Report: Mitsubishi Motors to end US production

Associated Press ^ | Jul 24, 2015 2:44 AM EDT

[Olog-hai]

Japanese media reports say automaker Mitsubishi Motors has decided to end production in the U.S. to focus on Asian markets. […]

The company sold only 82,000 vehicles in the United States last year, less than one percent of the total market. …

[T-Bone Texan]

My very first new vehicle, as a young man, was a Mitsubishi Mighty Max pickup truck.

It cost $7995 off the lot.

I owned it for 10 years and only got rid of it because I moved to TX, and it had no AC.

I sold it on Craigslist in 15 minutes.

I had sex in that truck. It wasn’t easy. The cab is very tight. I guess when you are 25 folding yourself up like a pretzel is conceivable if properly motivated.

[morans14]

950 employees will along with the ancillary businesses around the plant and their employees. It is unfortunate news for Bloomington-Normal. These are good people and I feel bad for them and their families.

[railroader]

It’s an old Chrysler plant handicapped by UAW employees. Mitsu has deep pockets and doesn’t have to be forced out of US market.

Actually, the plant was built by Diamond Star Motors - joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi. Production began in 1988, so the plant is less than 30 years old. Mitsubishi bought out Chrysler's share in 1991, and the DSM name was dropped in 1995.

The UAW doesn't seem to be a problem at this plant. The biggest obstacle to sale to another automaker is that it is located in Illinois.

[eastexsteve]

I’ve owned a slew of foreign and American built cars and trucks, and a Mitsubishi Outlander was hands-down the best car I ever owned. And, I drive them until they drop.