Japan’s Nikkei news service has reported that Mitsubishi is going to cease production of vehicles in the USA, as part of the company’s strategic move to focus on the growing Asian market.
Mitsubishi is currently looking for a buyer for its production plant in Normal, Illinois. The plant will cease production by the end of this year. The plant was opened in 1988 as part of a joint venture with Chrysler. Currently, the Normal plant produces about 70,000 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport compact SUVs a year.
They are also in the midst of negotiation with labour reps to keep the 918 staffs currently employed at the plant. Despite selling its plant, Mitsubishi will continue selling cars in the United States.
The Normal plant contributes $120 million annually to the local economy in taxes, salaries and benefits, according to Mitsubishi’s website.
