Mitsubishi

The Mitsubishi Motors origins can be traced back to the early 1900s when they introduced a Model A, the first series-production automobile manufactured in Japan. The vehicle was entirely hand built so it was much more expensive than the American produced vehicles and was discontinued by the 1920s. After merging with Mitsubishi Aircraft Company in the 1930s, they developed prototype vehicles for the military prior and during the war. After the War, they returned to producing vehicles for the general public and were fairly successful, yet the company wanted to increase exports and their strategy to do was to forge alliances with foreign automobile companies. From the 1970s onward they would partner with Chrysler, Hyundai, Volvo and many others, ultimately leading to their merger with DaimlerChrysler in 2005. Recent car defects and financial troubles in the Asian markets have decreased their sales, but a recent reorganization of the company and its vehicle lineup under direction from DaimlerChrysler has resulted in increased profitability and sales.