What Is a DSM Car?

Diamond Star Motors (DSM) was a joint venture between Mitsubishi Motors and Chrysler Corporation. They sold cars that were exactly the same make, but were released under several different names. For example, the Eagle Talon, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and the Plymouth Laser were all exactly the same car--they just had different names.

History

In 1970, the Chrysler Corporation acquired a 15 percent interest in Mitsubishi Motors. They released several Plymouth, Dodge and Chrysler "imports." This was done to allow Chrysler to distribute smaller, more fuel efficient cars, as their main manufacturing venue in the United States was for large, gas guzzling luxury cars. They imported over 100,000 cars annually until 1982, when an import quota was placed to limit the number of vehicles a Japanese company could import for sale in the United States. In order to compensate for this, the two companies decided to try a joint venture in 1982. They officially incorporated in 1985 as Diamond Star Motors, named for the two companies' symbols (Chrysler's star and Mitsubishi's three diamonds), and in 1986 opened a manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois.

Products

During the first decade of operation, only three models were produced at the Illinois plant: the Plymouth Laser, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and the Eagle Talon. During the next decade of operation, such models as the Dodge Avenger (also marketed as the Chrysler Sebring), the Mitsubishi Galant and the Eagle Summit (also released as the Mitsubishi Mirage) were also produced. Yearly production averaged approximately 150,000 vehicles.

Outcome

In 1993, Mitsubishi Motors bought Chrysler's interest in Diamond Star Motors and the company was officially dissolved. The DSM name was changed to Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing America. The Illinois plant remains open and produces the Mitsubishi Galant, Eclipse and Endeavor. It exports vehicles to 26 countries annually and employs approximately 1,900 workers and 1,000 robots.

Pros

DSM vehicles are considered by some to be the best vehicles ever manufactured. There are dozens of DSM enthusiast clubs throughout the United States and Canada. The regularly hold car shows, and have chat sites and websites to promote their interests. DSM vehicles are promoted as both fuel efficient and as sporty, high performance vehicles.

Considerations

DSM vehicles are reported to be high-maintenance, high-cost automobiles to own. They are reported by many owners--on blog sites such as DSM Extreme--to have persistent transmission problems. Many owners have modified them over to straight V8s to rectify this situation.

References

• A Glance at the DMS
• Glossary of DMS Terms
• "New York Times" Article on DMS