Over 50 years, Mitsubishi Motors has been actively participating in motorsport events. By constantly pushing cars to the limit of their performances, Mitsubishi Motors continues its quest to prioritize driving pleasure and safety.
Along with the numerous victories and other achievements, the technologies developed and the know-how garnered through participation in motorsport is transferred into the development and building of production models, as well as supporting the development of next-generation technologies, which are ultimately implemented into the car you drive.
Mitsubishi Motors entered international rallying in 1967 and joined the World Rally Championship in 1973, the world's highest level of sprint rallying. Competing with production-based cars on varied terrain-tarmac, gravel, snow-the brand saw success with models like the Colt, Starion, Galant, and especially the Lancer.
The Lancer Evolution, built on decades of rally experience, peaked with four consecutive World Drivers' Championships from 1996 to 1999. Advanced technology, including Mitsubishi’s S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) system, contributed to an impressive 34 overall rally victories.
Known as the world's toughest motor race, the Dakar Rally was created by French adventurer Thierry Sabine and originally spanned 10,000 km from Paris to Dakar, the capital of Senegal in central Africa. Mitsubishi Motors joined the event in 1983, aiming to test and refine its 4WD technology and improve overall handling.
By 2009, the company had competed 26 times, achieving a remarkable 12 overall victories — including a record-setting seven consecutive wins with the Pajero/Montero, earning it the legendary title of "King of the Desert."
Mitsubishi Motors is committed to advancing next-generation EV technology, focusing on the high-level integration of electric motor drive and its signature S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) system. As a pioneer, the company introduced the i-MiEV — the world’s first mass-produced electric car — and the Outlander PHEV, the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV.
By entering new motorsport categories with vehicles using mass-produced components, Mitsubishi tests durability and applies insights to future models. Combining 4WD expertise with electric power, the brand continues to push its "e-EVOLUTION" into a new era.
The 27th Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) is the BIGGEST and TOUGHEST rally in Asia. Designed to challenge unpredictable nature trails, this rally will put the participants' driving skills, navigation, teamwork, as well as the durability of the four-wheel drive vehicle to the ultimate test. Team Mitsubishi Ralliart’s Triton finishes first place overall, after participating in the AXCR that ran from 8th till the 16th of August 2025 in Thailand, over a total distance of 2,316.32 km.
FROM : Japan
Hiroshi Masuoka took an active role in various rally activities for Mitsubishi Motors starting in 1982 and joined RALLIART INC. in 1990. As a member of the Mitsubishi Motors works team "Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART", he competed in off-road events for many years. In 2002 and 2003, he became the first Japanese driver to win the Dakar Rally for 2 consecutive years.
FROM : Thailand
Champion of AXCR 2022, who led Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART to overall victory in its first time competing in AXCR with his careful and precise driving.
FROM : Thailand
Champion of AXCR 2022, co-driver with Chayapon for the AXCR since 2022 as one of Team RALLIART members.
FROM : Japan
Champion of FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), 1999 and 2010. Since 2023, has been competing in AXCR as a driver for Team Mitsubishi RALLIART, achieving an impressive 5th overall finish in 2024.
FROM : Japan
Champion of Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) in 2018. Co-driver with Katsuhiko Taguchi in AXCR since 2023 as one of Team RALLIART members.
FROM : Japan
Currently serves as an in-house driving instructor and a demonstration driver at test drives and events both domestically and internationally. Taking on the challenge of AXCR for the second time in 2025.
FROM : Japan
Participated in AXCR in 2017 as a co-driver for the late Kenjiro Shinozuka, while from 2024, he was the co-driver for Kazuto Koide.
Highlight Photo for Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART
Highlight Photo for Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART
No | Name | Time |
---|---|---|
1. | Chayapon Yotha (Mitsubishi Triton) | 16 h 15 m 12 s |
2. | Mana Pornsiricherd (Toyota Hilux Revo) | 16 h 23 m 03 s |
3. | Bailey Cole (Ford Raptor) | 17 h 08 m 29 s |
4. | Ditsapong Maneein (Isuzu D-Max) | 17 h 09 m 32 s |
5. | Katsuhiko Taguchi (Mitsubishi Triton) | 17 h 37 m 56 s |
6. | Natthaphon Angritthanon (Toyota Hilux Revo) | 17 h 46 m 52 s |
... | ||
22. | Kazuto Koide (Mitsubishi Triton) | 29 h 34 m 31 s |
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart
Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART will take on Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2025.
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart
Amid roaring cheers from the massive crowd, three TRITONs took off from the starting gate
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart
2 TRITONs shine on the first day of AXCR 2025
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart
Chayapon Yotha holds firm in 2nd place
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart
Chayapon Yotha climbs to the top
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart
Katsuhiko Taguchi showcased a brilliant run
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart
Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART engineers talks: The Road to Victory
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart
Chayaphon Yotha heads into the final day as the overall leader
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart
Announces Team Lineup for AXCR 2022
A one-of-a-kind XPANDER that stands out from the rest, developed and inspired by the Xpander AP4 to promote Mitsubishi Motors-ness in Malaysia. The Xpander AP4 is a proper rally-spec Xpander which was driven to success by Mitsubishi Motors rally driver, Rifat Sungkar. Xpander never fails to impress with its versatility. Not only as a stylish family car, but also as a sleek and bold crossover with a motorsports theme
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