MITSUBISHI First in Japan

1917

Mitsubishi produces Japan's first series production passenger car, the Model-A.

Model-A 1917

1918

Mitsubishi produces its first prototype truck, the T1.

T1 Truck, 1918

1921

Mitsubishi stops production of the Model-A.

1922

Model-A is displayed at the 1922 Industrial Exposition in Japan.

1924

Water sprinkling trucks and dump trucks delivered to the City of Tokyo for street maintenance.

1931

Development of the 450AD, Japan's first diesel engine (direct injection type) for use in motor vehicles.

450AD diesel engine, 1931

1932

Production of the B46, Mitsubishi's first large-sized bus, the first of the Fuso Bus series.

Fuso B46 bus, 1932

Production of the BT38 bus and cargo hauler, a new concept vehicle.

Development of the 445AD, an improved smaller displacement version of the 450AD direct injection type diesel engine.

1934

Production of the PX-33, Japan's first 4WD passenger car prototype.

PX33,1934

Production of the TS35 (2.5-ton) and TSS28 (2-ton) 6-wheel trucks.

Production of the BS40 and BS43 mid-sized buses.

Development of the 650AD, a larger displacement, improved version of the 450AD and 445AD direct injection type diesel engines.

1935

Production of the BD46 and BD43 Japan's first diesel powered buses.

BD46 Bus, 1935

Production of the Type 94 triple-axle truck.

Development of the SHT6 pre-combustion chamber type diesel engine.

1936

Production of the TD45, Japan's first diesel powered truck.

1937

Mitsubishi begins trial manufacturing of 4WD trucks.

1938

Production of the TD35 2-ton truck.

Development of the CT1D diesel engine.

Development of the Y6100, a 2nd generation SHT6 engine.The Y6100 later served as one of the prototype models for the DB series engine.

1930s

Several B46 buses exported to China.

BD46 bus is exported to China, 1930s