assets.

In 1982, Mitsubishi began selling cars in the U.S. under its own name, launching models like the Tredia, Cordia, and Starion. The brand’s global presence grew rapidly, surpassing 1.5 million vehicles produced by the end of the decade. To solidify its American operations, Mitsubishi and Chrysler founded Diamond-Star Motors in Illinois in 1987, producing models such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, and Plymouth Laser.

Mitsubishi went public in 1988, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries holding a 25% stake and Chrysler increasing its share to 20%. By the early 1990s, Chrysler reduced its holdings, leaving Mitsubishi in full control of its operations. The company continued to expand, launching new manufacturing facilities and introducing vehicles designed for global markets, including the Lancer and Pajero (known as the Montero in some regions).

A new alliance formed in 2000 with DaimlerChrysler, which invested $1.9 billion in Mitsubishi. However, the partnership was soon overshadowed by a major scandal revealing that Mitsubishi had concealed vehicle defects since the late 1970s. The company was forced to recall over 160,000 vehicles, damaging its reputation and finances. The combination of the scandal and the early 2000s Asian economic downturn led to significant restructuring.

Determined to recover, Mitsubishi focused on innovation and smaller, more efficient vehicles suited to urban markets. The compact Mitsubishi i, the Lancer Evolution, and the Outlander SUV revitalized the brand, helping it return to profitability in 2006. Today, Mitsubishi continues to evolve, investing in hybrid and electric technologies while maintaining its legacy of resilience, innovation, and engineering excellence.

Current Models

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