Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi's automotive story begins in 1917 when the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding CO., LTD. introduced its very first car, the Mitsubishi Model-A. Designed as a luxury vehicle for government officials, the Mitsubishi Model-A was the first mass-production car in Japanese history. The company itself goes back to 1870.

Mitsubishi was founded in Japan by Iwasaki Yatarō in 1870 as shipping company.

The Tosa Clan breaks up Kaiseikan (Industry Promotion Agency) in 1870 and renames it Tsukumo Shokai. In 1872, it was renamed Mitsukawa Shokai, then to Mitsubishi Shokai in 1873 with its final change to Mitsubishi Company in 1886.

The name Mitsubishi consists of two parts: “mitsu” meaning “three” and “hishi”, (which becomes “bishi” under rendaku) meaning “water caltrop”, and hence “rhombus”, which is reflected in the company’s logo. It is also translated as “three diamonds”.

Mitsubishi Motors wins at the Macau Grand Prix with its first entry into an international motorsports event in 1962 and immediately sets a track record with the Mitsubishi 500 Super Deluxe. It's also the first vehicle to be aerodynamically tested in a wind tunnel in Japan.

In 1970, EV research and development began, setting the stage for Mitsubishi Motors to be the first automaker to mass market an electric vehicle.

In 1971, Mitsubishi Motors sells its first car in America, rebadged as the Dodge Colt.

In 1976, Mitsubishi Motors develops breakthrough Silent Shaft engine technology and licenses the patents to Porsche, Saab and Fiat.

In 1980, Mitsubishi Motors engineers the world's first energy-saving Turbo Diesel engine with Silent Shaft Technology.

The Mitsubishi Motors marquee is introduced in America 1982 with the launch of the Tredia, Cordia and Starion models.

In 1987, The Galant VR-4 is the first vehicle to feature an Active Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) and receives Mitsubishi Motors' first Car of the Year award in Japan.

in 1990, Mitsubishi Motors designs the world's first electronically-controlled Traction Control System, which would later become a legally required safety feature in many countries, including the United States.

In 1996, Mitsubishi Motors leads the development of environmentally friendly engineering by launching the world's first Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine.

(source: Mitsubishi)