Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi
Founded
1970
Founders
Yataro Iwasaki
Country
Japan
Headquarters
Chiyoda, Tokyo
Mitsubishi
Founded
1970
Founders
Yataro Iwasaki
Country
Japan
Headquarters
Chiyoda, Tokyo
About this brand
Discover the history
Mitsubishi Motors, a Japanese automotive company with a history dating back to 1917, has traversed a remarkable journey marked by innovation, resilience, and a dedication to performance. Established as a shipbuilding firm, Mitsubishi diversified into aircraft manufacturing during World War II, laying the groundwork for its eventual foray into the automotive industry.
In 1960, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation was formally established, heralding the beginning of a new era. The 1962 Mitsubishi 500, a compact car, marked the company’s entry into the passenger car market. However, it was the launch of the Mitsubishi Colt 1000 in 1963 that garnered attention, showcasing Mitsubishi’s commitment to producing affordable, practical vehicles for the masses.
The 1970s witnessed Mitsubishi’s expansion into the international market, with the Mitsubishi Galant leading the charge. The Mitsubishi Lancer, introduced in 1973, became a global success and formed the basis for the renowned Lancer Evolution series, a high-performance lineage born out of motorsport ambitions.
Motorsport has been an integral part of Mitsubishi’s identity. In the 1980s, the Mitsubishi Pajero, known as the Montero in some markets, made a formidable impact in off-road racing, winning the grueling Dakar Rally multiple times. This success solidified Mitsubishi’s reputation for building rugged, off-road-capable vehicles.
The Lancer Evolution, launched in 1992, became an iconic presence in motorsport. Derived from the Lancer compact sedan, the Evolution series was developed to dominate the World Rally Championship (WRC). The Lancer Evolution, with its distinctive rally-inspired design and high-performance capabilities, achieved unparalleled success in rallying, securing multiple championships.
The 1990s also saw the introduction of the Mitsubishi 3000GT, a sleek and technologically advanced sports car that showcased Mitsubishi’s engineering prowess. In the same era, the Mitsubishi Eclipse, co-developed with Chrysler, became a popular model, especially among enthusiasts in the United States.
The early 2000s witnessed the continued success of the Lancer Evolution in rallying, with drivers like Tommi Mäkinen bringing home championships for Mitsubishi. However, economic challenges prompted Mitsubishi to shift its focus, leading to a temporary hiatus in the production of the Lancer Evolution.
In recent years, Mitsubishi has embraced a new era with a focus on SUVs and electric mobility. The Mitsubishi Outlander and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross exemplify the brand’s commitment to producing versatile and technologically advanced SUVs for a global market.
