Designed as a luxury vehicle for government officials, the Mitsubishi Model-A becomes the first mass-production car in Japanese history.
1962
Mitsubishi Motors wins its first entry into an international motorsports event 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.
EV research and development begins, setting the stage for Mitsubishi Motors to be the first automaker to mass market an electric vehicle.
Born from the five-time Grand Prix-winning Colt F Series, the new Galant GTO launches in Japan and will eventually lead to the iconic Lancer Evolution.
Mitsubishi Motors sells its first car in America, rebadged as the Dodge Colt.
1971
The Colt F2000 Formula racecar, engineered with aerospace technology, wins Mitsubishi Motors' sixth Grand Prix title.
In Lancer's debut year, the Lancer 1600GSR dominates the Australian Southern Cross Rally with a First-Second-Third-place sweep, garnering Mitsubishi Motors' fourth Rally title overall. Learn More
1976
Mitsubishi Motors develops breakthrough Silent Shaft engine technology and licenses the patents to Porsche, Saab and Fiat.
Mitsubishi Motors engineers the world's first energy-saving Turbo Diesel engine with Silent Shaft Technology.
1982
The Mitsubishi Motors marquee is introduced in America with the launch of the Tredia, Cordia and Starion models.
The Montero (Pajero) makes endurance race history by winning the triple crown in its first appearance at the Paris-Dakar Rally, widely considered the world's toughest race.
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.
1989
The Galant VR-4 wins both the WRC1000 Lake and RAC Rallies, and is named Motor Trend Magazine's Import Car of the Year.
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.
Mitsubishi Motors launches the iconic 3000GT (GTO) with groundbreaking technology which includes a high-performance fulltime AWD suspension and active aerodynamics. Motor Trend Magazine names the 3000GT VR-4 its Import Car of the Year for 1991.
The Eclipse debuts in America with a turbocharged 4G63 engine and all-wheel drive technology, and makes Car and Driver's '10 Best List' from 1989 through 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.
1992
The iconic Lancer Evolution launches and goes on to win many World Rally Championship, track racing and hill climb titles.
Mitsubishi Motors introduces next-generation MIVEC engine technology that maintains engine performance while maximizing fuel efficiency.
Mitsubishi Motors leads the development of environmentally friendly engineering by launching the world's first Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine.
Tommi Makinen wins a record four consecutive WRC Driver's Championships from 1996 to 1999 while Mitsubishi claims the WRC Manufacturer's Championship in 1998, all with multiple generations of the Lancer Evolution.
1998
Mitsubishi Motors' banner year in racing includes Montero's domination of the Dakar Rally with a top-four sweep, a FIA World Class Cup Cross-Country Rally win and Lancer Evolution's victory in the WRC.
The FTO-EV prototype earns a Guinness World Record by being the first electric car to travel 2,000 kilometers in 24 hours, beating the previous record by 300km.
2003
The All-Wheel-Control equipped Lancer Evolution arrives in the United States, and Automobile magazine promptly honors it as 2003 Automobile of the Year. Learn More
The 4th generation Eclipse, based on the Eclipse Concept E, earns a 2005 Industry Design Excellence Award.
The launch of the Outlander marks the world's first compact SUV to offer an environmentally friendly PZEV V6 engine, reaffirming Mitsubishi Motors' dedication to pioneering green technology.
2007
Mitsubishi Motors sets a record for seven straight Dakar Rally wins; their twelfth championship overall.
The Lancer Evolution X launches with Super All-Wheel Control. Deemed one of the most advanced AWD systems in the world, it wins Car of the Year in Japan. Learn More
2008
Mitsubishi Motors proudly announces Drive@Earth, a pledge to create vehicles that can exist in harmony with people, society and the environment. This effort combines the power of EV, PHEV and other emissions-reducing technologies with corporate initiatives designed to preserve and sustain the global environment.
After more than 40 years of development and many awards, the production version of the 2010 Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle (i-MiEV) is launched to multiple markets worldwide.
The PX-MiEV concept vehicle is revealed to the public. Powered by Mitsubishi Motors' all-new plug-in hybrid system, PX-MiEV employs both serial and parallel hybrid technologies to maximize on-road performance while minimizing emissions and fuel consumption.
2012
The launch of the i-MiEV marks the democratization of EV technology in the United States. It ranks #1 on the EPA's list of Fuel Economy Leaders and is named the 'Greenest Vehicle of 2012' by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.
Mitsubishi Motors celebrates its 30th anniversary in the U.S.
2013
Mitsubishi Motors releases the Outlander PHEV, the world's first Plug in Hybrid SUV, winning the RJC Technology of the Year Award and Car of the Year's Innovation Award in Japan.
2014
The MiEV Evolution III wins first and second place in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb's EV prototype division, beating the previous course record by more than 30 seconds.
Mitsubishi Motors tests its EV and Twin-Motor 4WD technologies in the Baja Portalegre 500, setting the fastest time in three out of five segments, all using the Outlander PHEV.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - Mitsubishi introduces the Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicle) to the line up and it receives a "Best 5 All-Around Performance" award from the Automotive Science Group (ASG).
Mitsubishi adds three new Limited Edition crossovers to its vehicle lineup: the Outlander LE, Outlander Sport LE and Eclipse Cross LE. All feature exclusive 18" black alloy wheels, distinctive badging and styling that stands out from the pack.
The well-loved Eclipse moniker makes a comeback in the form of a technology-based crossover, the Eclipse Cross, which goes on to win a prestigious GOOD DESIGNTM* award for Design Excellence and Design Innovation by The Chicago Athenaeum.
After 100 years of automotive engineering and accomplishments, Mitsubishi Motors is setting its sights on the next generation of EV and connected car technology. The eX SUV Concept will lead the way with Tesla-rivaling range, automated driving capability and a whole new look.
* Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Excludes destination/handling, tax, title, license etc. While supplies last. Limited availability at participating dealers may require placing an order and could cause a delay in delivery. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local Mitsubishi retailer for details.
1 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Excludes destination/handling, tax, title, license etc. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your Mitsubishi retailer for details.
