A century of Mitsubishi automobiles
Where it all started
Our story began in 1870 with the founding of a shipping trading company by Yataro Iwasaki. In 1917, we produced our first passenger vehicle. Fifty years later in 1970, the automotive division was separated from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
In 2017, Mitsubishi automobiles celebrated its 100th year anniversary. Throughout all that time, Mitsubishi automobiles has contributed to the global community by developing new technologies and tackling new domains.
A history of the Mitsubishi trademark
The original Mitsubishi trademark was created in the early years of the Japanese Meiji period by the founder Yataro Iwasaki. The trademark is actually a combination of two family crests: the sangaibishi(three-tiered water chestnut leaves) of the Iwasaki family and the mitsuganshiwa (three oak leaves) of the Yamanouchi family, feudal lords of the Tosa clan.
The trademark then underwent several changes before taking its present form as the now famous symbol of Mitsubishi. The current version of the trademark first appeared in 1910 on an English version of a sales catalogue.
100 years of automotive experience
1917
We produce the Model-A, Japan’s first series production passenger car.
1936
Production began of the PX-33, Japan’s first 4WD diesel passenger car prototype.
1946
We began producing the Mizushima XTM1, a 0.4-ton capacity three-wheeler cargo carrier. Production continued right up until 1962.
1946
Production began of the Silver Pigeon C-10, Japan’s first two-wheel scooter.
1959
The Leo was launched, a small three-wheel vehicle available in both truck and van styles.
1960
The Mitsubishi 500 was launched, the first compact four-wheel passenger car.
1961
The launch of the Mitsubishi 360, a light four-wheel passenger car powered by a fuel-sipping 359cc engine.
1962
The launch of the Colt 600, the first Mitsubishi model to bear the Colt name, and the Minica, the name for the micro-compact cars in this series.
1963
The launch of the Colt 1000, Mitsubishi’s first mass-production 4-door sedan.
1965
This year saw the launch of the Colt 800, Japan’s first fastback.
1966
The Colt 1000F and Colt 1100 go into production.
1968
The new Colt 1200 and the Colt 1500 go into production.
1968
We began producing the Delica, a cab-over-type commercial vehicle and the forerunner of the first generation of the Mitsubishi L300.
1970
Production begins of the Colt Galant GTO-MI, -MII and -MR. This was the car that caused a sensation at the 1969 Tokyo Motor Show.
1970
Production begins on the Colt Galant 2-Door Hardtop, Mitsubishi’s first hardtop.
1970 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is established.
1973 – The Lancer 1600GSR debuts and reigns at the 8th Australian Southern Cross Rally with a 1-2-3-4 place sweep!
1973
We produce the second generation of the Galant.
1976
The third generation Galant goes into production.
1978
Mitsubishi expands it’s light commercial vehicle line-up with the production of the L200 (Forte) a 1-ton pickup.
1979
Production begins of the first of the L300 series (the second generation Delica).
1980
Production begins of the fourth generation Gallant.
1980
Production begins of the L200 4WD vehicle.
1982
The year that saw the launch of the Shogun, Japan’s first turbocharger equipped diesel, multi-purpose 4WD vehicle.
1983
We produced the fifth generation Galant, featuring an FF format for the first time.
1983
The Chariot was launched. This was Mitsubishi Motor’s new mid-sized multi-use vehicle with seating for up to seven people.
1983
Production begins of the third generation Lancer.
1983
We produce the new Colt (Mirage), the first full model change.
1984
Produced the Galant 4-door Hardtop, Mitsubishi’s first 4-door hardtop.
1985
Launch of the Lancer Station Wagon (Mirage/Lancer Van).
1986
Production of the third generation L300 (Delica) begins.
1986
Production of the Lancer Station Wagon with full-time 4WD begins.
1988
Production begins of the fifth generation Lancer and Galant Hatchback.
The Galant VR-4 was the first vehicle to feature an Active Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS).
1990
Launch of the Sigma /Diamante car. This was Mitsubishi’s entry into the upper-medium executive saloon class. It featured Mitsubishi-developed Traction Control System and was the first application of this technology in the world. It won the 1990-1991 Japan Car of the Year.
1991
Production begins of the second generation Shogun, featuring Mitsubishi’s new technology, Super Select 4WD and Multi-mode ABS.
1991 – Mitsubishi Motors introduces the MIVEC engine (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system), which improves performance and fuel efficiency.
1991
Production begins of the sixth generation Lancer.
1992
The seventh generation Galant goes into production.
1992
Launch of the FTO, a new sports car featuring INVECS-II & Sports Mode automatic transmission with 1.8L/2.0L V6 engine. It wins 1996-1997 Japan Car of the Year.
1995
Launch of the L200 pick-up, manufactured in Thailand.
1995
Production begins of the seventh generation Lancer.
1996
Production begins of the eighth generation Galant/Galant Station Wagon. It wins 1996-1997 Japanese Car of the Year.
1999
Production commences of the third generation Shogun.
2005
We launch the Outlander, a mid-size SUV with V6 MIVEC engine and INVECS-III Sport Mode 6-speed CVT transmission.
2005
We launched the fourth generation Space Wagon (Grandis).
2006
Our new pickup truck L200 (Triton/Strada) is launched. It’s a global strategic vehicle manufactured in Thailand.
2006
We launch i, a small car with a radical new design. It wins several awards, including the 2006-2007 Japanese Good Design Grand Prix.
2006
Production begins of the fourth generation Shogun.
2007
We launch the Lancer Evolution X. It wins a 2007-2008 special prize in Car of the Year Japan.
2007
The new Lancer (Lancer EX) is launched. It combines the inverted slant nose traditional on MMC sedans and a trapezoidal grille.
2008
We launch the Shogun Sport (also called Montero Sport/Nativa)
2009
We launched the i-MiEV, the world’s first mass-produced new generation 100% electric vehicle. It wins the 2009-2010 Car of the Year Japan’s “Most Advanced Technology” Special Achievement Award.
2009 – The newly developed power-efficient Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST), was a 6-speed automated manual transmission incorporating a dual automated clutch system to deliver lightning fast shifting for feel-good acceleration.
2009 – S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) was specifically developed for the Lancer Evolution.
2010
The year we launched the ASX (also called Outlander Sport/RVR).
2012
Production begins of the Mirage (Space Star) in Thailand, designed to be a global compact car.
2012 – The i-MiEV Evolution all-electric race car takes 2nd place at the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the United States.
2012 – We launched the new Outlander, a mid-size SUV which reflects every facet of Mitsubishi’s car-building technology and knowledge.
2013
We launch the OUTLANDER PHEV, the world’s first Plug-in Hybrid SUV.
2014 – The MiEV Evolution III wins first and second place in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb’s EV prototype division, beating the previous course record by more than 30 seconds.
2015 – Mitsubishi Motors tests its EV and Twin-Motor 4WD technologies in the Baja Portalegre 500 a cross-country race in Portugal. It set the fastest time in three out of five segments, all using the OUTLANDER PHEV.
2015 – The OUTLANDER PHEV enters the Asia Cross-Country Rally. It’s the first PHEV to ever reach the finish line.
2017
We Launch the Eclipse Cross. It’s an all-new compact SUV coupé, and it joins Mitsubishi Motors’ global lineup of crossover SUVs.
PRESENT
To be continued…
Staying true to our design philosophy of honesty, robustness and Japanese craftsmanship, we’ll continue to build impressive mobility solutions. Not just now, but for the future.
Note: Images and specifications are based on a typical model from the time.
Creating a better tomorrow
Take a look at our new concept cars and see what exciting developments might be coming to a motor show near you.
