Forty years of Mitsubishi pickup success

It’s 1978, and the world is changing. Space Invaders spreads to arcades across the globe and launches the video game industry. The first automated cellular phone network is being built in Japan and Superman takes off in cinemas.

Another product is launched which, over the next four decades, will bring mobility to 4.7 million people – the Mitsubishi 1-ton pickup.

It’s a pickup truck that can handle all types of road, anywhere on the planet. It has been developed with a design brief – to meet the desire of customers for a pickup with outstanding reliability, durability and payload performance; with levels of drivability, utility, comfort and ride that are on a par with a passenger sedan.

The first models were appropriately named FORTE, although exports used other badges such as L200, which remain in use today. From the very beginning, the FORTE was engineered to provide tough, dependable transport for people and goods.

The FORTE was developed to provide a 1-ton carrying capacity and yet be as easy to drive, have a combination of rugged reliability, easy-to-drive nature and impressive carrying capacity. This soon made it a firm favorite across the world, from frozen wastes to sun-baked deserts.

To ensure customers could go even further afield, Mitsubishi Motors built on its four-wheel-drive heritage by adding a 4×4 version to the range in 1980. This became the foundation for modern Mitsubishi 4WD vehicles, leading directly to the PAJERO/MONTERO and DELICA.

The pickup, soon renamed TRITON in many markets, had a profound effect on the Mitsubishi Motors’ business too. The first and second generation platforms were mainly produced at Mitsubishi Motors Ohe Plant. Since the third-generation model in 1995, production has been concentrated in the Laem Chabang Plant in Thailand, from where they are exported worldwide. It is now Mitsubishi Motors’ biggest factory, producing about 400,000 vehicles.

Here is a reminder of the previous generations of the FORTE, TRITON and L200 – and a glimpse at what the near future might hold…

1^st Generation

September 1978

• FORTE, a 1-ton pickup truck was introduced in Japan and exported with names including the MITSUBISHI TRUCK and L200. Exports to North America started the following October.
• The only body option is a single cab. Power is from a 2.0-litre petrol, with a 2.6-litre option for North America and 1.6-litre engine for Japan and for other regions. A 2.3-litre diesel engine was available for general exports.

October 1980

• Introduction of a part-time 4WD system

2^nd Generation

March 1986

• Full model change. Variations now offered included three body types: Single Cab, Club Cab, Double Cab with short and long body styles available with the Single Cab. New 2WD and 4WD drivetrain options were available, with 2.0-litre and 2.6-litre petrol engines and 2.5-litre diesel engine (increased from 2.3-litre).

May 1991

• Introduced as STRADA into the Japan market (double-cab only)

3^rd Generation

November 1995

• The new pickup truck model L200 STRADA was introduced in Thailand.
• Production is concentrated in the MSC Thai Laem Chabang Plant, from where it is exported worldwide.
• Three body variations include Single Cab, Club Cab, and Double Cab for exports. Powered by 2.5-litre or 2.8-litre diesel engines. The 4WD mechanism is equipped with innovative “Easy Select 4WD” system.

4^th Generation

August 2005

• The new pickup TRITON was introduced in Thailand. Sales in other markets started sequentially following the introduction in Thailand.
• Three body configurations – Single Cab, Club Cab, Double Cab, and engines include newly-developed 2.5-litre and 3.2-litre common-rail diesel. Drivetrain options are 2WD and a 4WD equipped with “Easy Select 4WD” or “Super Select 4WD” systems.

5^th Generation

November 2014

• The 5^th generation is introduced in Thailand. Sales in other markets follow.
• Three body configurations – Single Cab, double door Club Cab, and Double Cab. Powertrains are a newly-developed 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel turbo, 2.5-litre diesel turbo, and 2.4-litre petrol. Drivetrain options are 2WD and 4WD, with the availability of “Super Select 4WD-II” system, which adopted an electronic actuator.

And the future of the pickup will soon be revealed…

1^st Generation 1978 FORTE/L200

There is a huge overseas demand, particularly in North America, for small pickup trucks, where they are used casually for commuting to school and work, as well as for recreation.

Mitsubishi Motors introduced its first 1-ton pickup truck with the name FORTE in September 1978, and began to export to North America from the following October.

The name for the 1-ton pickup truck “FORTE” means “strong” in Italian. The prototypes underwent rigorous endurance testing on a massive scale in North America, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia to ensure reliability. A total of approximately 657,000 vehicles were produced in the Ohe Plant in Japan, and partially in the Laem Chabang Plant in Thailand.

The styling took its cues from the compact sedan GALANT Σ, with a long nose, an air-dam skirt which was introduced for trucks for the first time, and four round headlights. The FORTE was powered by a 2.0-litre and 2.6-litre petrol engines for North America and 1.6-litre petrol engine for Japan and other regions. A 2.3-litre diesel engine was available for general exports. Its wide 1,360mm front track and long wheelbase of 2,780mm ensured superior driving stability.

The chassis was sophisticated for a commercial vehicle too, with front disc brakes, double wishbone/coil springs for the front suspension, and leaf springs and rigid axle in the rear.

The very quiet interior results from an uncompromising approach to NVH performance, which includes the use of a 2-piece prop shaft and the generous use of strategically-placed sealing materials.

Mitsubishi Motors leveraged its many years of experience of building Jeeps, and added a newly-developed part-time 4WD transfer system with a directly-linked silent chain. This system reduced gear noise and power loss, and enabled high-speed on-road driving.

This model served as the forerunner for Mitsubishi Motors’ 4WD lineup such as the PAJERO/MONTERO and the DELICA.

2^nd Generation 1986 STRADA/L200

There was a full model change in March 1986.

The exterior sports a classy makeover with a new front grille design, among other detail changes. And the lines create a shape that looks as tough and modern as it is aero-efficient.

A wider variety of configurations were offered, including three body types: Single Cab, Club Cab, Double Cab, short and long body style available for Single Cab, 2WD and 4WD drivetrain options, 2.0-litre and 2.6-litre gasoline engines, and 2.5-litre diesel engine.

The naming changed too, with double-cab STRADA being introduced in Japan in 1991. The model was also called MIGHTY MAX in North America, TRITON in Australia, and L200 in other areas. In North America, it was also sold by Dodge as the RAM 50.

A total of approximately 1,146,000 2^nd generation models were produced in the Ohe Plant in Japan, and the Laem Chabang Plant in Thailand.

3^rd Generation 1995 STRADA/L200

Production of the third generation STRADA/L200 began in November 1995 in Thailand. The interior and exterior designs were fully revised to give a distinctive and cutting-edge look.

The new style reflected the customer need to have a pickup truck which could also be used as a passenger car for personal use. The model was positioned as a roomy five seater that was comfortable and capable enough for both recreational and commercial uses.

Power and off-road performance were improved with a 2.5-litre intercooled turbodiesel engine and features such as “Easy Select 4WD.” Safety and equipment levels were also enhanced to match the expectations of buyers used to passenger car levels of comfort.

The STRADA/L200 was sold in Thailand and also exported to Europe, Oceania, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. A total of approximately 1,046,000 vehicles were produced.

It featured:

• A fresh new look that combines the toughness of a pickup truck with the style of a passenger car

• An interior with a passenger car feel, featuring molded door trimmings and oversized padding for comfort

• A roomy cargo area that is among the largest in its class

• The 2.5-litre turbodiesel intercooled engine with better drivability

• Enhanced passive and active safety features such as driver-side airbag, anti-pinch power windows, and high level brake lights

• Mitsubishi Motors “Easy Select 4WD” system was adopted, with its synchronized free-wheel front differential that allows the driver to choose the most efficient drive mode for any road surface.

• Available on some trim levels are: Mitsubishi Motors ABS, which prevents the wheels from locking up during braking to stabilize body attitude and handling; and a hybrid limited slip differential (LSD) that enhances driving stability

4^th Generation 2005 TRITON/L200

In August 2005 there is full model change and after its introduction in Thailand in 2005 it was exported in stages to approximately 150 countries worldwide, becoming an important model in Mitsubishi Motors’ global strategy.

The TRITON/L200 was developed with the following three key features to help it conquer the world. First, it had to exceed the basic performance requirements of pickup trucks such as economy, durability, and reliability. Second, it had to have the highest quality standards to further strengthen the brand on a global scale. And lastly, it had to meet a wide variety of customer needs, not just be a commercial use vehicle.

A total of 1,423,000 4^th generation TRITON/L200 were produced.

Characteristic features of the 2005 TRITON/L200 include an innovative interior and exterior design which suggests sportiness while also being stylish. The packaging gives the roomiest interior in its class, while the suspension and interior equipment enable ride comfort to rival passenger cars.

These elements not only highlighted the innovativeness of the TRITON/L200 in the marketplace, but dispelled the general image of pickup trucks as merely commercial vehicles. This greatly expanded the customer base of Mitsubishi Motors’ pickup trucks.

A newly developed diesel engine with a direct injection common rail produced high power while achieving low fuel consumption, exhaust emissions, and noise levels.

The newly designed body also achieved the highest level of crashworthiness in its class. Participation in the Dakar Rally and other races built up its superior off-road 4WD performance and helped tell the world about the TRITON/L200’s toughness.

• Body configurations include three types: Single Cab, Club Cab, and Double Cab.
• Engines include newly developed 2.5-litre and 3.2-litre common rail diesel engines.
• Drivetrains are 2WD and 4WD (“Super Select 4WD” and “Easy Select 4WD”).

5^th Generation 2014 TRITON/L200

In 2014, the new 5^th generation TRITON/L200 further refines the concept to meet with the increasingly varying needs of customers. Improved usability and durability for commercial use, a sporty feel that is both easy and fun to drive, quality that gives customer satisfaction, and comfort for every passenger are all qualities that the new TRITON/L200 has realized, evolving into the “ultimate sports utility truck.”

Three cabin types are offered to meet each purpose: Single Cab, Double Cab, and double door Club Cab.

The 2.5-litre turbodiesel and 2.4-litre gasoline engines have been improved and are offered alongside a newly-developed 2.4-litre MIVEC ”clean” turbodiesel. It delivers superior performance while achieving top-level fuel economy and lower CO₂ emissions. A 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmission with sports mode are also offered for the first time.

The 4WD systems continue to develop too. The “Easy Select 4WD” system has three positions: 2H, 4H, 4L to provide optimum traction to match road conditions, and the “Super Select 4WD-II,” with an electronic actuator.

A 2WD option is still offered, including the standard version and a ”High Rider” model which has the same ground clearance as the 4WD for improved rough-road performance.