Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is one of Japan's largest conglomerates, covering many industrial sectors: from shipbuilding and aviation to energy and automotive parts manufacturing. The origins of this giant corporation date back to the late 19th century when "Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co." began building ships. Later expansion into aircraft, locomotives, and other vehicle engineering led to MHI accumulating invaluable experience in the field of turbo machinery development. Due to the scale of production and research, the company continues to lead in the quality, reliability, and scope of implemented innovations.
MHI began developing its turbocharger division in the mid-20th century, starting with large industrial and marine diesel engines. This experience helped create robust, durable, and efficient units designed for extreme conditions: high temperatures, high rotational speeds, and continuous load. Later, seeing the rapidly growing passenger car market, MHI decided to transfer its expertise to more compact turbochargers suitable for gasoline and diesel automotive engines.
The best-known Mitsubishi turbocharger series is the TD series (e.g., TD04, TD05), which gained significant popularity among Japanese manufacturers. For example, the "Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution" and "Subaru Impreza WRX" (especially the STI versions) often used MHI models in their powerful engines. Some European brands, such as Volvo, also chose Japanese turbos due to their reputation for longevity and relatively fast boost pressure buildup.
One of the reasons why MHI turbos are known for their reliability is the meticulous management of thermomechanical loads. The manufacturer uses high-quality materials such as nickel-based alloys, which withstand the impact of hot exhaust gases. Additionally, great attention is paid to rotor balancing and aerodynamic efficiency to ensure minimal vibration and smooth power delivery across different engine RPMs.
Some MHI models feature variable geometry technology (VGT), which optimizes airflow at both low and high RPM ranges. This allows drivers to enjoy faster response times when pressing the accelerator, while automakers achieve a more efficient balance between fuel consumption and power. Among Mitsubishi's innovations, we also find specialized intercoolers and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, which help reduce emissions and improve the combustion process.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has factories and research centers in various regions of the world, including Japan, Thailand, the Netherlands, and other countries. This extensive infrastructure ensures that OEM partners – such as Nissan, Mazda, Isuzu, and Subaru – receive high-capacity and high-quality turbo systems without major logistical disruptions. The company also actively collaborates with Daimler (Mercedes-Benz) in commercial vehicles, supplying diesel turbochargers for trucks and buses.
Although MHI is strongly established in the OEM sector, its aftermarket adaptability, especially in passenger car tuning, is also significant. Some car enthusiasts, seeking quick response and durable solutions, opt for MHI TD04 or TD05 series turbos, which provide stable boost even at low RPMs. Additionally, these models – due to their simple design – are relatively easy to maintain and repair, with spare parts available in many regions worldwide.
MHI turbos are known for their Japanese quality and balanced performance. A key advantage is their longevity, ensured by strict production control. They are also often praised for their quiet operation and low vibration, which is important for comfortable driving. When installing an MHI turbocharger, major modifications to the engine's core components are usually not required, as Mitsubishi engineers aim for maximum compatibility between turbos and engine control systems.
However, compared to manufacturers like Garrett Motion or BorgWarner, the company is less visible in the motorsport or high-power tuning context. If a driver plans to extract extremely high power (e.g., over 600–700 HP), MHI's product range may lack specialized racing models. However, this gap is gradually shrinking as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries invests in new technologies designed to efficiently manage high boost pressures and high rotational speeds.
MHI is continuously involved in scientific research related to electric turbochargers (e-turbo) and hybrid powertrain systems. Currently, significant attention is being paid to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and optimizing fuel consumption, so the company aims to integrate its turbochargers with electric motors that could compensate for turbo lag during the initial phase or sudden acceleration. Such solutions are already being tested in the industry and are expected to be widely adopted in next-generation hybrid vehicles.
It is safe to say that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries remains one of the key players in the turbocharger market, offering durable and high-quality units for both passenger cars and heavy machinery. Although its presence in some areas (especially tuning and motorsport) is not as prominent as other manufacturers, MHI attracts a loyal customer base that values durability, stable performance, and a high level of engineering expertise. With growing attention to sustainable and innovative technologies, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will undoubtedly continue its role as a global force shaping turbocharging trends and helping vehicles remain as efficient as possible.