Mitsubishi was
born in 1917, by Mitsubishi ship building. Today, it is part of the
Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, with Nissan having a controlling
shareholding in the company. Familiar models under the Mitsubishi marque are yesteryear
great Mitsubishi Lancer, the small, light car; the L200 truck, the Colt and the
luxury Pajero. The Lancer held its own among similar small cars of the eighties
and 90s such as the Renault 12, the Peugeot 404, the Alfasud, the Datsun Pulsar,
and Datsun 120Y.
The Pajero was
desirable by most, being on everyone’s lips, including children, at the turn of
the millennium. It was a pioneer among SUV trendsetters, alongside the Land
Cruisers, Mercedes ML, and BMW X5.
The L200 truck in
its various styles was a government and State Enterprise truck in the early
2000’s. The later generation Lancer also became a popular company car for
middle management during the same time, with the more executive Gallant an
option among senior executives.
The Colt Rodeo
Double cab held its own as a sturdy and executive double cab, brought in from
South Africa.
Quest Motors did
their best as the Authorised dealer and local assembler, for Lancer, the L200
pick up, and the executive Gallant.
Today, the 7-seater
Pajero is still present in the used and new car market, together with the later
generation Pajero Sport. Together with the L200 Triton, they are marketed by
ZIMOCO, who are now the Mitsubishi franchise holders.
In the grey
market, the Mitsubishi L200, in its various names, is coming mainly from
Europe.
Old or new, the
Mitsubishi brand has been one of those familiar brands in Zimbabwe, though not
to the extent of the Toyotas, Mazdas, and Nissans.
For those who
have owned it; certainly a very likeable and reliable brand!