Mitsubishi Motors is the automotive arm of the Mitsubishi group, one of the largest industrial conglomerates in Japan. It was formed in 1970 and its headquarters is in Minato, Tokyo. Mitsubishi ranks 6th in Japan and 17th globally as measured by car production. The corporate logo is 3 diamonds with touching tips.
The company has engaged in various alliances with several other auto manufacturers, among them Chrysler, Volvo, Hyundai and Proton, and some of these ventures have been entered into strategically to help the company reduce its one-time crushing debt burden. Mitsubishi also suffered heavy losses in the 1997 Asian economic downturn, and was even forced to close down its manufacturing facility in Thailand. In 2000 and again in 2004 the company was forced to admit to some of the worst scandals in Japanese corporate history, when news of a cover-up of vehicle defects leaked and forced Mitsubishi to recall over 160,000 vehicles. However, since then the marque has been on a recovery path, with the introduction of a small city car called the i-car that was well received especially in Japan, as well as new editions of its Lancer and Evolution models in 2007 and 2008 respectively.
The Mitsubishi range in New Zealand begins with the Challenger, a midsize truck-based SUV with a 2.5-litre diesel engine. Next up is the Colt, a small hatchback, followed by the I-car with its tiny 700cc turbocharged engine. Then perhaps Mitsubishi’s most famous model the Lancer, sold as sedan or hatchback. The Lancer is also sold as the Evolution, that famous street racer much loved by PlayStation gamers and boy-racers alike. It enjoys a spirited rivalry with the Subaru Impreza WRX. The Outlander is an urban crossover, and these types of vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. The Pajero is a large SUV, and lastly the Triton, which is a single or dual-cab pickup truck.
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