1917
Mitsubishi Motors can be traced back to 1917 when its first mass-produced car, the Mitsubishi Model-A, rolled off the production line. This model was made in Japan when the corporation was still known as the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Company. The dedication to craftsmanship, signature design, and relentless innovation has continued throughout the evolution of the company, giving rise to industry firsts such as the now-widespread electronically-controlled traction system, and the mass-marketed electric vehicle.
1962
In 1962 Mitsubishi Motors won its first entry into an international motorsports event and immediately set a track record with the Mitsubishi 500 Super Deluxe. It was also the first vehicle to be aerodynamically tested in a wind tunnel in Japan.
1970
In 1970 Mitsubishi began researching and developing EV technology. That’s right! In 1970 Mitsubishi began setting the stage to be the first automaker to mass market an electric vehicle. Also in 1970, the Galant GTO was born from the 5 time Grand Prix winning Colt F Series. The Galant GTO launched in Japan and eventually lead to the iconic Lancer Evolution.
1971
In 1971 Mitsubishi Motors sells its first car in America, the Dodge Colt, and the Colt F2000 Formula racecar wins Mitsubishi Motors’ sixth Grand Prix title.
1973
1973 was the Lancer’s debut year. The Lancer 1600GSR dominated the Australian Southern Cross Rally with a 1st 2nd and 3rd place sweep, garnering Mitsubishi Motors’ 4th Rally title overall. And in 1976, Mitsubishi Motors developed breakthrough Silent Shaft engine technology, while licensing the patents to Porsche, Saab, and Fiat.
1980
In 1980 they engineered the world’s first energy-saving Turbo Diesel engine with Silent Shaft Technology, and in 1982 the Mitsubishi Motors marquee is introduced in America with the launch of the Tredia, Cordia, and Starion models. The Montero (Pajero) then makes endurance race history in 1983 by winning the triple crown in its first appearance at the Paris-Dakar Rally.
1987
In 1987 the Galant VR-4 was the first vehicle to feature an Active Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) and received Mitsubishi Motors’ first Car of the Year award in Japan. Then in 1989, the Galant VR-4 won both the WRC1000 Lake and RAC Rallies and was named Motor Trend Magazine’s Import Car of the Year.
1990
1990 was an exciting year for Mitsubishi with the design of the world’s first electronically-controlled Traction Control System, the launch of the iconic 3000GT, and the Eclipse debut with a turbocharged 4G63 engine and AWD technology.
From 1992 to 2020
From 1992 to 2020 Mitsubishi Motors continued to surpass expectations, engineer innovative ideas to drive a greener tomorrow, received multiple awards, won many races, and introduced redesigned and new model vehicles.
