Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is any type of successful company. As Mitsubishi celebrates its 100th anniversary, it deserves a respectful look at its humble beginnings and its big impact on the automotive world.
Mitsubishi started as a shipping firm in 1870. The firm, which was run by Yataro Iwasaki, was around for over 40 years before the company tried its hand at a car, the Model-A, in 1917. However, this hand-made car was too expensive to produce and wasn’t a success. Nevertheless, the company persevered. Even while they had to market under the guise of Dodge in order to get their foot in the door, in 1982 Mitsubishi finally made its first official American debut.
While the company was being marketed under the Chrysler umbrella, they still worked to engineer and invent technologies that would change the automotive world. Mitsubishi designed the first-ever Traction Control System and the first Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine. They also began development on electric vehicles even years before they made their Drive@Earth pledge, which promises to create vehicles that can coexist with a healthy environment.
Today, Mitsubishi has continued to redefine standards in electric and hybrid vehicles. Vehicles like the i-MiEV and the Plug-In Hybrid PHEV SUV provide just a glimpse of what’s to come in this dedicated company. A lot has happened for Mitsubishi in the last century, and the upcoming years are sure to be filled with just as much surprise and innovation.
