Over 100 years of Mitsubishi

The story of Mitsubishi Motors is a tale of engineering prowess that was often ahead of its time. While other manufacturers focused on design or luxury, Mitsubishi defined itself through technological superiority: all-wheel drive, turbocharging, and electromobility are the cornerstones of this history.

1. The Pioneers (1917–1945): The arduous beginning

Long before the automotive division was spun off as an independent company ( Mitsubishi Motors Corporation ), Mitsubishi's shipyard laid the foundation.

• Mitsubishi Model A (1917): This was Japan's first mass-produced automobile. It was a luxury sedan based on the Fiat Tipo 3. However, due to the extremely high production costs and the fact that each car was handcrafted, only 22 examples were produced by 1921. Nevertheless, the proof had been provided: Japan could build automobiles.

• PX33 (1934): A milestone that is often forgotten. The PX33 was a prototype for the military and the first Japanese car with permanent all-wheel drive . This technology would form the DNA of the brand decades later (Pajero, Lancer Evolution).

  
  

2. Reconstruction and Mass Mobilization (1946–1960s)

After World War II, Japan was devastated. Luxury cars were not in demand; the country needed trucks and simple means of transport.

• Mizushima & Silver Pigeon: Mitsubishi produced three-wheeled cargo carts (Mizushima) and motor scooters (Silver Pigeon) to mobilize the people.

• Mitsubishi 500 (1960): With this model, Mitsubishi returned to passenger car production. It was a simple, robust car developed for the government's "People's Car" program.

• The Colt (1962): The first Colt marked the beginning of the rise into the compact class. It was modern, reliable, and marked the start of exports to other Asian markets.

  
  

3. The Galant era and its global breakthrough (1970s)

In 1970, the automotive division was officially spun off as Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) . A partnership with Chrysler opened the doors to the US market.

• Galant (1969/1970): The first generation of the Galant was an elegant car that scored technological points with the "Saturn" engine series. In the USA, it was sold as the Dodge Colt .

• Lancer (1973): The Lancer was positioned between the Colt and the Galant. It was an immediate success – not only in sales, but also in motorsport. The Lancer 1600 GSR dominated the Safari Rally and established Mitsubishi's reputation as the "King of the Desert".

  
  

4. The “Golden Years”: High-Tech and Performance (1980–1999)

This was the era in which Mitsubishi was among the technological world leaders. They focused on "Active Footwork" – the electronic control of the chassis and drive system.

The Rise of the Pajero (1982)

With the Pajero ( Shogun in the UK, Montero in Spain/USA), Mitsubishi revolutionized the SUV market. It was comfortable enough for the city, but unbeatable off-road. Its 12 victories in the Dakar Rally made it a legend.

The birth of the Lancer Evolution (1992)

To win the World Rally Championship (WRC), Mitsubishi transplanted the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive of the Galant VR4 into the smaller, lighter Lancer. The Lancer Evolution (I to X) was born. With drivers like Tommi Mäkinen, Mitsubishi secured four consecutive drivers' titles (1996–1999).

Technology Demonstrator 3000GT

In the 1990s, Mitsubishi wanted to demonstrate what was technically possible. The 3000GT (GTO) featured:

• Permanent all-wheel drive.

• All-wheel steering.

• Active aerodynamics (spoilers adapted to the speed).

• An electronically adjustable suspension.

  
  

  He was a computer on wheels and challenged Porsche and Ferrari.

  
  

5. Crisis and Reorientation (2000–2010s)

The turn of the millennium was difficult. Covert recalls and the Asian financial crisis brought MMC to the brink of ruin. DaimlerChrysler invested and then withdrew.

• Outlander (2001): Mitsubishi recognized the trend towards crossover SUVs early on. The Outlander became the new pillar of the company.

• i-MiEV (2009): While the world was still talking about hybrids, Mitsubishi launched the world's first fully electric production car. It was a gamble that paved the way for the current success of the Outlander PHEV.

  
  

6. The present: Focus on PHEVs and the alliance (from 2016 onwards)

Following Nissan's entry into the group (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance), the brand is focusing on its core competencies: SUVs and plug-in hybrids .

• Outlander PHEV: It became the world's best-selling plug-in hybrid SUV. The combination of two electric motors and a gasoline engine without a conventional transmission remains a unique selling point to this day.

• Eclipse Cross: An SUV coupé that translates the sporty heritage of the name “Eclipse” into the modern SUV world.

  
  

Summary of milestones

Year	Model	Meaning
1917	Model A	Japan's first mass-produced passenger car.
1934	PX33	First Japanese all-wheel drive passenger car.
1982	Pajero	Definition of the modern, comfortable off-roader.
1992	Lancer Evo	Dominance in rally sport and cult status.
2009	i-MiEV	Pioneer of modern electromobility.
2013	Outlander PHEV	World market leader in plug-in SUVs.

The legacy

Mitsubishi has never sought the mass market like Toyota or Volkswagen. The history of its vehicles reveals a brand for individualists and technology enthusiasts. From the rugged L200 pickup working in African mines to the Lancer Evo drifting on Alpine passes – Mitsubishi vehicles are tools for extreme conditions.