Company History

Presented here is Mitsubishi’s journey in the
automobile industry since the company’ establishment.

View the history
of past cars

  • 1870

    • Tsukumo Shokai (later Mitsukawa Shokai) was founded by the Tosa Clan, positioning Yataro Iwasaki as the manager.

  • 1873

    • Yataro Iwasaki changed the company’s name from Mitsukawa Shokai to Mitsubishi Shokai, and became the company’s president.

  • 1875

    • Mitsubishi Shokai changed its name to Mitsubishi Kisen Kaisha.

    • Mitsubishi Kisen Kaisha changed its name to Yubin Kisen Mitsubishi Kaisha.

  • 1885

    • Yanosuke Iwasaki founded Mitsubishi Sha (later Mitsubishi Goshi Kaisha), and became the company’s president.

  • 1893

    • Hisaya Iwasaki became president of Mitsubishi Goshi Kaisha.

  • 1914

    • Mitsubishi registered its trademark (the three-diamond symbol).

  • 1916

    • Koyata Iwasaki became president of Mitsubishi Goshi Kaisha.

  • 1917

    • The Shipbuilding Division of Mitsubishi Goshi Kaisha becomes the independent company Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.(later Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.)

  • 1920

    • Mitsubishi Internal Combustion Engine Mfg. Co., Ltd. established Nagoya Plant.

  • 1943

    • Mizushima Aircraft Plant (currently Mizushima Plant) established by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

  • 1944

    • Kyoto Device Manufacturing Works (currently Kyoto Plant - Kyoto) established by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

  • 1949

    • Established a truck and bus distributor, Fuso Motors Sales Co., Ltd.

  • 1950

    • Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. split into 3 companies.

  • 1952

    • Companies including the three Mitsubishi Heavy Industries companies moved their headquarters to Marunouchi in Chiyoda City, and began to use Mitsubishi’s corporate name and its three-diamond symbol again.

  • 1954

    • Established Ryowa Motor Sales Company (later Shin Mitsubishi Motor Sales Company) as a distributor for domestically manufactured jeeps.

  • 1962

    • Okazaki Test Course completed at Nagoya Plant.

  • 1964

    • The three Mitsubishi Heavy Industries companies merged to form the new Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

    • Established Mitsubishi Motor Sales Company.

  • 1965

    • Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. acquired shares in UDMI of Thailand.

  • 1966

    • Dealers nationwide were crowned with the title of “Mitsubishi Motor Sales” in their corporate names.

  • 1967

    • Production of jeeps fully outsourced to Toyo Machinery Co., Ltd. (currently Pajero Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)

  • 1968

    • Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. completed the construction of the main building of Mitsubishi Kyoto Hospital.

  • 1969

    • Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. set up the division for its automobile business.

    • Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. moved the division for its automobile business to Shiba, Minato City.

    • Launched the production of 4G3 model (Saturn Engine).

    • Automotive research and development center was set up in Nagoya plant.

    • The soccer team of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. won the Japan Soccer League for the first time.

  • 1970

    • Mitsubishi Motors Corporation was founded.

    • Concluded an agreement with CMC to provide assistance on enhancing domestic production in Taiwan.

    • 100th anniversary of Mitsubishi Group.

  • 1971

    • 10 Minica Van EVs were delivered to Tokyo Electric Power Company.

    • Launched the production of 4G4 model (Neptune Engine).

    • Entered into equity alliance with Chrysler.

  • 1972

    • The soccer team of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. won the Emperor’s Cup JFA Japan Football Championship for the first time.

    • Kyoto Plant Rugby Team won the 24th Japan Company Rugby Football Championship for the first time.

    • Mitsubishi Rented Car Corporation (later Mitsubishi Auto Leasing Corporation) was founded.

    • Acquired shares in CPC of the Philippines.

    • Kawasaki Baseball Team entered the 43rd Intercity Baseball Tournament and came second.

    • Launched the production of 4G5 model (Astron Engine).

  • 1973

    • Founded ATC in the Philippines.

    • Founded MKM in Indonesia.

    • Concluded an agreement to provide technical assistance for the 4G36 model engine to Hyundai Motor Company.

    • Acquired shares in SMC of Thailand.

  • 1975

    • Established Meiko Motor Pool in Nagoya port in Aichi Prefecture.

  • 1976

    • The “silent shaft” system won the Technological Development Award of the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc.

    • Kyoto Plant Rugby Team won again in the 28th Japan Company Rugby Football Championship.

    • Began using the MM symbol for the front emblem.

    • Introduced the MCA-JET system engine.

  • 1977

    • Launched the production of 4G1 model (Orion Engine).

    • Hosted Mitsubishi Galant Tournament.

    • Founded Japan Automotive Engineering Co., Ltd.(currently Mitsubishi Automotive Engineering Co.,Ltd.)

    • Established Nagoya plant - Okazaki (currently Okazaki Plant - Okazaki).

    • Hosted the Mirage Bowl.

  • 1978

    • Created 2 channels of domestic distributors.

  • 1979

    • The soccer team of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. won three titles for the first time ever.

    • Acquired shares in CAL of Australia.

    • Established Gamagori Motor Pool in Gamagori port in Aichi Prefecture.

    • Launched the production of 4G6 model (Sirius Engine).

    • Established Kyoto Plant - Shiga.

  • 1981

    • Offered the “silent shaft” technology to Porsche.

    • Established Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA) in the US.

  • 1982

    • Introduced the variable displacement engine “MD”.

    • Began using the MMC symbol for the front emblem.

    • Acquired shares in Hyundai Motor Company of South Korea.

  • 1983

    • Established PROTON in Malaysia.

  • 1984

    • Established Ralliart, Inc.

    • Integrated Mitsubishi Motor Sales Company.

  • 1985

    • Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) won the Technological Development Award of the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc.

    • Established the brand message: Ii-machi, Ii-hito, Ii-kuruma (“Great Town, Great People, Great Cars”)

    • Established DSM (later Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America Inc., or MMMA) in the US.

    • Launched the production of 6G7 model engine.

  • 1986

    • Acquired shares in CMC of Taiwan.

  • 1987

    • Established PAMCOR (currently MMPC) in the Philippines.

    • Electronically controlled power steering “EPS” won the Technological Development Award of the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc.

    • Established Suiryo Service Co., Ltd.

    • Introduced active electronically controlled suspension, “Active ECS”.

    • Mizushima plant achieved production of a cumulative total of 10 million units.

  • 1988

    • Established property management companies at each plamts.

    • Established Mitsubishi Auto Credit-Lease Corporation.

    • Offered the “silent shaft” technology to Volvo.

    • Shares listed on First Section of stock exchanges.

  • 1989

    • Established Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. (MME) in the Netherlands.

    • Offered the “silent shaft” technology to SAAB.

    • Introduced a flexible hours schedule called “flex time”.

    • Conducted the first ever capital increase through public stock offering since being listed.

  • 1990

    • Introduced traction control system “TCL”.

    • Introduced Mitsubishi intelligent cockpit system “MICS”.

    • The soccer team of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (later Urawa Red Diamonds) launched its activities.

    • Changed the name of Shinryo Automotive Service Co., Ltd. to Mitsubishi Automotive Techno-Service Co., Ltd.

  • 1991

    • Launched the production of 4G9 model engine.

    • Introduced the Caregiver Leave System.

    • Launched the production of 6A1 model engine.

    • Issued unsecured bonds with warrants.

    • Changed the name of Daiya Automotive Transportation Co., Ltd. to Mitsubishi Automotive Logistics Co., Ltd.

    • Hosted Star Camp.

    • Introduced vertical vortex lean-burn engine, “MVV”.

    • Established Netherlands Car in the Netherlands.

  • 1992

    • Introduced Senior Reemployment System (Senior System).

    • Introduced active safety system “INVECS”.

    • Introduced variable valve timing engine “MIVEC”.

    • Launched the production of 4M4 model diesel engine.

  • 1993

    • Established the brand message: Creating Together.

    • Developed Libero electric vehicle in collaboration with Tokyo Electric Power Company.

    • Established Mitsubishi Motor Sales Europe B.V. (MMSE) in the Netherlands.

    • Set up Automobile Information Service for Children.

  • 1994

    • Achieved post-war production of a cumulative total of 25 million units of four-wheeled vehicles.

    • Achieved production of a cumulative total of 25 million engines.

    • Published an environmental brochure titled Soshite Ashita E (“Toward the Future”).

    • Introduced automatic transmission “INVECS-II”.

  • 1995

    • Manufactured a prototype of hybrid electric vehicle, and conducted tests in collaboration with California Air Resources Board.

    • Introduced cylinder gasoline direct injection engine (GDI).

    • All four of the company’s teams entered the 22nd Japan Amateur Baseball Championship, Kawasaki Baseball Team won the title for the first time, and Kyoto Baseball Team came second.

    • Developed an advanced safety vehicle “Mitsubishi ASV”.

  • 1996

    • Established MRDA in the US.

    • Established Tama Design Center.

    • Introduced active yaw control system “AYC”.

    • Introduced active stability control system “ASC”.

    • Established Tokachi Proving Ground.

  • 1997

    • Established Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi Motors Engine Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in China.

    • Payoffs to sokaiya corporate racketeers by the company’s executives were revealed.

  • 1998

    • Established the brand message: Ii-mono Nagaku (“Good Products that Last”).

    • Released mid-term business plan “RM 2001 (Renewal Mitsubishi 2001)”.

    • Introduced a driving assistance system “Mitsubishi Driver Support System”.

    • Nagoya, Kyoto, and Mizushima Plants acquired ISO 14001 certification.

  • 1999

    • Introduced direct injection diesel engine (DI Diesel).

    • Issued Environmental Report (currently Sustainability Report).

    • Entered into equity alliance with Volvo.

    • Officially certified in the Guinness World Records for a 2,000km drive in 24 hours by its electric vehicle.

    • Released mid-term business plan “Heart-Beat 21”.

  • 2000

    • Established the brand message: Heart-Beat Motors, Mitsubishi Motors.

    • Agreed on a Capital Tie-up with DaimlerChrysler

    • Established Mitsubishi FUSO Truck & Bus Company as an in-house One

    • Quality issues revealed through spot inspection by the Ministry of Transport (currently Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism).

    • Kawasaki Baseball Team entered the 71st Intercity Baseball Tournament and won the title for the first time.

    • Partnered with Volvo for the establishment of a new truck & bus company.

    • Establishment of “Quality Matters Advisory Committee” and “Employee Consultation Office”

  • 2001

    • Released a new business vision “Mitsubishi Motors Turnaround Plan”.

    • Okazaki Baseball Team entered the 72nd Intercity Baseball Tournament and came second.

    • Eclipse EV successfully completed the public test run, “Shikoku EV Rally”.

    • Agree on AT / CVT business integration with JATCO TransTechnology Ltd. (currently JATCO Ltd.)

  • 2002

    • Fatal accident occurred due to a front tire that came off a Mitsubishi heavy-duty truck.

    • Released mid-term environment initiative program “Mitsubishi Motors Environmental Sustainability Plan”.

    • Established MMC Estec Co., Ltd.

    • Integrated the 2 channels of domestic distributors.

    • Fatal accident occurred due to damage in the clutch housing of the a Mitsubishi heavy-duty truck.

    • Mitsubishi Motors merged Mitsubishi Motors Europe B.V. (MME) with Mitsubishi Motor Sales Europe B.V. (MMSE).

  • 2003

    • Established Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation by separating the truck & bus division of Mitsubishi Motors.

    • Mitsubishi Motors merged Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America Inc. (MMMA) with Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA).

    • Moved the headquarters to Konan, Minato City.

    • Established a new paint line at Mizushima Plant.

    • Concluded an agreement for OEM supply of light commercial vehicles with Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

    • Changed the company name of MSC to MMTh.

  • 2004

    • Sold a 22% stake in Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation to DaimlerChrysler.

  • 2005

    • Released mid-term business plan “Mitsubishi Motors Revitalization Plan”.

    • Set up Business Revitalization Monitoring Committee.

    • Launched the production of 4B1 model engine.

    • The company filed a lawsuit against a former board member for the compensation of damages related to quality issues.

    • Lancer Evolution MIEV won the title in Shikoku EV Rally.

    • Established the brand message: Kuruma Zukuri no Genten E. (“Pursuing the Origins of Car Engineering”)

    • Announced the Development of Next Generation Electric Vehicles

    • Announced that the company suspended its official participation in World Rally Championship.

  • 2006

    • Established Lingfa Car Technical Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd. in China.

    • Launched the production of 6B3 model engine.

    • Announced Environment Initiative Program 2010.

    • Acquired shares in South East (Fujian) Motor Co., Ltd. of China.

    • Initiates “Pajero Forest & Local Mountain Restoration Initiative”

    • Attended KidZania Tokyo as an exhibitor.

    • Urawa Red Diamonds won the J-League for the first time.

  • 2007

    • Separated Mitsubishi Auto Credit-Lease Corporation into two companies.

    • Moved the headquarters to Shiba, Minato City.

    • Started Experiments with a Power Company to Evaluate the performance of Electric Vehicle “i-MiEV”

    • Established MMC Wing Co., Ltd.

    • Integrated the 29 affiliated domestic distributors into 5 companies.

    • Established Mitsubishi Automotive Logistics Technology Co., Ltd.

    • Introduced automatic manual transmission “Twin Clutch SST”.

    • Introduced integrated vehicle dynamics control system “S-AWC”.

    • Established Lithium Energy Japan.

  • 2008

    • Released mid-term business plan “Step Up 2010”.

    • Announced the closure of the vehicle assembly plant of Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL).

    • Established the brand message: Drive@earth.

  • 2009

    • Established Mitsubishi Motor Sales (China) Co., Ltd. in China.

    • Announced that the company stopped its official participation in Dakar Rally.

    • Attended KidZania Koshien as an exhibitor.

    • Announced “Mitsubishi Motors Group Environmental Vision 2020”.

    • Concluded an agreement to supply OEM electric vehicle “i-MiEV” to PSA.

    • Established Kansai Electric Vehicles Association.

  • 2010

    • Established CHAdeMO Association.

    • Established a Vehicle Assembly Plant in Collaboration with PSA in Russia

    • Participated in the “next generation EV” project.

    • Launched the sale of electric vehicle “i-MiEV” through home appliance retailers and online shopping.

  • 2011

    • Released mid-term business plan “Jump 2013”

    • Started Verification Tests of Secondary Use Business Model for lithium-ion Batteries

    • Established NMKV Co., Ltd.

    • Introduced an idling-stop function “Auto Stop & Go (AS&G)”

    • Participated in the Yui Project, an initiative to support the victims of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

  • 2012

    • Established a new paint line at Nagoya Plant.

    • 1500 W power supply system MiEV power BOX launched

    • Established a new EV Research & Development Center.

    • Introduced a preventative safety technology “e-Assist”.

    • Established GAC Mitsubishi Motors Co., LTD. (GMMC) in China.

    • Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism conducted spot inspection at the company following leaking engine oil trouble in Kei-cars.

  • 2013

    • Supported the Michinoku Future Fund, a scholarship fund for the orphans of earthquake disaster.

    • Released mid-term business plan “New Stage 2016”.

  • 2014

    • Cancellation of Preferred Shares

    • Sponsorship of the Great Forest Wall Project, a tree planting volunteer initiative

    • Established Nippon Charge Service LLC (NCS).

    • Nagoya Plant achieved production of a cumulative total of 5 million units.

  • 2015

    • Establishes MMKI in Indonesia

    • Installed 1,162 chargers for electric vehicles at each business site and facility.

    • Commence operation of “Mitsubishi Motors Electric Vehicle Support”

    • MMTh opened the first ever test course outside Japan.

  • 2016

    • Misconduct revealed in fuel consumption tests

    • Set up Special Investigation Committee in connection with the acquisition issues of certification of conformity.

    • Changed the name of Nagoya Plant to Okazaki Plant.

    • Launched Electric DRIVE STATION

    • Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. acquires 34% of the Mitsubishi Motors

  • 2017

    • Receipt of an Order to Take Measures in accordance with the Premiums and Representations Act and an order to pay a surcharge

    • Introducing the Matching Gift Program for in-house donations

    • Opened a day-care center for employees at Okazaki Plant.

    • Established MMKSI in Indonesia.

    • Renovated Mitsubishi Motors Pavilion at KidZania Tokyo

    • Announced Alliance 2022.

    • Released mid-term business plan “DRIVE FOR GROWTH”.

    • Started conducting tests in Europe to verify power grid stabilization (V2G).

    • Established the brand message: Drive your Ambition.

  • 2018

    • Established MMFS in the Netherlands.

    • Opening a “Training Room to Learn from Mistakes” at Okazaki Plant

    • Violation of the Act on Regulation of Technical Training revealed

    • MMTh achieved production of a cumulative total of 5 million units.

    • Commence Demonstration Experiment of Power System Stabilization (V2G) in Japan

    • Started adopting the new store design at distributors worldwide.

    • The Then Chairperson of the Board of Directors Arrested on Suspicion of Violating the Companies Act

  • 2019

    • Moved the headquarters to Shibaura, Minato City.

    • Announced the results of the internal investigation regarding the misconduct of the former chairman of the board of directors.

    • Opened a day-care center for employees at the headquarters.

    • Transition to Company with three Committees

  • 2020

    • Concluded a disaster cooperation agreement with Minato City for the first time in Tokyo.

    • Policy for Mitsubishi Motors Social Contribution STEP Activities Revised, New Communication Words and Logo Marks also Set

    • 50 Years of Foundation

    • Renault, Nissan and MMC Announce New Alliance Initiatives to Enhance Competitiveness and Profitability

    • New Medium-Term Management Plan "Small but Beautiful" Unveiled

    • Formulated New Environmental Plan Package

    • Mitsubishi Motors Launches First Overseas Production of Outlander PHEV in Thailand

  • 2021

    • MMC Diamond Finance Co., Ltd. Renamed Mitsubishi Motors Finance Co., Ltd.

    • Launch of Large-Scale Rooftop Solar Power at Production Plant in Thailand

    • Renovated Mitsubishi Motors Pavilion at KidZania KOSHIEN

    • Production Ended at PMC and Factories Shut Down

    • Initiation of Demonstration Tests to Promote Carbon Neutralization

    • The World Premiere of the AirTrek Electric Vehicle at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China

  • 2022

    • Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Unveils Alliance Roadmap

    • New Paint Factory Completed and Opened in Thailand

    • Signed Positive Impact Finance Agreement with MUFG Bank, Ltd.

    • Transition from First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange to Prime Market

    • Concluded Disaster Cooperation Agreements with 200 Local Governments

    • Exhibited at Kidzania Fukuoka

    • Achieves Cumulative Export of 5 Million Units from Thailand