100-year history of Mitsubishi Motors
A 100-year history of Mitsubishi Motors provided by Younger Mitsubishi
for all our customers near Hagerstown, Frederick, Gaithersburg, and Owings Mills, MD.
For more than 40 years, Younger Mitsubishi has been the number one dealer of Mitsubishi vehicles for towns near Hagerstown, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Owings Mills, MD, and the entire Tri-State area. Just like Mitsubishi Motors, we at Younger Mitsubishi strive to provide our customers with quality vehicles and excellent customer service. This year marks the 100-Year Anniversary of Mitsubishi Motors and this page provides you with background information on the history of Mitsubishi and their innovative vehicles over the past 100 years. To become part of this great brand and the Younger Family, visit us at 1935 Dual Highway in Hagerstown, MD where we will put you behind the wheel of the perfect Mitsubishi for you!
What Is Today Known As Mitsubishi Motors Started In 1917 As Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
When the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. first introduced the Model-A in 1917 they had no idea that they would become one of the world's most trusted car brands. Below you'll find a timeline of the highlights of the Mitsubishi brand throughout its 100-year history.
1917: The Mitsubishi Model-A was the first Japanese mass-produced passenger car.
1936: The Mitsubishi PX33 was the first Four Wheel Drive production car.
1962: The Mitsubishi 500 sets a new course record at the Macau Grand Prix; it's first race.
1970: The Mitsubishi Galant GTO is launched in Japan. This model features the first 4G-series engine.
1971: The Dodge Colt, a Mitsubishi made car, introduces Mitsubishi to the United States. This year Mitsubishi also takes home its sixth Grand Prix title thanks to the Colt F200 Formula racer equipped with the innovative new aerospace technology.
1973: Mitsubishi sweeps the East African Safari taking home First-Second and Third place. This year also makes the introduction of the Mitsubishi Lancer 1600GSR.
1976: Mitsubishi develops the Silent Shaft Engine; later licenses the technology to Porsche, Saab and Fiat.
1980: The first-ever turbocharged diesel engine with Silent Shaft Technology is introduced by Mitsubishi
1982: The Tridia, Cordia, and Starion are introduced in America along with Japanese Turbocharged technology.
1983: The Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero makes its first appearance in what is considered to be the world's toughest race, the Paris-Dakar Rally. Driven by racer Patrick Zaniroli this model makes endurance race history by winning the triple crown.
1987: Mitsubishi introduces the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 which is the first vehicle to feature an Active Electronically Controlled Suspension. It also becomes the first Mitsubishi vehicle to to be named "Car of the Year" in Japan.
1989: The Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 is named the Import "Car of the Year" by Motor Trend.
1990: First Traction Control System in the world is developed by Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi also debuts the Eclipse in America and introduces the Mitsubishi 3000GT which is equipped with active aerodynamics and a high-performance full-time All-Wheel Drive suspension.
1991: The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 is named "Import Car of the Year" by Motor Trend.
1992: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (MIVEC) next-generation engine introduced. This technology earns the title of Adaptive Shift Control Technology of the Year from Japan Car and Research and Journal Conference.
1996: Mitsubishi leads the development of the world's first Gasoline Direct Injection engine.
1998: The Mitsubishi brand takes charge in the racing world when the Mitsubishi Montego dominates the Dakar Rally, and the Mitsubishi brand takes home wins in the FIA World Class Cup Cross-Country Rally and the WRC Manufacturer's Championship.
1999: Mitsubishi electric car is the first to cover 2,000 km in 24 hours.
2003: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is introduced in the US and is named 2003 Automobile of the Year.
2005: Second generation Mitsubishi Outlander is the first compact SUV to have an environmentally friendly V6 engine. Mitsubishi also earns a 2005 Industry Design Excellence Award for the 4the Generation Eclipse.
2007: Mitsubishi is the first to win seven straight Dakar rally races. The Super All-Wheel Control system in the Lancer Evolution X is praised as the most advanced AWD system in the world. This vehicle is named Car of the Year in Japan.
2008: Drive@Earth is announced as a pledge to create vehicles that are environmentally friendly.
2009: The 2010 i-MiEV (innovative-Mitsubishi Electric Vehicle) launched worldwide in multiple markets.
2012: This year marks Mitsubishi's 30th Anniversary in the U.S. the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy names the i-MiEV the "Greenest Vehicle of 2012". The EPA names the Mitsubishi i-MiEV the #1 Fuel Economy Leader.
2013: Mitsubishi introduced the Outlander PHEV, the first Plug in Hybrid SUV in the world. Car of the Year's Innovation Award in Japan and the RJC Technology of the Year Award are both presented to this model.
2014: The MiEV Evolution III takes home first and second place in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the EV prototype division.
2015: The EV and Twin-Motor 4WD technologies are tested by Mitsubishi during the Baja Portalegre 500 with the Outlander PHEV setting the fastest time in three out of five segments.
2016: Mitsubishi introduces the eX SUV Concept which the brand says will rival Tesla in terms of automated driving capability and long-range driving.
Visit Younger Mitsubishi Today - Claim Your Place In Automotive Innovation History - Drive A Mitsubishi!
As you can see, Mitsubishi has a diverse and conscientious history that has already spanned an entire century. They are always a step ahead of the game and strive to create vehicles that are driver- and environmentally- friendly. Stop into Younger Mitsubishi today to become a part of automotive history and the driver of one of today's greatest vehicles.