Who Owns Mitsubishi?
Mitsubishi is currently part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, but the carmaker’s origin dates back to 1917.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- Who owns Mitsubishi?
- Where are Mitsubishis made?
- A short history of Mitsubishi ownership
- How to save money on Mitsubishi insurance
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
Since October 2016, Japanese automaker Mitsubishi has been a part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance.
Mitsubishi may be nowhere near as popular as other car brands in the U.S., but the company has been present in the American market since 1982. While Mitsubishi comprises only a small amount of cars sold in the U.S., the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance is one of the largest manufacturers of light vehicles in the world.
Curious about this small fish in a big pond? Come along as we take a peek behind the curtain at what corporation owns Mitsubishi.
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Who owns Mitsubishi?
Mitsubishi joined the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance in October 2016. If this is news to you, don’t feel bad. Most people outside of the automobile manufacturing world have no idea of its existence—especially in the U.S.
The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi (RNM) alliance is a strategic partnership between French automaker Renault and Japanese automakers
Nissan
and Mitsubishi. This isn’t the result of a merger or an acquisition; the three companies are joined together via cross-sharing agreements. Renault hasn’t sold any cars in the U.S. since 1987, and Mitsubishi is a fairly minor presence compared to Nissan. But combined, the RNM alliance sells more than one out of every nine vehicles purchased worldwide and is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electric vehicles.
MORE:
Car loan for Mitsubishi
Where are Mitsubishis made?
Mitsubishi currently has five plants in Japan, which is where most manufacturing is done. Out of the five, two of them are dedicated to producing powertrains. Additionally, there are manufacturing locations in Thailand (this is the second-biggest after Japan), China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Russia, and Brazil.
There are no Mitsubishi manufacturing facilities in the U.S., but there are two research and development locations: one in
Michigan
and one in California
. Key Takeaway Mitsubishis are primarily made in Japan, with several other plant locations scattered throughout the globe.
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A short history of Mitsubishi ownership
Mitsubishi’s roots date back to 1917 when the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Company introduced the Model A, a seven-seater sedan that was discontinued in 1921. The company merged with the Mitsubishi Aircraft Company to become Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 1934.
Post-WWII, the company went through several different iterations and name changes, including a contentious alliance with Chrysler that began in 1971 and continued for around two decades. The partnership was fully terminated in 1993.
The RNM partnership came about in 2016 after a series of financial and recall scandals.
If you’re in the mood for a fascinating sidebar story that sounds like something out of a movie, check out the tale of disgraced former CEO Carlos Ghosn, who went from a deeply respected titan of industry to an internationally wanted fugitive. Depending on who you believe, he’s either a criminal fleeing justice, a victim, or something in between.
Ghosn was arrested in Japan in November 2018 over allegations of money laundering and misappropriation of funds. He was
smuggled out of the country
in a box intended for musical equipment by two Americans, who are now facing charges in Japan. Ghosn’s native Lebanon has no extradition treaty with Japan, so there he remains—despite being on INTERPOL’s wanted list. His story is now the
subject of a BBC documentary
.How to save money on Mitsubishi insurance
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FAQs
Is Mitsubishi an American brand?
Mitsubishi is a Japanese brand, but there are two research and development facilities in the U.S.
Is Mitsubishi a family name in Japan?
Mitsubishi is a company name but not a family one. The name Mitsubishi comes from the Japanese words “mitsu,” meaning “three,” and “hishi,” meaning “water chestnut.” The Japanese have long used the word “water chestnut” to describe a diamond shape, and the Mitsubishi logo is a design composed of three diamonds.
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