Mitsubishi Trucks

The project team with their T1 trucks shortly after successfully completing the rigorous endurance test.

Mitsubishi Trucks-Their Roots

In 1918, only a year after the production of the Model-A began, Mitsubishi designed and produced four prototype trucks as part of a Japanese government program to develop a domestic commercial vehicle industry. Two 3-ton and two 4-ton truck models were produced to specifications and code named the T1. The T1 had an overall length of 5.5 meters and was powered by a 4-cylinder, 30ps gasoline engine. It passed the 1000km, long distance durability test set by the government in flying colors.

Although it was deemed a success in all mechanical aspects, the T1 was not to go into production. As with any fledgling business, cost considerations were of great concern. Though the T1 was considered a success, the projected production cost was too high compared to the relatively low cost of models available from overseas sources. In fact, it was not until 10 years later in the 1930s, that Mitsubishi entered the commercial vehicle market as a manufacturer. This 10 year interval was not to be wasted however, with Mitsubishi playing the role of a major marketer and retrofitter of trucks produced by American manufacturers for the Japanese market.

The 1930s was an exciting time at Mitsubishi. Production of both trucks and buses began in earnest, but as importantly, this was the time of intense research and development which profoundly established the spirit of innovation within Mitsubishi Motors. Diesel powered vehicles as well as 4x4, 6x4 and 6x6 trucks were developed and went into production. 1934 saw the start of the production of the 6 wheel, 2-ton, TSS28 and the 4-wheel, 2.5-ton, TS35 trucks incorporating the 70ps, S6 engine.

Between 1935 and 1937, 75 units of the Type-94 diesel trucks were produced for the Japanese government. The chassis for these trucks were produced in Kobe and shipped to Tokyo to be fitted with the 70ps, 650AD direct injection engines. In 1936, the TD45 truck also powered by the 650AD engine was introduced to the market.

In 1936, the TD35 diesel truck underwent extensive testing and also later in the same year, 20 units of the Sawada TD45 truck powered by the 450AD engine were exported to Manchuria. In 1938, the TD35, 2 ton truck again acted as the test platform for the SHT4 pre-combustion type diesel engine.