The differences between Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are as follows:
Background differences
Founded in 1870 , Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has a history of over a century and is Japan's largest military industrial manufacturer. Equipment produced by MHI, such as the F-2 and F-15J fighter jets and the Type 90 tank, plays a core role in both the Air Self-Defense Force and the Ground Self-Defense Force. Nearly half of the submarines and one-third of the destroyers in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force were built by MHI, demonstrating its significant position in the Japanese military industry. MHI's refrigeration technology utilizes advanced manufacturing technologies from aerospace and biotechnology, achieving a level of technology unmatched by any other manufacturer.
Destroyer of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
With the development of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Electric was separated from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 1921 to become an independent company. Since 1978 , when Mitsubishi Electric undertook the power generation equipment project for Baoshan Iron & Steel Plant, it has gradually provided a wide range of products and equipment for steel production, including electromechanical equipment, power equipment, elevators, and air conditioners, to a wide range of customers in China.
Although both the electric motor and heavy industry components originate from Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., the electric motor component is different from the heavy industry component. It was spun off from the ship hull electrical equipment department and is not as large as the heavy industry component. Instead, it focuses on light industry and is a comprehensive electric motor manufacturer producing electronic products and building equipment. Its main businesses cover air conditioning, display equipment, communication systems, elevators, vehicle equipment, electronic components, information equipment, and more.
Investment scale
In terms of initial investment, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Jinling Air Conditioning plant was established in 1994 with a total investment of US$ 30 million . Mitsubishi Electric, on the other hand, partnered with Shanghai Electric Group in 1995 to build a plant with a total investment of RMB 50 million. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' compressors are all imported, and its main products are supplied to the global market, exported back to Japan, and also supplied to some domestic manufacturers, such as Haier and other leading domestic manufacturers. Mitsubishi Electric, however, manufactures its products domestically in China.
Product Differences
From the perspective of corporate background, although heavy industry and motors are closely related, their development experiences are quite different.
Judging from its name, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries easily gives people a sense of rigor and professionalism. It was one of the first companies to appear among the general public in China as a benchmark in the air conditioning industry.
In terms of appearance design, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Electric differ significantly. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' design exudes a strong sense of nobility and elegance, while also being fashionable and simple, whereas Mitsubishi Electric's design tends to be more flamboyant and diverse.
Judging from the characteristics of the two companies' air conditioners, Mitsubishi Electric's products have advantages in appearance, function, and the design of internal motors and control circuits. However, in the most crucial compressor part, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has a unique technological advantage. Compressors built on the "heavy industry spirit" naturally boast superior quality. Previously, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries entered the Chinese market earlier, and many long-term customers who bought Mitsubishi air conditioners almost exclusively purchased original imported Mitsubishi units. This excellent reputation built on superior quality paved the way for Mitsubishi Electric's later entry into the Chinese market.
It's worth noting, however, that early Mitsubishi Electric motors utilized technology and electromechanical/semiconductor equipment (such as compressors, inverter control chips, and motherboards) from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan. Now, however, the raw materials and core components for Mitsubishi Electric's home air conditioners are entirely domestically produced. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, on the other hand, has consistently maintained a century-long commitment to quality. Therefore, the suppliers of raw materials and core components for air conditioners differ significantly. Their technology and quality are completely different.
Channel differences
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries adheres to a "agency + direct sales" channel model, establishing four marketing regions in China to manage over 20 service centers. Furthermore, it has established more than 500 authorized service shops in over 100 major cities across the country , and has set up fully-equipped sales and service management centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other locations.
As we can see from the above, although these two air conditioner brands are closely related in name, there are actually significant differences between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Electric. In the home appliance field, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' refrigeration technology is highly professional and advanced, while Mitsubishi Electric's refrigeration technology is not particularly outstanding. Therefore, in terms of air conditioners alone, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries holds a greater advantage.
