Mitsubishi Trucks

The Jupiter Line

The emergence of the medium-duty class

By the late 50s, the Japanese economy had strengthened considerably changing the vehicle priorities of the general transport market. The emerging demands were for trucks which offered the economy and ease of operation of light-duty trucks but a cargo capacity approaching their heavy-duty cousins. The stage was set for the emergence of the medium-duty trucks and Mitsubishi was again on hand and ready to accept the challenge.

In 1958, Mitsubishi launched the T10 which was popularly named the Jupiter, a name that was attached to subsequent models of the series. The T10 had a cargo capacity of 2.5 tons and was powered by the 2,199cc, KE31 diesel engine which produced 61ps. The 3-ton capacity, Tll was powered by the 76ps, JH gasoline engine.

To fill a larger cargo capacity need, the T22D truck was released in 1960 and became the most popular Jupiter model. The T22D had a 3.5-ton cargo capacity and was powered by the highly efficient 6-cylinder, 3,229cc, KE36 diesel engine with an output of 85ps.

To accommodate more modest cargo needs, the T50 was released in 1963. It had a 2-ton capacity and was named, as the tonnage suggests, the Jupiter Jr.

In 1964, the lineup was expanded to include the 3.5-ton T30 and the 4-ton T32. Both models had increased width than their predecessors. The 95ps, KE61 diesel engine powered the T30 while the 103ps, KE62 gasoline engine was adopted on the T31. In response to the growing needs of users, the T30 and T31 offered both short or long cargo beds. Giving operators this choice proved astute on the part of Mitsubishi and increased Jupiter's popularity immensely while solidifying the Mitsubishi reputation as a commercial vehicle manufacturer.

In 1965, the 3.5-ton T40 and T41 trucks were released. The Jupiter series which had featured bonnet style trucks now had two models with the up and coming cab-over styling. The cab-over style trucks were becoming increasingly popular due to the increased ease of maneuverability for inner-city applications and in traffic congestions. The T40 was powered by the 93ps, KE61 diesel engine while the T41 incorporated the 130ps, KE62 gasoline engine. In 1970, the 3.5-ton T44 Jupiter adopted the 6DR diesel engine.