Development of the Model-A began in 1917. It was the first passenger car in Japan. By 1921, a total of 22 cars, including prototypes, had been assembled at the Kobe shipyard of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.

The engine was built of cast iron, the chassis of beaten sheet metal and the interior was made by coach builders. The car was fitted with gas headlamps, an air blown horn and a body shell formed from lacquered steel panels stuck to a wooden frame. The interior trim was created using luxury English worsted fabric.