Did You Know These 10 Astonishing Facts About Mitsubishi Vehicles?
In today’s automotive market, we have numerous brands at our disposal. In fact, industry reports show that there are currently more than 40 brands offering vehicles in America. Each one has an array of models to choose from, and many offer several trim levels to boot. Mitsubishi is one of the most popular automakers not only in the United States but also around the world.
This brand has a long-running history, and it has amassed a large loyal following over the years. As the company’s vehicles have evolved to meet the public’s growing and changing needs, its story has branched out in numerous directions. The following 10 astonishing facts about the company’s vehicles may motivate you to make a trip to a local Mitsubishi dealer as soon as possible.
1) Mitsubishi Was a Pioneer of All-Wheel Drive
Many people associate Subaru with all-wheel-drive vehicles. Mitsubishi was actually a pioneer in this field, especially in its Lancer Evolution sedan and Montero SUV. Its technology set the bar in rallying and off-roading.
2) The Lancer Evolution Was a Rally Legend
That brings us to the next point. The Lancer Evolution became a legend when it won four consecutive World Rally Championship titles from 1996 through 1999. That drew a major cult following for the vehicle.
3) The Three-Diamond Logo Has a Meaning
Additionally, most people don’t realize that there’s deep meaning behind Mitsubishi’s three-diamond logo. It comes from the combination of two family crests, the Iwasaki family, who founded Mitsubishi, and the Yamauchi family, who were Lords of Tosa Province where Mitsubishi’s founder was born. The diamonds stand for reliability, success, and integrity.
4) Mitsubishi Makes More Than Vehicles
It’s also interesting to note that Mitsubishi makes more than just vehicles. The company has a hand in a variety of industries from shipbuilding to aerospace. They also make satellites, air conditioners, elevators, and industrial machinery.
5) The Pajero Dominated the Dakar Rally
Another fascinating fact is that the Mitsubishi Pajero, known in America as the Montero, dominated in the Dakar Rally. It claimed 12 wins in the cross-country endurance race, including seven consecutive victories from 2001 to 2007. That’s still a record.
6) Mitsubishi Collaborates With Other Brands
Over time, Mitsubishi has collaborated with several other automotive brands. Those include Chrysler, Hyundai, Volvo, and Peugeot. It shared its innovations with those brands to help shape some of the technologies we know today, including electric and autonomous vehicles.
7) The 3000GT Was Ahead of its Time
The 3000GT was introduced back in 1991 and produced through 1999. It featured quite a bit of cutting-edge technology for that era, including all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, active aerodynamics, and electronically controlled suspension. It was definitely ahead of its time.
8) Mitsubishi Was at the Forefront of EVs
You may also be surprised to learn that Mitsubishi was at the forefront of the electric vehicle movement. In 2009, the company released the i-MiEV, one of the world’s first mass-produced electric cars. That was before the Nissan Leaf was launched, which is largely credited as being the first widely available EV.
9) Mitsubishi Made Japan’s First Mass-Produced Car
Mitsubishi is also the company that made Japan’s first mass-produced car, kick-starting the country’s automotive industry. Its Model A was released back in 1917. This vehicle was built by hand and modeled after one of Fiat’s first cars.
10) Mitsubishi Was Founded More Than 150 Years Ago
That brings us to our final fact: Mitsubishi has been around for longer than most people realize. The company was founded in 1870. In the beginning, it was a shipping company. It didn’t start making vehicles until 1917 when it launched the previously mentioned Model A. Mitsubishi vehicles didn’t come to America until 1982.
Taking Vehicles Into the Future
Mitsubishi has a long and diverse history. In the 155 years since its founding, it has played a role in an array of industries. The company has also been a leader in the automotive world, making headlines and creating many of the features and technologies we see in vehicles today. No doubt, it’ll continue its long-running tradition well into the future.
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