Learning about the history of car companies, especially ones you drive yourself, can be interesting because it can span over a hundred years to become the company you know and love today. Mitsubishi has a long history of technology developments, scandals, and charities. Our team at Boardman Mitsubishi has created a comprehensive timeline detailing Mitsubishi Motors' history from its humble beginnings to the present day.
Mitsubishi Motors from 1870 to 1960
The start of the company's history includes various names and presidential changes. Mitsubishi Motors' history begins with a feudal domain called Tosa Clain in 1870, founding Tsukumo Shokai in Japan with the company's manager Yataro Iwasaki. The company would undergo several name changes in the first few decades. In those initial years, the Tosa Clan changed its name to Mitsukawa Shokai. Then, three years later, in 1873, Iwasaki changed the name again to Mitsubishi Shokai. The same year that Iwasaki changed the company name, he went from manager to president of Mitsubishi Shokai.
Yanosuke Iwasaki established Mitsubishi Sha in 1885 and earned the title of the company's president. Then, Hisaya Iwasaki earned the company's presidential title in 1893. Finally, in 1914, Mitsubishi filed its recognizable brand trademark. As the years went on, the company underwent more presidential changes for a few more years.
Soon, the company would establish several technologies and business divisions to advance and solidify itself as a strong competitor in the marketplace. For example, inside the Nagoya Plant in 1920, the company authorized its internal combustion motor. Its aircraft factory, known today as the Mizushima Plant, formed itself in 1943. In 1949, the company created Fuso Motor Sales.
Once the 1950s began, the company's headquarters relocated to Marunouchi, Chiyoda City. Here, they began using the corporate Mitsubishi name and trademark more frequently. Then, in 1964, all three companies that the business had established merged into one entity. This is when the corporation officially became known as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Because of the company merger, dealerships began using the corporate title Mitsubishi Motors Sales in 1966.
To end the busy 1960s decade, in 1969, the company created an automobile department. From there, it began manufacturing its 4G3 model or Saturn Engine in Shiba, Minato City, where the company also moved the car division.
The 1970s
In 1970, the company started the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, where it also created a deal with China Motor Corporation (CMC) to help the company strengthen its Taiwan domestic production. This year was also the centennial anniversary of the original Mitsubishi Group, having been in business for 100 years. Increasing its work with electric vehicles (EVs), in 1971, at the Tokyo Electric Power Company, Mitsubishi obtained the first 10 EV Minica Van. The company also introduced the Neptune Engine or the 4G4 model and entered an equity alliance with its then-competitor, Chrysler.
The business also introduced the 4G5 model or Astron Engine in 1972. Then, in 1973, Mitsubishi finalized an agreement for technical assistance with Hyundai for its 4G36 engine. A few years later, in 1976, the company achieved the Technological Development Award of the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan for its balanced shaft system, patented as the Silent Shaft. In 1977, the company revealed its 4G1 or Orion Engine and launched Japan Automotive Engineering, acknowledged today as Mitsubishi Automotive Engineering.
Additionally, there were two channels for domestic distributors created by Mitsubishi in 1978. In 1979, the company started production of the 4G6 or Sirius Engine.
The 1980s
The 1980s started high for the company because, in 1980, it offered fellow market competitor Porsche, the previously award-winning balanced shaft machinery. Finally, the company found solid ground in America by establishing Mitsubishi Motors Sales of America.
Then, in 1984, it integrated the Mitsubishi Motors Sales Company. Halfway through the decade, 1985 was a big year because the company achieved the Technological Development Award of the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan for its electronically controlled suspension. Then it launched its 6G7 engine. In 1987, it released the active electronically controlled suspension.
The 1990s
In 1990, Mitsubishi Motors introduced more innovations, like an intelligent cockpit and traction system. Two engine model productions began in 1991, the 4G9 and 6A1. In 1992, the company released more technology and engine productions, including the active safety system and 4M4 diesel engine.
Sexual harassment allegations against the company were first raised in 1994 by a woman employee. The company continued releasing new technology and engines, increasing its business, even after the lawsuits and allegations. The company then set a world record in 1999 because, in one day, its EV drove 2,000 kilometers, earning the company a Guinness World Record.
The 2000s
Controversy continued to follow the company in 2000, with the Ministry of Transport finding quality issues during a spot inspection. Later that year, as a subtle recognition and response to its controversies over the past few years, the company formed its Quality Matters Advisory Committee and Employee Consultation Office. However, in 2002, the company had a customer encounter a fatal accident because of a tire coming off a trailer Mitsubishi truck in the front. Another disastrous casualty arose with a different transporter truck because of a damaged clutch housing.
As part of a lawsuit relating to the previous fatal accidents, the company sought reimbursement from an ex-board member. Ending the decade in 2009, the company introduced its new project, Mitsubishi Motors Group Environmental Vision 2020.
Mitsubishi Motors from the 2010s to Now
2010 was when the company joined the Next Generation EV Project and released its i-MiEV with home appliance shops and online stores. In 2012, it established a new electric vehicle research and development sector and released its technology for preventative safety to help protect drivers. At each of the company's plants and offices, in 2015, it installed about 1,162 EV chargers. More controversy followed the company in 2016, with fuel efficiency testing misconduct.
In 2018, police arrested the chairperson for suspicion of violating the Companies Act, which works to help balance the rights between company directors and shareholders. In 2019, the company publicly shared the former chairperson's investigation. Then, for the first time in Tokyo, the company worked with Minato City and made a disaster partnership negotiation in 2020.
Do you have any questions about our Mitsubishi dealership near Youngstown? Contact us, and ask us. Our friendly team at Boardman Mitsubishi can help answer your questions and direct you to helpful resources. Visit our Boardman, Ohio, dealership to browse our new and pre-owned inventory.
Image Credit: 1963 Colt 1000 via Mitsubishicars.com