Mitsubishi

 I. Basic Information

Brand Name: Mitsubishi

English Name: Mitsubishi Motors

Country: Japan

Headquarters: Minato City, Tokyo, Japan

Brand Type: Japanese

Established: 1970

Founder: Yataro Iwasaki

Parent Group: Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance

 II. Brand Overview

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation boasts a storied history in automotive manufacturing. As early as 1917, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.—the predecessor of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries—built the Mitsubishi Model-A. In 1970, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation was officially incorporated. As Japan's fifth-largest automaker and one of the top 15 globally, Mitsubishi continuously explores new mobility solutions, delivering fresh driving experiences through quality vehicles and outstanding service. The brand actively develops exceptional sedans, sports cars, and SUVs, while setting illustrious records in international motorsport events such as the WRC and the Dakar Rally.

III. Brand Logo

Mitsubishi Motors is symbolised by its iconic three-diamond emblem, a fusion of the Iwasaki family crest (the three-tier water chestnut) and the Tosa clan's Yamauchi family crest (three oak leaves). The name "MITSUBISHI" comprises two Japanese words: "mitsu" (meaning three) and "hishi" (which morphs into "bishi" in Japanese pronunciation, meaning water chestnut or rhombus). Combined, they form the Mitsubishi name recognized today.

Initially, the apex angle of the Mitsubishi emblem was roughly 30 degrees. In 1910, the design was updated to an apex angle of 60 degrees. In March 1913, Mitsubishi Joint Stock Company officially registered the trademark with the Patent Office, and this design remains in use to this day.

IV. Model Lineup Information

Currently, Mitsubishi offers a comprehensive SUV lineup in China, including the Outlander, ASX, Eclipse Cross, Pajero Sport, and Pajero. Among these, the Outlander, ASX, and Eclipse Cross are produced under the GAC Mitsubishi joint venture; the Pajero Sport and Pajero are fully imported CBU 4x4 off-roaders; while the Airtrek represents the brand's first all-electric (EV) SUV.

Flagship Model: Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a C-segment SUV and currently Mitsubishi's top-selling model in China. It features the signature "Dynamic Shield" front fascia, delivering a bold and sophisticated presence. Power comes from a 2.4L MIVEC naturally aspirated petrol engine equipped with variable valve timing and lift, paired with a CVT featuring a 6-speed virtual manual mode and Mitsubishi's proprietary S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) system. Integrating 4WD with vehicle stability control, the system offers four selectable drive modes tailored to varying terrain and road conditions.

 V. Core Technologies

Mitsubishi MIVEC Engine Technology: Mitsubishi's MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) system is an in-house developed powertrain innovation. Controlled via the ECU, it precisely manages intake camshaft phasing to determine the ideal valve timing based on engine RPM, airflow volume, throttle position, and coolant temperature across all driving scenarios. This delivers optimal power efficiency and is widely deployed across most Mitsubishi models, including the Outlander.

Mitsubishi S-AWC Super All-Wheel Control System: Mitsubishi's S-AWC integrates 4WD, Active Yaw Control (AYC), ABS, and Active Stability Control (ASC). Designed to maximise traction and handling on unpaved or low-grip surfaces, it assists steering response, prevents wheel lock-up under hard or slippery braking, and markedly enhances vehicle stability and control limits by intelligently distributing drive torque before a potential loss of control occurs.

Super Select 4WD: Introduced in 1981, Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD system incorporates a Viscous Coupling Unit (VCU) limited-slip differential alongside a conventional transfer case and a mechanical bevel-gear centre differential lock—effectively functioning like twin centre differential locks. The system provides four switchable modes: 2H, 4H, 4HLc, and 4LLc, seamlessly blending part-time 4WD versatility with full-time 4WD stability across highway tarmac, rough off-road tracks, and unpaved terrain.

Now in its second generation, Super Select 4WD has evolved significantly. Compared to the first generation, the mechanical transfer case shift lever was replaced by an electronic actuator, the centre differential changed from symmetric bevel gears to a planetary gear setup, the default 4H torque split shifted from 50:50 to a rear-biased 33:67, and the limited-slip mechanism was upgraded to a viscous fluid coupling, delivering a distinctly more dynamic, rear-wheel-biased driving feel.

In terms of operation for both generations, 4H mode is intended for highway cruising and light unpaved driving. "Shift-on-the-fly" switching between 2H and 4H, 4H and 4HLc, or 4HLc and 4H can be performed at speeds below 100 km/h, provided the front wheels are pointed straight ahead, the throttle is released, and none of the wheels are slipping. However, shifting between 4HLc and 4LLc requires the vehicle to come to a complete stop with the transmission placed in Neutral (N).

VI. Vehicle Platforms

Mitsubishi has partnered with several global manufacturers, leading to progressive platform sharing across its portfolio. The global all-new Mitsubishi Outlander is underpinned by the Nissan-developed CMF-CD platform, whereas the all-electric Airtrek rides on GAC's dedicated GEP 2.0 EV platform shared with the GAC Aion V.

Nissan CMF Platform: This modular architecture allows flexible configuration across multiple vehicle segments and dimensions. Featuring a standardised electrical architecture across all iterations, it achieves up to 85% component commonality and accommodates diverse powertrains including turbocharged and naturally aspirated petrol units. The platform supports multiple body styles—hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and MPVs—and serves as the foundation for models such as the Nissan X-Trail and the global-spec Outlander.

GEP 2.0 Platform: A dedicated, state-of-the-art pure-electric platform engineered by GAC Aion. It features high modular integration, unified electronic control, lightweight construction, optimised energy efficiency, and superior reliability. Scalable across B-segment (A0) to E-segment (C-class) vehicles, it supports driving ranges from 300 km to 700 km alongside advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), providing the technical base for the Mitsubishi Airtrek EV.

VII. Brand Presence in China

Mitsubishi Motors' footprint in China dates back to March 1973, when it first exported medium-duty commercial trucks to the market. In December 1985, Mitsubishi inked a contract with Liuzhou Micro Vehicle Factory to assemble the L100 light commercial vehicle locally. In 1995, Mitsubishi formed Soueast Motor in a joint venture alongside Fujian Motor Industry Group and Taiwan's Yulon Motor. In 1996, Mitsubishi acquired an equity stake in Changfeng Auto via technology transfer agreements, collaborating on the production of Leopaard-badged 4x4 SUVs. Later in 2012, GAC Group, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, and Mitsubishi Corporation jointly founded GAC Mitsubishi Motors Co., Ltd. under a 30-year partnership agreement. On 12 August 1997, Mitsubishi teamed up with China Aerospace Automotive Industry Group, Shenyang Jianhua Auto Engine, and MC Investment Holding to establish China's first automotive engine joint venture—Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi Motors Engine Manufacturing (SAME)—introducing the proven 4G6 engine series. On 4 September 1998, Mitsubishi founded its second engine JV in China, Harbin Dongan Mitsubishi. By 2021, Changan Automobile acquired a 19% stake in Dongan Mitsubishi and a 54.51% controlling stake in Dongan Power through an equity restructuring, becoming the controlling shareholder of the venture.

(Some images are sourced from the internet)