Mitsubishi to stop making cars in Western Europe

[February 06, 2012]  AMSTERDAM (AP) -- Mitsubishi Motors Corp. says it will stop building cars at its Netherlands factory -- the company's only plant in Western Europe -- at the end of 2012.

The decision, announced Monday, will likely lead to layoffs for the 1,500 workers at the "NedCar" plant in the southern city of Born, which produces Colt and Outlander models.

But Mitsubishi spokesman Daniel Nacass said "we're not (necessarily) talking about closure" of the plant.

The Netherlands' Economic Affairs Minister Maxime Verhagen said he planned to help find a buyer willing to continue production at the plant.

Union leader Henk van Rees said Mitsubishi was "throwing the best kid in the class out with the trash." Workers plan to strike Tuesday to coincide with a visit by Mitsubishi's international chief Hiroshi Harunari.

[Associated Press]

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