Mitsubishi Engine History
Mitsubishi Engine History
In 1917, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co introduced Japan's first series production vehicle, the Model A. Although completely hand-built and seating seven, it was considered too costly compared to mass-produced offerings from America and Europe, resulting in production discontinuing in 1921 after only 21 were built.
In 1934, Mitsubishi Aircraft Co merged with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding to form Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. While they focused primarily on producing ships, aircraft, and railroad cars, they developed a prototype automobile called the PX33 in 1937. However, the project was cancelled due to the government prioritizing the development of commercial trucks and buses instead.
After World War II, Mitsubishi resumed vehicle production, manufacturing buses and developing other vehicles for the market. In 1950, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was split into three companies: East Japan Heavy Industries, Central Japan Heavy Industries, and West Japan Heavy Industries.
In 1951, East Japan Heavy Industries imported the Henry J from America in kit form for three years of production. That same year, Central Japan Heavy Industries made a similar contract with Willys.
In the early 1960s, Central Japan Heavy Industries became Shin Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and produced the Mitsubishi 500 (1960), the Minica Kei Car (1962), and the first Colt (1963). The Colt became one of Mitsubishi's flagship family-based vehicles in years to come.
In 1964, the three divisions reunited as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with output over 75,000 vehicles per year within three years. After the release of the first Galant in 1969 and growth of its commercial vehicle division, Mitsubishi formed the Mitsubishi Motor Corporation in 1970 as a stand-alone operation for the automotive industry.
Part of Mitsubishi's strategy was forming alliances with already established foreign car companies, resulting in Chrysler purchasing a 15% share in 1971. This allowed Chrysler to rebadge Mitsubishi Galants as Dodge Colts in the US, and annual production exceeded 250,000 vehicles.
It took until 1980 for Mitsubishi to produce one million cars annually. Chrysler sold its Australian division to Mitsubishi Motor Corp in an effort to avoid bankruptcy, which was then renamed Mitsubishi Motors Australia.
In 1982, Mitsubishi entered the American market with 70 dealers in 22 states. By 1989, worldwide production grew to 1.5 million vehicles, and Mitsubishi aired its first commercials.
From the 1990s to the present day, Mitsubishi invested time in development and testing to become a global dominating force in the car industry. The Pajero and the Evolution line of vehicles, which derived from the Lancer model, have gained a devoted following in the light truck/4x4 and performance markets, respectively. The brand continues to improve and appeal to a wide array of markets.
