Mitsubishi
Ultimate place for every Mitsubishi cars enthusiats. One is offered here useful and interesting coverage on Mitsubishi history.
MITSUBISHI
Mitsubishi as a motor-car manufacturer was born as one of the branches of the diversified concern, one of the prewar zaibatsus, a large corporation engaged in oil refining, light industry, shipbuilding, metallurgy, real estate trading, insurance, and many other things. Even a brewery was among the Mitsubishi's interests. For example, a well-known trademark of Japanese beer "Kirin" ows Mitsubishi its origin.
Mitsubishi history was initiated by an enterprising descendant of Samurais, Yataro Iwasaki, born in 1835. When he was a teenager he started to work for a ship-owner company belonged to the Samurai clan "Tosa" where he achieved certain career heights and being 35 years old (in 1870) he created his own company, having rented from "Tosa" three steamships and having named his child Tsukumo Shokai. Later the name was changed - Mitsukawa Shokai in 1872.
The word mitsubishi can be translated as three diamonds and derived from the emblem that Yataro chose for his company. The emblem was conceived the following way: Yataro connected his clan's arms (three rhombuses one above another) and the arms of the Tosa clan (oak leaves). By the way, for many years the question why Yataro Iwasaki didn't use his own initials to name the company has caused many disputes. He obviously wasn't guided by his modesty - he was depicted as self-confident and aggressive leader; the reason most likely was that he was obliged for his initial achievements to the Tosa clan. Without this family he wouldn't have achieved anything.
Thus the Tosa clan, or, putting it more precisely, its arms, has served as the reason of that now cars of the Mitsubishi mark instead of Iwasaki. The emblem also has semantic load: the three diamonds symbolize the three principles of the company's work: responsibility before the society, honesty, and also openness to international cooperation.
Mitsubishi, as well as other Samurai concerns, during the pre-war time adhered to the state policy. And as soon as in the end of XIX century and in the First World War Japan adhered to aggressive military strategy, Mitsubishi accepted the most active participation in construction of the army, producing airplanes and warships. The motor industry at that time was not considered as profitable business.
Not numerous car trademarks in Japan were constructing automobiles manually; it took a lot of time and human energy. But in 1917 Mitsubishi released its famous Model A, the first Japanese car assembled on the conveyor. Though it didn't find a market and in 1921 was taken away from manufacture, people estimated it so highly, that it became an exhibit at Japan Industry Exhibition 1922.
However, at that time cars still were not of so big interest for Japan as buses and trucks were. In 1918 Mitsubishi produced its first lorry - T1. The government of Japan financed its 1000-kilometers test for reliability which was s successfully passed. In 1923 Mitsubishi started producing heavy-duty trucks that were essential for the Japanese army and turned out to be irreplaceable at the rebuilding of Tokyo after the earthquake.
The 30s for Mitsubishi history became a decade of successes and application of new ideas and its own developments. At that time Mitsubishi was constantly inventing "something first in Japan".
Thus, in 1931 was created the first Japanese diesel engine with direct injection - 450AD model of 70 h.p.; in 1932 the first bus of the company B46 was put in the market, the biggest and most powerful for that time (buses of this model in the 30s were exported to China); in 1934 a prototype of the all-wheel passenger car PX33 was released.
In 1935 BD46 and BD43 diesel buses and SHT6 pre-combustion diesel engine, and in 1936 TD45 diesel engine truck were put into production. Diesel engines were constantly being improved, their advanced versions were developed. And in 1937 began experimental manufacture of trucks with four-wheel drive (4WD).
Besides, in 1934 as a result of merging of the aviabuilding and shipbuilding branches of the Mitsubishi Concern there appeared Mitsubishi Heavy Industry group which became a supplier of war airplanes and ships for the Japanese army. The same group was producing diesel cars. 30s occurred essential in Mitsubishi history Mitsubishi became the second largest concern of Japan (after Mitsui).
At the end of the World War II in 1945, Koyata Iwasaki (the fourth president of Mitsubishi of Iwasaki family, was the head of the concern since 1916) having a presentiment of defeat sold about half of the stock to individual investors and spoke in public with peaceful statements.
However, it didn't help - Iwasaki family lost its full control over Mitsubishi. And after the war the occupational authorities forcibly started to split the zaibatsu up to small companies in order to prevent revival of the military-industrial power of Japan; it was the time in Mitsubishi history when it could stop its existence. In 1946 Mitsubishi was divided 44 independent companies, and in 1950 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was divided into three regional companies participating in development and manufacture of cars.
The national economy after the war was lying in ruins; the main requirements to cars were reliability and profitability because there was not enough fuel. In 1946 Mitsubishi put on sale a car meeting these requirements - a small, inexpensive, efficient and reliable three-wheeled truck "Mizushima" with carrying capacity of 400 kg. The same year were produced Silver Pigeon motor scooter B1 bus which could work both on gasoline and on alternative fuel.
The further development of buses and trucks manufacture was continued in 1947 with production of the first Mitsubishi MB46 trolley bus and in 1950 with the first in Japan R1 rear engine bus.
After the occupation of Japan in 1952 the economic policy of the allied armies a little bit snackled that gave stimulus for development of the industry. The companies that the Mitsubishi concern had broken up into again began to use this name and the Mitsubishi emblem (which was earlier forbidden). In 1954 several enterprises were again united under the Mitsubishi Corporation, but many continued to develop independently, having turned into large companies at present time; about 20 of them have kept in their names the word "Mitsubishi". It was remarkable period and phenomenon in Mitsubishi history.
In the sphere of motor industry (which at that time kept on limiting itself to trucks and buses) Mitsubishi continued its pioneer tradition by producing in 1951 Т31 (an eight tons truck with a spesific chassis type), then Т33 - the first Japanese truck with a pneumatic suspension bracket and Т380 - the first Japanese truck with a tip-up cabin without a hood.
In 1952 was produced R2, a truck with a back engine; at the same time Mitsubishi carried out the first large export delivery - B25 buses were sent to Thailand. Next year 300 R32 buses were exported to Chile and in 1956 300 more. In addition to manufacture of buses and trucks Mitsubishi in 1959 produced Leo, a small three-wheeled truck.
In 1960s the economy of Japan entered a period of rapid development. The incomes and general standard of living of the population increased and as a result there appeared a greater demand for cars.
In 1960 Mitsubishi put on the market its model called Mitsubishi 500, an economic sedan intended for mass consumption that gained more popularity. The same year began manufacture of small buses of the Rosa series with gasoline and diesel engines, and in the following 1962 year, was produced Mitsubishi 360 model that became the basis for Minica model (released in 1962), a 4 seater car of compact class.
Mitsubishi Minica was well sold and assessed with low tax (because the working volume of the engine was only 359 cubic centimeters) and was reliable and economic. In another class - larger and more comfortable - in the same 1962 debuted Colt 600.
Meanwhile Mitsubishi 500 became the winner in its class in Grand prix of Macao - so Mitsubishi for the first time appeared on the stage of the global motor racing. At the same time the company expanded the range of commercial cars - in 1963 appeared a family of Canter light trucks.
In 1964 there happened a merge of three companies into which Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was split earlier. At the same time Mitsubishi presented Debonair model - a representative car with a 6-cylinder engine. In 1965 there appeared model Colt 800. And in 1966 Colt F3-A won the Japan Grand Prix Formula Car Race and there appeared Colt 1000F and Colt 1100 models and also Minicab model.
In 1967 Colt F2-A won the Japan GP Formula Car Race, and in 1968 Colt F2-B won the Formula Car Race and Speed Cup Race in the Fifth Grand prix of Japan; Colt 1000F won in the third Southern Cross. The same 1968 began manufacture of 600-kilogram Delica pickup, and also was released the fastest at that time B906R bus capable to gain the speed of 140 km/h.
In 1969 Mitsubishi presented Colt Galant sedan which became a demonstration of advanced at that time achievements in technics and design, and the forefather of an entire family of popular cars. A model line of commercial cars was also expanding; the second generation of Minica model was put into manufacture.
By the end of 1960s Mitsubishi had won the reputation of a high quality cars manufacturer; automobile manufacture has taken such an important place that appeared the necessity of creating a united corporation combining all the operations connected with cars. Such one was created the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 1970. The same year were presented Colt, Galant, GTO models and 2-door Galant Hardtop and also the Galant Station Wagon. This came as vivid event in Mitsubishi history.
In 1972 Galant 16GLS won in the 7th Southern Cross Rally that was held in Australia. Later the cars of Mitsubishi successfully took part in global motor racing and continue to do it now winning more and more new awards. However, besides participation in motor racing, Mitsubishi developed several ecological projects (for example, engines of MCA series - Mitsubishi Clean Air) called upon to reduce pollution of the environment, and it also formed an international distribution network.
In 1973 the Lancer model and the second generation of Galant were put into mass production. At the same time the oil crisis burst. But, unlike the motor-car manufacturers who changed for fuel saving economy issues at once, Mitsubishi refused the idea of deterioration of dynamic characteristics of its engines for economy's sake.
Development of the Silent Shaft technology for the engines of the Astron 80 series in 1975 caused Mitsubishi to get the prize for scientific achievements from the automobile technological association of Japan and the company sold the license for this invention to Porsche and Volvo. As well as other technological achievements of Mitsubishi it allowed it and the whole Japanese motor industry to be generally recognized as a global motor-car manufacturer.
By 1975 Lancer 1600GSR had continued to win in rallies and at the same time the model Lancer Celeste was presented for the first time. The Mitsubishi cars export to Europe began. The following 1976 manufacture of the third Galant generation, the second Minicab and the Galant Lambda (Mitsubishi Sapporo) model began. Galant Sigma wins the Car of the year prize of the "Motor Fan" magazine in the category of middle sized cars, and in 1977 it became the car of the year in South Africa.
In 1978 the Mirage (Colt) model and the Forte (L200) pickup were presented, and already in 1979 the Motor Fan magazine awarded the Colt 1400 GLX model the status of the car of the year in Japan, and L200 becomes the pickup of year in the USA according to the opinion of the magazine Pickup, Van and 4WD.
The next decade of the 1980s became a period when Mitsubishi aspired to expand its presence at the world market. Its development during those years confirmed this strategy. After the presentation of the fourth generation of Galant and an all-wheel version of L200 pickup in 1980, having founded Mitsubishi Motors Australia and then having developed Astron 2300, the first in Japan turbocharged diesel engine, and in 1981 having founded Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Mitsubishi presented in 1982 a new model - an off-road car Pajero (Montero.)
Pajero was strikingly different from other contemporary off-road car models for its good design, comfort and combination of the best dynamic and technical parameters. In addition to Pajero, in 1982 began the manufacture of the Starion model (equipped with ABS system), Tredia sedan and Cordia hatchback, and also an all-wheel variant of Delica.
In 1983 Chariot (Space Wagon) model was released and Pajero models won in the Paris-Dakar rally. They won it once again in 1984. At the Olympic Games of 1984 in Sarajevo and the World Student Games of 1987 in Zagreb Mitsubishi became an official supplier of cars. Galant in 1984 won the German prize "The Golden Steering Wheel" ("Das Goldene Lenkrad "), and the same and next years Pajero won the prize "4x4 of the Year in France and Australia, in 1985 Pajero Long Wagon won the same prize in Australia.
At the same time in the Paris-Dakar rally Pajero won in an absolute test and became a legend among off-road cars, having won a plenty of awards and the title of the car of the year in 1986 and in 1987 in many countries simultaneously. Model Galant VR-4 became the car of 1987-1988 in Japan. Colt and Lancer in 1988, as well as Galant earlier, won the prize The Golden Steering Wheel, and Pajero became the winner of "4x4 of the Year" in Austria and got Auto-Oscar of Western German magazine "Auto Zeitung".
In Bloomington (Illinois, USA) was founded a factory of the joint venture of Mitsubishi and Chrysler - the Diamond-Star Motors Corporation. In 1989 this company begun production ofthe Eclipse model that was above all focused on the American market. The 1980s for Mitsubishi were marked by continuous sport victories and expansion of its sphere of influence in the world.
In the 1990s the sport victories of Mitsubishi cars continued - Pajero was winning in one rally after another. In 1990 was created a sport model GTO (3000GT) that became very popular. In the USA it became the best foreign car of 1991 according to the "Motor Trend" magazine. But, besides its achievements in sports, the company was also involved in technological development - for the fist time TRC (Traction Control System) was installed on the models Sigma and Diamante that were put on production in 1990. The same year began the manufacture of Minica Toppo; on the results of the same year Mitsubishi became the largest world manufacturer of trucks. Sigma and Diamante became the cars of the year in Japan in 1990-1991.
1991 was noted by the emergence of model RVR (Space Runner), the second generation of Pajero on which a new technology, Super Select 4WD, and ABS multimode system were installed, and Strada (L200)pickup. Mitsubishi established its patronage over a festival in Bregenz (Austria) and became an official autosupplier of the World Student Games in Sapporo.
In 1992 began the manufacture of Emeraude, a 4-door hardtop on the basis of Galant for the home market of Japan, and also emerged model Lancer Evolution. The same year were developed the MIVEC and INVECS systems and opened the Mitsubishi Motors Europe Design Studio; and Pajero and Galant VR-4 again raised mounted the podiums in different rallies. And again Pajero was awarded numerous prizes, as well as RVR, Mitsubishi buses and the INVECS technology that became the technology of the year in 1992-93 at a Japanese research conference.
In 1993 the Preservation of the Environment Board of the Mitsubishi Motors decided to accept and put into practice the corporate principles aimed at preservation of ecological balance; at the same time was developed Libero EV model, an electromobile on the basis of Libero universal. The Lancer Evolution II model was released; Mitsubishi Motors became an official sponsor of the Asian football confederation; Lancer Evolution debuted in WRC.
In 1994 began the manufacture of such models as FTO (equipped with INVECS-II system), ACPP with Delica Space Gear (L400 / Space Gear) sport mode, and Pajero Mini (a small all-wheel off-road car with the engine of 660 cubic centimeters in volume. The earlier developed Libero EV was also put in the market. FTO becomes the car of the year in Japan, Lancer becomes the car of the year in Taiwan in the opinion of a prestige magazine "Car Information";
In Great Britain all-wheel L200 won the Top Pickup 1994/1995 title from the magazine What Van?; and the "Which Car? magazine gave Pajero the 4WD year 1994 title. In 1995 the grand openingf of the NedCar factory took place in Holland. It became a joint venture of Mitsubishi, Volvo and the Dutch government. At this factory Mitsubishi's first car in Europe was manufactured - a new model Carisma.
Diamond-Star Motors Corporation, a joint venture of Mitsubishi and Chrysler, had been given a new name Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America Inc. after Chrysler sold its shares. In Japan debuted Pajero Jr - a new mini off-road car for a the home market. The same year was developed a new engine equipped by GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) system. GDI allowed the engine to possess powerful dynamic characteristics together with improved ecological parameters and profitability. The same year the GDI technology won the Design and technology prize of a prestige English auto magazine "Car" and later it was given numerous awards later.
Lancer, Pajero and Lancer Evolution in 1995 continued to gain sport victories in rallies. In 1996 models Challenger and Legnum were released and also the first line of construction of the Tokachi testing area in Hokkaido was completed. In 1998 such models were released as Pajero iO (Montero iO / Pajero Pinin), Space Star, and Dingo, and in 1999 - a luxury sedan Proudia intended for replacing the leader of the model line - Debonair, and Town Box (a new generation of Minicab model). Engines with GDI system were installed on many models. The 1990s were marked for Mitsubishi in a huge amount of its cars victories in the rallies and the awards for its cars and technological development.
2000 became a year when Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler signed an agreement creation of a strategic alliance that allowed them become one of the three leading global automobile giants. NedCar factory released its millionth car. The manufacture of Pajero III and Dion models began.
In 2001 in Japan there took place a presentation of models eK-Wagon and Airtrek, and model Lancer Evolution added the digit "Seven" to its name (at present Lancer Evolution VIII has been already released). Today Mitsubishi is one of the largest global motor-car manufacturers with the broadest model line - from mini cars to heavy trucks and special equipment. The victories of Mitsubishi cars in the world rally are conclusive and numerous; its models are given a big number of awards.
Mitsubishi history was initiated by an enterprising descendant of Samurais, Yataro Iwasaki, born in 1835. When he was a teenager he started to work for a ship-owner company belonged to the Samurai clan "Tosa" where he achieved certain career heights and being 35 years old (in 1870) he created his own company, having rented from "Tosa" three steamships and having named his child Tsukumo Shokai. Later the name was changed - Mitsukawa Shokai in 1872.
The word mitsubishi can be translated as three diamonds and derived from the emblem that Yataro chose for his company. The emblem was conceived the following way: Yataro connected his clan's arms (three rhombuses one above another) and the arms of the Tosa clan (oak leaves). By the way, for many years the question why Yataro Iwasaki didn't use his own initials to name the company has caused many disputes. He obviously wasn't guided by his modesty - he was depicted as self-confident and aggressive leader; the reason most likely was that he was obliged for his initial achievements to the Tosa clan. Without this family he wouldn't have achieved anything.
Thus the Tosa clan, or, putting it more precisely, its arms, has served as the reason of that now cars of the Mitsubishi mark instead of Iwasaki. The emblem also has semantic load: the three diamonds symbolize the three principles of the company's work: responsibility before the society, honesty, and also openness to international cooperation.
Mitsubishi, as well as other Samurai concerns, during the pre-war time adhered to the state policy. And as soon as in the end of XIX century and in the First World War Japan adhered to aggressive military strategy, Mitsubishi accepted the most active participation in construction of the army, producing airplanes and warships. The motor industry at that time was not considered as profitable business.
Not numerous car trademarks in Japan were constructing automobiles manually; it took a lot of time and human energy. But in 1917 Mitsubishi released its famous Model A, the first Japanese car assembled on the conveyor. Though it didn't find a market and in 1921 was taken away from manufacture, people estimated it so highly, that it became an exhibit at Japan Industry Exhibition 1922.
However, at that time cars still were not of so big interest for Japan as buses and trucks were. In 1918 Mitsubishi produced its first lorry - T1. The government of Japan financed its 1000-kilometers test for reliability which was s successfully passed. In 1923 Mitsubishi started producing heavy-duty trucks that were essential for the Japanese army and turned out to be irreplaceable at the rebuilding of Tokyo after the earthquake.
The 30s for Mitsubishi history became a decade of successes and application of new ideas and its own developments. At that time Mitsubishi was constantly inventing "something first in Japan".
Thus, in 1931 was created the first Japanese diesel engine with direct injection - 450AD model of 70 h.p.; in 1932 the first bus of the company B46 was put in the market, the biggest and most powerful for that time (buses of this model in the 30s were exported to China); in 1934 a prototype of the all-wheel passenger car PX33 was released.
In 1935 BD46 and BD43 diesel buses and SHT6 pre-combustion diesel engine, and in 1936 TD45 diesel engine truck were put into production. Diesel engines were constantly being improved, their advanced versions were developed. And in 1937 began experimental manufacture of trucks with four-wheel drive (4WD).
Besides, in 1934 as a result of merging of the aviabuilding and shipbuilding branches of the Mitsubishi Concern there appeared Mitsubishi Heavy Industry group which became a supplier of war airplanes and ships for the Japanese army. The same group was producing diesel cars. 30s occurred essential in Mitsubishi history Mitsubishi became the second largest concern of Japan (after Mitsui).
At the end of the World War II in 1945, Koyata Iwasaki (the fourth president of Mitsubishi of Iwasaki family, was the head of the concern since 1916) having a presentiment of defeat sold about half of the stock to individual investors and spoke in public with peaceful statements.
However, it didn't help - Iwasaki family lost its full control over Mitsubishi. And after the war the occupational authorities forcibly started to split the zaibatsu up to small companies in order to prevent revival of the military-industrial power of Japan; it was the time in Mitsubishi history when it could stop its existence. In 1946 Mitsubishi was divided 44 independent companies, and in 1950 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was divided into three regional companies participating in development and manufacture of cars.
The national economy after the war was lying in ruins; the main requirements to cars were reliability and profitability because there was not enough fuel. In 1946 Mitsubishi put on sale a car meeting these requirements - a small, inexpensive, efficient and reliable three-wheeled truck "Mizushima" with carrying capacity of 400 kg. The same year were produced Silver Pigeon motor scooter B1 bus which could work both on gasoline and on alternative fuel.
The further development of buses and trucks manufacture was continued in 1947 with production of the first Mitsubishi MB46 trolley bus and in 1950 with the first in Japan R1 rear engine bus.
After the occupation of Japan in 1952 the economic policy of the allied armies a little bit snackled that gave stimulus for development of the industry. The companies that the Mitsubishi concern had broken up into again began to use this name and the Mitsubishi emblem (which was earlier forbidden). In 1954 several enterprises were again united under the Mitsubishi Corporation, but many continued to develop independently, having turned into large companies at present time; about 20 of them have kept in their names the word "Mitsubishi". It was remarkable period and phenomenon in Mitsubishi history.
In the sphere of motor industry (which at that time kept on limiting itself to trucks and buses) Mitsubishi continued its pioneer tradition by producing in 1951 Т31 (an eight tons truck with a spesific chassis type), then Т33 - the first Japanese truck with a pneumatic suspension bracket and Т380 - the first Japanese truck with a tip-up cabin without a hood.
In 1952 was produced R2, a truck with a back engine; at the same time Mitsubishi carried out the first large export delivery - B25 buses were sent to Thailand. Next year 300 R32 buses were exported to Chile and in 1956 300 more. In addition to manufacture of buses and trucks Mitsubishi in 1959 produced Leo, a small three-wheeled truck.
In 1960s the economy of Japan entered a period of rapid development. The incomes and general standard of living of the population increased and as a result there appeared a greater demand for cars.
In 1960 Mitsubishi put on the market its model called Mitsubishi 500, an economic sedan intended for mass consumption that gained more popularity. The same year began manufacture of small buses of the Rosa series with gasoline and diesel engines, and in the following 1962 year, was produced Mitsubishi 360 model that became the basis for Minica model (released in 1962), a 4 seater car of compact class.
Mitsubishi Minica was well sold and assessed with low tax (because the working volume of the engine was only 359 cubic centimeters) and was reliable and economic. In another class - larger and more comfortable - in the same 1962 debuted Colt 600.
Meanwhile Mitsubishi 500 became the winner in its class in Grand prix of Macao - so Mitsubishi for the first time appeared on the stage of the global motor racing. At the same time the company expanded the range of commercial cars - in 1963 appeared a family of Canter light trucks.
In 1964 there happened a merge of three companies into which Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was split earlier. At the same time Mitsubishi presented Debonair model - a representative car with a 6-cylinder engine. In 1965 there appeared model Colt 800. And in 1966 Colt F3-A won the Japan Grand Prix Formula Car Race and there appeared Colt 1000F and Colt 1100 models and also Minicab model.
In 1967 Colt F2-A won the Japan GP Formula Car Race, and in 1968 Colt F2-B won the Formula Car Race and Speed Cup Race in the Fifth Grand prix of Japan; Colt 1000F won in the third Southern Cross. The same 1968 began manufacture of 600-kilogram Delica pickup, and also was released the fastest at that time B906R bus capable to gain the speed of 140 km/h.
In 1969 Mitsubishi presented Colt Galant sedan which became a demonstration of advanced at that time achievements in technics and design, and the forefather of an entire family of popular cars. A model line of commercial cars was also expanding; the second generation of Minica model was put into manufacture.
By the end of 1960s Mitsubishi had won the reputation of a high quality cars manufacturer; automobile manufacture has taken such an important place that appeared the necessity of creating a united corporation combining all the operations connected with cars. Such one was created the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 1970. The same year were presented Colt, Galant, GTO models and 2-door Galant Hardtop and also the Galant Station Wagon. This came as vivid event in Mitsubishi history.
In 1972 Galant 16GLS won in the 7th Southern Cross Rally that was held in Australia. Later the cars of Mitsubishi successfully took part in global motor racing and continue to do it now winning more and more new awards. However, besides participation in motor racing, Mitsubishi developed several ecological projects (for example, engines of MCA series - Mitsubishi Clean Air) called upon to reduce pollution of the environment, and it also formed an international distribution network.
In 1973 the Lancer model and the second generation of Galant were put into mass production. At the same time the oil crisis burst. But, unlike the motor-car manufacturers who changed for fuel saving economy issues at once, Mitsubishi refused the idea of deterioration of dynamic characteristics of its engines for economy's sake.
Development of the Silent Shaft technology for the engines of the Astron 80 series in 1975 caused Mitsubishi to get the prize for scientific achievements from the automobile technological association of Japan and the company sold the license for this invention to Porsche and Volvo. As well as other technological achievements of Mitsubishi it allowed it and the whole Japanese motor industry to be generally recognized as a global motor-car manufacturer.
By 1975 Lancer 1600GSR had continued to win in rallies and at the same time the model Lancer Celeste was presented for the first time. The Mitsubishi cars export to Europe began. The following 1976 manufacture of the third Galant generation, the second Minicab and the Galant Lambda (Mitsubishi Sapporo) model began. Galant Sigma wins the Car of the year prize of the "Motor Fan" magazine in the category of middle sized cars, and in 1977 it became the car of the year in South Africa.
In 1978 the Mirage (Colt) model and the Forte (L200) pickup were presented, and already in 1979 the Motor Fan magazine awarded the Colt 1400 GLX model the status of the car of the year in Japan, and L200 becomes the pickup of year in the USA according to the opinion of the magazine Pickup, Van and 4WD.
The next decade of the 1980s became a period when Mitsubishi aspired to expand its presence at the world market. Its development during those years confirmed this strategy. After the presentation of the fourth generation of Galant and an all-wheel version of L200 pickup in 1980, having founded Mitsubishi Motors Australia and then having developed Astron 2300, the first in Japan turbocharged diesel engine, and in 1981 having founded Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Mitsubishi presented in 1982 a new model - an off-road car Pajero (Montero.)
Pajero was strikingly different from other contemporary off-road car models for its good design, comfort and combination of the best dynamic and technical parameters. In addition to Pajero, in 1982 began the manufacture of the Starion model (equipped with ABS system), Tredia sedan and Cordia hatchback, and also an all-wheel variant of Delica.
In 1983 Chariot (Space Wagon) model was released and Pajero models won in the Paris-Dakar rally. They won it once again in 1984. At the Olympic Games of 1984 in Sarajevo and the World Student Games of 1987 in Zagreb Mitsubishi became an official supplier of cars. Galant in 1984 won the German prize "The Golden Steering Wheel" ("Das Goldene Lenkrad "), and the same and next years Pajero won the prize "4x4 of the Year in France and Australia, in 1985 Pajero Long Wagon won the same prize in Australia.
At the same time in the Paris-Dakar rally Pajero won in an absolute test and became a legend among off-road cars, having won a plenty of awards and the title of the car of the year in 1986 and in 1987 in many countries simultaneously. Model Galant VR-4 became the car of 1987-1988 in Japan. Colt and Lancer in 1988, as well as Galant earlier, won the prize The Golden Steering Wheel, and Pajero became the winner of "4x4 of the Year" in Austria and got Auto-Oscar of Western German magazine "Auto Zeitung".
In Bloomington (Illinois, USA) was founded a factory of the joint venture of Mitsubishi and Chrysler - the Diamond-Star Motors Corporation. In 1989 this company begun production ofthe Eclipse model that was above all focused on the American market. The 1980s for Mitsubishi were marked by continuous sport victories and expansion of its sphere of influence in the world.
In the 1990s the sport victories of Mitsubishi cars continued - Pajero was winning in one rally after another. In 1990 was created a sport model GTO (3000GT) that became very popular. In the USA it became the best foreign car of 1991 according to the "Motor Trend" magazine. But, besides its achievements in sports, the company was also involved in technological development - for the fist time TRC (Traction Control System) was installed on the models Sigma and Diamante that were put on production in 1990. The same year began the manufacture of Minica Toppo; on the results of the same year Mitsubishi became the largest world manufacturer of trucks. Sigma and Diamante became the cars of the year in Japan in 1990-1991.
1991 was noted by the emergence of model RVR (Space Runner), the second generation of Pajero on which a new technology, Super Select 4WD, and ABS multimode system were installed, and Strada (L200)pickup. Mitsubishi established its patronage over a festival in Bregenz (Austria) and became an official autosupplier of the World Student Games in Sapporo.
In 1992 began the manufacture of Emeraude, a 4-door hardtop on the basis of Galant for the home market of Japan, and also emerged model Lancer Evolution. The same year were developed the MIVEC and INVECS systems and opened the Mitsubishi Motors Europe Design Studio; and Pajero and Galant VR-4 again raised mounted the podiums in different rallies. And again Pajero was awarded numerous prizes, as well as RVR, Mitsubishi buses and the INVECS technology that became the technology of the year in 1992-93 at a Japanese research conference.
In 1993 the Preservation of the Environment Board of the Mitsubishi Motors decided to accept and put into practice the corporate principles aimed at preservation of ecological balance; at the same time was developed Libero EV model, an electromobile on the basis of Libero universal. The Lancer Evolution II model was released; Mitsubishi Motors became an official sponsor of the Asian football confederation; Lancer Evolution debuted in WRC.
In 1994 began the manufacture of such models as FTO (equipped with INVECS-II system), ACPP with Delica Space Gear (L400 / Space Gear) sport mode, and Pajero Mini (a small all-wheel off-road car with the engine of 660 cubic centimeters in volume. The earlier developed Libero EV was also put in the market. FTO becomes the car of the year in Japan, Lancer becomes the car of the year in Taiwan in the opinion of a prestige magazine "Car Information";
In Great Britain all-wheel L200 won the Top Pickup 1994/1995 title from the magazine What Van?; and the "Which Car? magazine gave Pajero the 4WD year 1994 title. In 1995 the grand openingf of the NedCar factory took place in Holland. It became a joint venture of Mitsubishi, Volvo and the Dutch government. At this factory Mitsubishi's first car in Europe was manufactured - a new model Carisma.
Diamond-Star Motors Corporation, a joint venture of Mitsubishi and Chrysler, had been given a new name Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America Inc. after Chrysler sold its shares. In Japan debuted Pajero Jr - a new mini off-road car for a the home market. The same year was developed a new engine equipped by GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) system. GDI allowed the engine to possess powerful dynamic characteristics together with improved ecological parameters and profitability. The same year the GDI technology won the Design and technology prize of a prestige English auto magazine "Car" and later it was given numerous awards later.
Lancer, Pajero and Lancer Evolution in 1995 continued to gain sport victories in rallies. In 1996 models Challenger and Legnum were released and also the first line of construction of the Tokachi testing area in Hokkaido was completed. In 1998 such models were released as Pajero iO (Montero iO / Pajero Pinin), Space Star, and Dingo, and in 1999 - a luxury sedan Proudia intended for replacing the leader of the model line - Debonair, and Town Box (a new generation of Minicab model). Engines with GDI system were installed on many models. The 1990s were marked for Mitsubishi in a huge amount of its cars victories in the rallies and the awards for its cars and technological development.
2000 became a year when Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler signed an agreement creation of a strategic alliance that allowed them become one of the three leading global automobile giants. NedCar factory released its millionth car. The manufacture of Pajero III and Dion models began.
In 2001 in Japan there took place a presentation of models eK-Wagon and Airtrek, and model Lancer Evolution added the digit "Seven" to its name (at present Lancer Evolution VIII has been already released). Today Mitsubishi is one of the largest global motor-car manufacturers with the broadest model line - from mini cars to heavy trucks and special equipment. The victories of Mitsubishi cars in the world rally are conclusive and numerous; its models are given a big number of awards.
Mitsubishi Cars History
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