Core Viewpoint - Mitsubishi Motors is set to officially exit the Chinese market by 2025, primarily due to ongoing losses at GAC Mitsubishi and a slow response to the electrification transition [1][15][16]. Group 1: Historical Context - Mitsubishi Motors began its journey in China in the 1980s, with the establishment of Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi in 1997 marking a significant turning point, as its 4G6 engine series became crucial for many early domestic brands [3][4]. - At its peak, Mitsubishi engines powered 30% of domestic vehicles, earning it the title of "father of domestic cars" [4][6]. - The Pajero, a legendary off-road vehicle, became a symbol of Mitsubishi's success, achieving multiple Dakar Rally championships and high market share in the 1990s [6][10]. Group 2: Decline and Challenges - The decline of Mitsubishi's reputation in China began with a brake line incident in 2000, leading to a series of product stagnations and failures to innovate [9][10]. - From 2016 onwards, Mitsubishi struggled with product updates, with models like the 2018 Outlander lagging behind competitors in technology [9][10]. - The company's sales in China plummeted, with GAC Mitsubishi's net assets dropping to negative 1.415 billion yuan by mid-2023, leading to the closure of its operations [16][18]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The rapid rise of electric vehicles in China, with penetration rates soaring from 5% in 2018 to over 50% by mid-2025, left Mitsubishi behind due to its rigid decision-making processes [10][17]. - Despite attempts to pivot towards electric vehicles, Mitsubishi's first pure electric model, the Atto 3, launched in 2022, failed to gain traction, with monthly sales remaining in the double digits [15][16]. - The exit of Mitsubishi reflects broader trends of foreign automakers struggling in the Chinese market, with brands like Jeep and Acura also ceasing operations [19][20]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Mitsubishi plans to shift its focus to the U.S. market, collaborating with Nissan to produce SUVs, while its former manufacturing facilities in China are being repurposed by domestic brands for R&D [18][22]. - The automotive landscape in China is evolving rapidly, with domestic brands like BYD and Geely outperforming traditional players, indicating a significant shift in market dynamics [20][21].

Core Viewpoint - Mitsubishi Motors has officially terminated its joint venture with Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi Motors Engine Manufacturing Co., marking the end of its 40-year presence in the Chinese market, reflecting a significant shift in the Chinese automotive industry from technology catch-up to independent innovation [1] Group 1: Historical Context - Mitsubishi Motors entered the Chinese market in 1973, initially importing trucks, and later became a key player in the automotive industry through partnerships, particularly with Beijing Automotive Industry Company in the 1980s [2] - The establishment of joint ventures like Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi and Dong'an Mitsubishi in the 1990s allowed Mitsubishi to supply engines to numerous domestic brands, with over 90% of domestic models using its engines, totaling more than 7 million units [2] Group 2: Peak Performance - In 2012, GAC Mitsubishi was established, achieving a peak sales volume of 144,000 vehicles in 2018, becoming a significant player in the Chinese SUV market [4] - Mitsubishi's strategy of technology output combined with joint production allowed it to transition from a B-end supplier to a C-end brand, showcasing a successful case among Japanese automakers in China [4] Group 3: Decline and Exit - Since 2019, Mitsubishi's sales in China plummeted from 133,000 units to 33,600 units in 2022, with a debt ratio reaching 81%, leading to the cessation of vehicle production in 2023 and the exit from engine business by 2025 [5] - The decline was attributed to the rapid growth of the Chinese electric vehicle market, where competitors like BYD and Tesla capitalized on technological advancements and policy benefits, while Mitsubishi lagged in electric vehicle offerings [5][6] Group 4: Market Reaction and Consumer Sentiment - Consumers expressed mixed feelings about Mitsubishi's exit, with older owners feeling nostalgic but concerned about after-sales service and parts availability, while younger owners focused on the impact on second-hand car values [7][9] - A significant drop in the resale value of Mitsubishi vehicles was noted, with second-hand car dealers reporting a 20% decrease in acquisition prices following the exit announcement [10] Group 5: Industry Implications - Experts indicated that Mitsubishi's exit highlights a dual crisis of exhausted technological advantages and delayed transformation, emphasizing the need for foreign brands to adapt to the fast-paced electric and intelligent vehicle market [11] - The overall market share of Japanese brands in China has declined to a historic low of 11.2% in 2024, with significant drops in sales for major players like Honda and Nissan [13] Group 6: Lessons for Foreign Brands - The exit of Mitsubishi is part of a broader trend where several foreign brands have struggled in the Chinese market, underscoring the necessity for innovation and adaptation to local market dynamics [13] - Toyota has emerged as a counterexample, successfully implementing a "more Chinese" strategy and localizing decision-making processes to enhance its competitiveness in the market [14]

Group 1 - Mitsubishi Motors announced the termination of its engine business operations at Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi Engine Manufacturing Co., marking its complete exit from the Chinese market [1][2] - Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi Engine Manufacturing Co. was renamed Shenyang Guoqing Power Technology Co. on July 2, 2023, with Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors withdrawing as investors [2] - Mitsubishi Motors has a historical presence in the Chinese market dating back to the 1970s, initially importing trucks and later establishing joint ventures in the 1990s [2][5] Group 2 - Mitsubishi's joint ventures in China, including Shenyang Aerospace and Harbin Dong'an, once supplied engines to numerous domestic manufacturers, capturing a 30% market share in the domestic vehicle market [2] - In the early 2000s, Mitsubishi's annual sales in China exceeded 140,000 units, but competition intensified with the rise of other Japanese automakers and domestic brands [5][7] - Sales for Guangqi Mitsubishi plummeted from over 100,000 units in 2020 to around 30,000 units in 2022, leading to the decision to gradually terminate joint ventures [7]