Five years ago, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) traded the sunny shores of Southern California for the rolling hills of Tennessee, relocating its corporate headquarters from Cypress, Calif., to Franklin. This month, the company celebrates its fifth anniversary in the Volunteer State, highlighting its growing influence on the U.S. automotive market and its steadfast commitment to the local community.
Since its move in 2019, MMNA has created around 180 jobs in Tennessee, contributing to the region’s economic development. The company, along with its 330 dealer partners, now supports more than 8,000 jobs nationwide, directly or indirectly.
After settling into the top floors of a newly built office space in Franklin’s Cool Springs neighborhood, MMNA hit the gas on a series of business milestones. Over the past five years, the automaker has launched key vehicles, shattered sales records, and strengthened its community ties.
At the heart of MMNA’s success is the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, a flagship model that has racked up accolades, including an unprecedented third consecutive win as Green Car Journal’s Family Green Car of the Year. Other awards include the 2024 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Small Utility, Puros Autos’ Latin Flavor SUV of the Year, and a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
“We are incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished here in Tennessee over the past five years,” said Mark Chaffin, MMNA’s president and CEO. “Our commitment to growing our business while creating jobs and supporting the local community has been a cornerstone of our operations. We look forward to continuing this strong partnership and calling Tennessee home for years to come.”
The company’s ambitions don’t stop there. In May, MMNA unveiled its “Momentum 2030” business plan, which promises new vehicle launches, an expanded dealer network, and tech-driven innovations for the car-buying experience. The plan signals job growth and deeper community engagement as the automaker accelerates toward its future.
MMNA has also made its mark through philanthropy. In 2023, the company partnered with Tucker’s House, a local nonprofit that retrofits homes for children and young adults with disabilities, donating a 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid through its Community Utility Vehicle (CUV) program. The SUV now powers critical services like installing ramps and retrofitting bathrooms.
This partnership is part of MMNA’s larger “Driving Confidence, Driving Community” initiative, which has also supported the Nashville-based Community Resource Center after a devastating tornado and Charis Health Center during the pandemic.
MMNA’s blend of innovation, sustainability, and civic responsibility has solidified its place in Tennessee. As the company looks to the future, its success story is a testament to the power of blending economic growth with meaningful community investment.