Mitsubishi Considers Stopping Colt European Production

Mitsubishi might end Colt production in Europe, as part of the company's plans to trim production at the NedCar plant in Netherlands. The main reason behind Mitsubishi's intentions to alter production in the country is that the factory doesn't manage to reach its annual goal of 100,000 vehicles per year, rolling off the assembly lines a total of 50,000 vehicles in the fiscal year 2009.

The Japanese manufacturer has already taken the decision to push Colt out of production from the Dutch plant, but Asahi newspapers writes that the company is delaying the announcement in order to sketch its plans regarding the newly-formed joint venture with Nissan Motors.

The NedCar site is currently manufacturing two models sold under Mitsubishi's badge, namely the Colt and the Outlander so, after the ousting of the first model, the company will continue building the SUV. Not many things are known at this time about Mitsubishi's plans, but the aforementioned source notes that the company has already informed its employees that the current production levels will be untouched until the end of 2012 when the Colt will be pushed out of production.

Operations will continue with the Outlander using knock down kits imported from Japan, but Mitsubishi is also considering a second option to keep the plant running. It looks like the company intends to reach production deals with other manufacturers looking to sell cars in Europe and thus build their models at the Dutch factory.

An official announcement regarding Mitsubishi's plans for the NedCar assembly plant is expected anytime soon, so we'll keep you posted.