Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation TYO: 7211 is a Japanese automobile company, manufacturing an extensive range of cars and trucks (see Fuso). Mitsubishis are manufactured globally and exported into most major markets, including the Far East, Europe, and the U.S..

History

Mitsubishi had been engaged in a long-term venture with Chrysler (now DaimlerChrysler), assembling a series of cars and trucks for Chrysler brands since the 1970s. Some Chrysler cars use Mitsubishi componentry, but have been gravitating toward more use of Mercedes-Benz componentry, which is considered superior. DaimlerChrysler recently announced that it was withdrawing all financial support and sold its shares in MMC. However, Mitsubishi will still be able to build the Dakota-based Raider and Chrysler will still use a Mitsubishi-based chassis for its Stratus/Sebring replacements.

For many years, Mitsubishi did not sell in North America under its own brand. That began changing in the United States in 1982. Many of Mitsubishi's early exports bore Chrysler brands such as the Chrysler Valiant (in Australia), Dodge and Plymouth. In some countries, Colt was used as the marque. Beginning in 1989, the Eagle brand was used for some Mitsubishi products in the US.

Mitsubishi has also exported car platform designs and manufacturing knowledge to Hyundai in South Korea and Proton in Malaysia.

Mitsubishi has a long association with movie star Jackie Chan. Chan always uses Mitsubishi vehicles in his movies.

Shareholders

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. 13.65%

Mitsubishi Corporation 13.42%

DaimlerChrysler AG 12.89%

Phoenix Capital Partners I Co., Ltd. 7.05%

Phoenix Capital Partners IV Co., Ltd. 5.64%

The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd. 4.79%

Phoenix Capital Partners II Co., Ltd. 3.52%

Japan Securities Finance Co., Ltd 2.85%

Morgan Whitefriars Equity Derivative 2.22%

J.P. Morgan Securities, Ltd. 1.40%

Phoenix Capital Partners III Co., Ltd. 1.17%

The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (Holder in Trust) 1.03%


Locations

* In Japan
o Shinagawa (品川) and Tamachi (田町), Tokyo (Headquarters)
o Tama (多摩), Tokyo (Design)

* Worldwide
o Trebur, Hessen, Germany (Research)
o Normal, Illinois, United States (Research)
o Cypress, California, United States (Design)


Plants

* In Japan
o Okazaki (岡崎), Aichi (scheduled to close)
o Mizushima (水島), Okayama
o Kyoto (京都)
o Konan, Shiga (滋賀)
o Sakahogi, Gifu
* In the United States
o Normal, Illinois (no longer shared with DaimlerChrysler as of 2005)
* In Australia
o Tonsley Park, Adelaide (Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited)
* In Europe
o Born, the Netherlands (Netherlands Car B.V.)
* In Asia
o Laem Chabang, Thailand (two plants)
* Joint venture and licensed plants
o Beijing, China (Beijing Jeep Corp.)
o Tiruvallur (near Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India (in collaboration with Hindustan Motors)
o Taiwan (China Motor Corporation)


Car models

* Mitsubishi 380 (2005 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Airtrek (2001 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Carisma (1995 - 2004)
* Mitsubishi Cordia (1982 - 1990)
* Mitsubishi Colt (1965 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Debonair (1964 - 1999)
* Mitsubishi Diamante (1990 - 2004)
* Mitsubishi Dion (2000 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Eclipse (1989 - Current)
* Mitsubishi eK (a Keicar)
* Mitsubishi Endeavor (2004 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Forte (1978 - 1986)
* Mitsubishi FTO (1994 - 2000)
* Mitsubishi Galant (1969 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Grandis
* Mitsubishi GTO (1990 - 1998)
* Mitsubishi i (2006 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Lancer (1973 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (1992 - Current)
* Mitsubishi L200 (1987 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Magna (1985 - 2005)
* Mitsubishi Mighty Max (1983 - 1996)
* Mitsubishi Minica (1962 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Minicab (1966 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Mirage (1978 - 2001)
* Mitsubishi Nimbus (1983 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Outlander (2003 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero (1982 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Pajero Sport/Montero Sport/Challenger/Shogun Sport/Nativa (1996 - present)
* Mitsubishi Pajero Mini (1994 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Precis (1987 - 1992)
* Mitsubishi Proudia (1997 - 2004)
* Mitsubishi Raider (2006 - Current, rebadged Dodge Dakota)
* Mitsubishi RVR (1991 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Sapporo (1976 - 1983)
* Mitsubishi Space Star (1996 - 2005)
* Mitsubishi Starion (1982 - 1990)
* Mitsubishi Strada (1991 - Current)
* Mitsubishi Tredia (1982 - 1990)
* Mitsubishi Verada (1992 - 2005)
* Mitsubishi Zinger (2006 - Current)