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Mitsubishi Motors Car Reviews and Road Tests
Mitsubishi is one of the largest companies of the world, and automobile manufacture makes up only one part of the conglomerates empire. It was…
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Historical article recovered from a Wayback capture dated 2019-11-19.
Mitsubishi is one of the largest companies of the world, and automobile manufacture makes up only one part of the conglomerates empire. It was originally established in 1870 as a shipping concern, then became one of the pioneering Japanese automotive manufacturers when it manufactured its first car in 1917 – only around 20 of the Fiat designed Model A would be manufactured before the company decided to concentrate on other endeavours in 1921, including the manufacture of trucks and buses.
Mitsubishi spent many years manufacturing the infamous A6M “Zero” fighter which rose to prominence in World War 2, then it would take until 1953 before the company again ventured in the automotive arena, this time building Jeeps under licence. In 1959 came the 500, a typical Japanese micro car that used a three cylinder 2 stroke engine. Renamed the Colt, it would inevitably grow in size from the fastback 800 to the 1100 saloon. In 1966 Mitsubishi attempted to launch their large six-cylinder “Debonair” in Australia, it brimming with standard kit such as air-conditioning, automatic transmission, electric seat adjustment and a self-seeking radio, however it came at a time when Australians chose to buy Japanese for only one reason – their low price – and it proved far from successful.
During the 1970’s the company showed some bold initiative, releasing the stylish Galant coupe in 1974, and later developing the “Astron” engine, which featured a balancer shaft to smooth out unwanted vibration, an unwanted characteristic of nearly all 4 cylinder engines up until that time. Export markets came courtesy of a tie-in with US manufacturer Chrysler, the Mitsubishi’s being re-badged as Chryslers to enable the company to bolster their product offering. The first Sigma’s offered in Australia were re-badged as Chrysler’s, but when financial problems beset the giant Chrysler Corporation Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited were ready to assume control. The company inherited a dynamic team of engineers, designers and managers, many of whom had worked with Chrysler since its Australian inception.
Also see: The History of Mitsubishi Motors
