Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline of Mitsubishi Motors in the Chinese automotive market, highlighting its decision to terminate its joint venture in engine manufacturing, which signifies a complete withdrawal from the Chinese automotive production landscape [1][2][6]. Group 1: Historical Context - Mitsubishi's initial investments in China during the late 1990s, including the establishment of joint ventures for engine manufacturing, were seen as strategic moves to tap into the potential of the Chinese market [2][4]. - The engines produced by Mitsubishi became essential for many Chinese automakers, as they lacked advanced engine technology at that time [4][6]. - By 2017, Mitsubishi's engine business in China reached a significant milestone with the production of the 500,000th engine, marking a peak in its operations [4]. Group 2: Market Changes - The shift towards electric vehicles and the decline of weaker Chinese car manufacturers have reduced the demand for Mitsubishi's engines, leading to a decrease in their relevance in the market [6][9]. - As Chinese automakers developed their own engine technologies, the reliance on Mitsubishi's engines diminished, resulting in a loss of market share for Mitsubishi [6][11]. Group 3: Current Developments - Mitsubishi's decision to exit the joint venture with Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi is viewed as a culmination of its declining profitability and inability to adapt to the changing market dynamics [13]. - The joint venture has since been rebranded, indicating a complete transition away from Mitsubishi's involvement in the Chinese automotive sector [13]. - East Power, a former partner, has seen significant growth and success in the market, further emphasizing Mitsubishi's failure to capitalize on its initial investments [13].

Core Viewpoint - Mitsubishi Motors has completely exited the Chinese market by terminating its joint venture in engine manufacturing with Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi Motors Engine Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and ceasing all operations related to this joint venture [1][4]. Group 1: Business Operations - The joint venture, established in 1997, was a collaboration between Mitsubishi Motors and other Chinese enterprises, producing engines since 1998 and supplying them to various domestic automakers, previously holding a 30% market share in domestic models [2][3]. - The name change of the joint venture to "Shenyang Guoqing Power Technology Co., Ltd." on July 2, 2023, and the exit of Mitsubishi's shareholders indicate a significant shift in the company's strategy in China [2]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The decline of Mitsubishi's engine business in China is attributed to the rise of domestic brands and their enhanced engine development capabilities, alongside the rapid growth of the new energy vehicle market [2][3]. - In 2024, the domestic passenger car sales are projected to reach 22.608 million units, a 3.1% increase year-on-year, while traditional fuel vehicle sales are expected to drop by 17.4% to 11.558 million units. In contrast, new energy vehicle sales are anticipated to grow by 39.7% to 11.582 million units, with pure electric vehicle sales reaching 7.719 million units, a 15.5% increase [2]. Group 3: Strategic Decisions - Mitsubishi Motors has reassessed its strategy in light of the rapid transformation of the Chinese automotive industry, leading to the decision to exit the joint venture in engine manufacturing [3]. - Prior to exiting the engine business, Mitsubishi had already withdrawn from the complete vehicle business in China, with GAC Mitsubishi's production capacity utilization dropping to 3.33% in 2022 [3][4].