MITSUBISHI CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF AUTOMOBILE INNOVATION
Mitsubishi Motors’ road to becoming the SUV and Electric Vehicle experts didn’t happen overnight. See how 100 years of innovation has shaped our journey to where we are today and what is in store for the future.
SHAPING THE FUTURE
Mitsubishi’s focus on engineering milestones has brought them far in manufacturing some of the most cutting edge vehicles on the road. Let’s hop through Mitsubishi’s timeline on how it became one of the top innovative automotive industries in the world.
1917 – Mitsubishi releases its first vehicle, the Mitsubishi Model-A. This vehicle was designed as a luxury vehicle for government officials. Though the car was only produced in Japan, this was just the stepping stone of plenty of firsts to come.
1962 – Mitsubishi sets a huge milestone with its first entry win at an international motor sports event. The Mitsubishi 500 Super Deluxe was used which was also the first vehicle to be aerodynamically tested in a wind tunnel.
1970’s – Mitsubishi began its research on electric vehicle technology making them the first to mass market an electric vehicle. The Dodge Colt was also the first model introduced and sold in America. In 1973, the Lancer 1600GSR debuts and reigns at the Australian Southern Cross Rally with a First-Second-Third place sweep! The Silent Shaft Engine Technology was also developed and licensed to Porche, Saab, and Fiat. Four years later, Mitsubishi engineers the world’s first energy-saving Turbo Diesel engine with Silent Shaft Technology.
1980’s – Mitsubishi breaks into the American market with the Tredia, Cordia, and Starion. What a year for Mitsubishi Motors as their Galant Vr-4 was also named Motor Trend Car of the Year. The Galant was the first to feature an Active Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS).
1990’s – The world’s first electronically-controlled Traction Control System was designed by Mitsubishi. This feature would soon become a legally required safety feature in many countries, including the US. The infamous 3000GT (GTO) was launched with the technology that included fulltime AWD suspension and active aerodynamics. The GTO was named Motor Trend Magazines ‘Import Car of the Year’ for 1991. During this time the Eclipse would debut in America making the Car and Driver’s ‘10 Best List’ from 1989 through 1992. In 1992, Japan Car Research and Journalist Conference names Mitsubishi Motors; INVEC System, which adapts to a person’s driving habits, ‘Adaptive Shift Control Technology’ of the Year. The iconic Lancer Evolution would also launch this year and go on to win many World Rally Championships, track racing, and hill climb titles. MIVEC engine technology is also introduced. This technology maintains engine performance while maximizing fuel efficiency. Years later, Mitsubishi leads development of environmentally friendly engineering by launching the world’s first Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine.
2000’s – It’s the 21st Century and Mitsubishi continues to win races. They released the Lancer Evolution with All-Wheel Control (AWC) in the U.S. In 2005, the Outlander was released which quickly became the face of the auto company for years to come. Mitsubishi’s electric vehicle, i-MiEv was launched worldwide, designed to preserve and sustain the global environment. In 2012 it would receive the title of the ‘Greenest Vehicle of the Year’. During 2012, Mitsubishi celebrated 30 years in the States. In 2013, Mitsubishi release the outlander PHEV, the world’s first Plug in Hybrid SUV.
Today and Beyond: The Next 100 Years
It’s 2017, and Mitsubishi is continuing to build impressive vehicles with the latest technological advancement over its competitors. With the launch of the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, this is just the beginning for car enthusiasts worldwide to hold tight to their seats to see what Mitsubishi has in store next.
