Mitsubshi is about to shut shop.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Ralliart

heard that kia are going into the same factory not 100% sure on that through

may the lord have mercy on us if this is true
:togo:

[Fordmuscle1965]

Originally Posted by T3ts50

From what Koche was saying on sunrise, Mitsubishi produced 55,000 Magnas back in '97 compared to 11,000 in '07.

Look at a Magna back then, It looked half decent. The next model after that one was reasonable as well then they started to look like crap. Thats what happens when your designers are all on drugs!

[Ralliart]

Originally Posted by Fordmuscle1965

Look at a Magna back then, It looked half decent. The next model after that one was reasonable as well then they started to look like crap. Thats what happens when your designers are all on drugs!

best good looking magna was the tj series hands down :

[Homer1]

Originally Posted by Cobra

Yeah like Chrysler...

Chrysler are also bleeding money down the toilet, so doubt they would want to blow more here.

[zigzagnt]

Originally Posted by Homer1

Chrysler are also bleeding money down the toilet, so doubt they would want to blow more here.

I agree its probably unlikely but it would be ironic if they did as i believe it was their facility in the first place.

[apolloxbgt]

Originally Posted by Ralliart

very sad news That Mitz Austrlia did this but this was bound to happen as soon as i found out abut this, i posted on the official Mitz fourm i always go on, i do agree with someone post about the 380 100% being a failure it was, it basily killed Mitz, u look 2 figure's from 10 years ago

3rd Gen Magna (1997) 55,00
380 (2006 - now) 11,000

the 380 just didn't aplear to Australian customers, unlike the 3rd gen Magna did now that's a gr8 car with style , i might get blasted of what i just said so be it

Thanks

The 380 came way too late,they needed the update from the dinosaur tj/l magnas a long time before it came,into a market that had already fell out of love with full size cars.

I think they did well for what they had,the 380,while not that exiting, is still a decent car,and survived longer than anyone predicted they would when the 380 came out.

RIP MMA.

[zigzagnt]

Originally Posted by LSTerritoryGhia

Theres going to be some dodgy 380s built in the next month...

yeah i suppose losing ones job wouldn't encourage them much would it.All very sad.

[The_Ghost]

I think they just made the 380 too ugly ( Sorta has tickford syndrome - Be different and get beaten with a stick till you leave : ). Nothing to do with its quality, just design. IMO


No Im not comparing it with tickford. :

380 u either like it or you dont. Lets say most people dont. Its got like a 10 storey fall from the boot. And Im sure what you get from GMH and Ford for the same dollars would have to have more extras/bells and whistles hence why not as attractive also


My condolences to those that loose there jobs.

[Fairlane]

Very sad, very sad.

I drove the 380 and thought it was a great driver, better than Aurion and Commodore. It really was a victim of Mitsubishi's global troubles. People say the designers were on drugs and couldnt build a car that aussie's liked for the life of them not true.

They're hands were always tied by HQ- they wanted to build RWD, they wanted all new Magna in 2003, they wanted to build cross over SUV's, They wanted to give Boulay the boot for ruining their design, they didnt wanted a redesigned US Galant. It such a sad state of affairs, HQ with no insight into the Aussie market. It really is the story of Leyland Australia - The P76, the force 7, Leyand P82 all over again, an ingenious australian car manufacturer destroyed by HQ stupidity.

Hopefully sometakes over the factory, but i really cant see anyone building cars there anymore.

[Bossxr8]

Feel for the workers, we at Ford Geelong have just been through the same thing, but we still have 2 and a half years to go before we leave, they have just weeks, but really i'm sure no ones really suprised, it was inevitable, you just can't survive selling less than 1000 cars a month.

And if anyone thinks that Holden and Toyota are safe they are kidding themselves, the whole industry is in danger. Toyota could simply just shut up shop and get Camrys from 10 other plants across the world if they thought it was cost effective to do so.


As for quality of the last 380's built, they will probably do the same thing they have offered us, a nice cash bonus if quality stays at its current level.

[redranga]

Lets hope that Mitsubishi leave the land and buildings to the people of SA. The amount of tax dollars that have been given to them to stay and redundansies is unreal.

On a good note Mitsubishi has given its workers the rest of the week off PAID.

[Nikked]

Sad day in Aussie automotive history, and wasn't this the same factory/land space that Chrysler was in? I wonder how this will affect the rest of the industry?

[Citric GT]

Originally Posted by police

The amount of tax dollars that have been given to them to stay and redundansies is unreal.

Maybe so, but it pales in comparison to what Holden has been given over the years!

[FordFella]

Sad, sad day. I've always liked Mitsubishi Aus, but maybe thats just pity. Then again, the loss of the 380 is a hole in the market waiting to be filled : . No, its a shame for all of the workers of the plant and the fact they are out within a month as opposed to 2 years makes it so much worse, with much less time to secure other jobs.

[robjh80]

I for one will never buy another Mitsubishi ever!!

I had a 2007 VRX Lancer, the paint was absolutely appalling, it was so painted so thin I reckon a falling leaf would have chipped it!!.....do a google on "Mitsubishi Paint Problems"

I only kept it a couple of months, got rid of it quick smart, went back to another Fiesta, at least it's painted!!

Feel very sorry for the people losing their jobs, they must have known it was coming though.

[HenryV8]

Originally Posted by FordFella

Sad, sad day. I've always liked Mitsubishi Aus, but maybe thats just pity. Then again, the loss of the 380 is a hole in the market waiting to be filled :

It's already been filled by Aurion. That was pretty much the final nail in the coffin.

[hy_boi]

Originally Posted by robjh80

I for one will never buy another Mitsubishi ever!!

I had a 2007 VRX Lancer, the paint was absolutely appalling, it was so painted so thin I reckon a falling leaf would have chipped it!!.....do a google on "Mitsubishi Paint Problems"

I only kept it a couple of months, got rid of it quick smart, went back to another Fiesta, at least it's painted!!

Feel very sorry for the people losing their jobs, they must have known it was coming though.

Didn't plant.

The 380 while having all the equipement over its competitors just was never seen more then basic car, Its style didn't let it down abit but was still a great package of a car.

TJ was a great car, had one myself, best car i've ever owned or drove.

RIP mitsu Oz.

[Keepleft]

Originally Posted by Ralliart

heard that kia are going into the same factory not 100% sure on that through

That would be a hideous economic mistake, sadly.

[Nikked]

the 380 didn't look too bad, the VE looks worse...

[HenryV8]

Mitsubishi's Press Release is here:Press Release

MITSUBISHI MOTORS TO PURSUE FULL IMPORT STRATEGY FOR AUSTRALIA

Production of 380 sedan to end as large car market contracts

Mitsubishi sales, dealerships, service, parts and accessories operations unaffected


5th February 2008, Adelaide: Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd (MMAL) together with its parent company Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has today said that while it is committed to being a long-term participant in the Australian car market, regretfully its Tonsley Park production facility in Adelaide, which manufactures only the large 380 sedan, will cease operations. No other products in the Mitsubishi range will be affected by this decision.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd President & CEO Robert McEniry said: “We are focused on growth in Australia, notwithstanding the decision to cease local manufacture.

“Australia is an important market for the Mitsubishi brand, as the fifth largest country for Mitsubishi vehicle sales in the world. Over the past 12 months we have achieved impressive sales growth of 20.7 percent driven by our imported passenger, light commercial and SUV vehicles, taking sales to 66,000 units and placing Mitsubishi in the top five selling brands in Australia with 6.2 percent market share.

“However, it is an inescapable fact that there is now a deepening trend away from large cars.

“The Adelaide plant has been the subject of numerous studies over recent years into its utilisation and options for alternative model production.

“Over the last few months, we have been working closely with MMC to determine the best business model to secure Mitsubishi’s long term aspirations for the Australian market. After a searching analysis of the current business structure and extensive review of the available options for the Adelaide plant, a decision has been made to cease production and focus on a full import approach.

“We can see no path for a return to viable production levels of the 380 sedan, or a commercial case for developing any replacement production.

“This has been a very difficult decision. We have a deep appreciation of the commitment and loyalty of our workforce, suppliers and other business partners who have given the plant a proven track record of flexibility, cost efficiency and excellent quality control,” Mr McEniry said.

The closure will directly affect 930 employees who will receive very favourable separation packages based on those provided to the Lonsdale Engine Plant employees in 2005. Mitsubishi Motors Australia has ensured that all employee entitlements are protected and guaranteed when the plant ceases production at the end of March 2008.

MMAL will also be working closely with Government agencies in the provision of comprehensive counselling, job seeking, retraining, and other support services.

Mr McEniry said: “Over the last ten years, MMC has gone beyond the call of duty in supporting manufacturing in Australia through major capital investment, in addition to covering significant operating losses. Having persevered for so long, it is simply not rational to contemplate continuing such losses. To invest in further models for local production can not be justified.

“Given the magnitude of the challenge, government assistance is not the answer to maintaining manufacturing at Tonsley Park, and this has not been sought by the company.” Mr McEniry said.

The company acknowledges and appreciates the support it has received from the Federal Government in the form of partial relief from import tariffs under the Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme (ACIS) which is drawn upon by all local manufacturers. In addition, there has been a $35 million grant received from the South Australian government in 2002 in relation to development of the 380 model which will be repaid by the company following the closure.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia plans to expand its extensive dealer network of over 200 sites across Australia, providing full parts, warranty and service support for all Mitsubishi products including 380. Mitsubishi Motors Australia also announced that all past and future private buyers of new 380’s will also be provided with an extension of their already industry leading warranty terms, to six years.

“This clearly demonstrates our ongoing support for this multi-award winning car,” Mr McEniry said.

“Mitsubishi is now focused on further growth in the Australian market. We have a comprehensive model range - Lancer, Colt, Grandis, Pajero, Outlander, Triton and Express Van, which today comprise nearly 90% of our annual sales - with more new products to come, confirming our long-term presence and growth aspirations in the Australian car market,” he said.

[MethodX]

The 380 looks better than the VE?
Gotta be kidding me lol.

You have to feel for the workers.

[duaned]

This is a sad, sad situation for the workers at Mitsubishi. Some early retirement for some perhaps, but I struggle to see how 930+ employees ( and component suppliers who also will be directly affected) will find jobs in slow South Australia. Sure there are lots of jobs available, but seem to be available for people in different trades ( eg. hairdressers etc.) But all this almost brings a tear to my eye. My father spent 36 years there, and as a family visited the factory for tours annually, attended shows, dinners etc. Lots of good memories. The 380 is a damn fine car. If australians simply looked beyond their desire for rear wheel drive, and different athestics and purchased the 380 ( Im to blame as well!) then we may have contributed in saving all those jobs. Mitsubishi, years ago, should have asked Australia what car we wanted to build here. We chose the name, but nothing else. Some influence may have swayed MMAC to offer Australia a more appealing 380.
My condolances to workers and their families for the time ahead.

[Falcon Freak]

Mitsubish Australia's days were number at the end of 2003 when Mitsubishi Japan canned the LWB 380 export model which was going to have a MIVEC version of the 3.8 litre engine. A sad day.

Next to follow will be Ford when the V6 engined Falcon proves to be a sales dud.

FF

[Paxton]

I feel for the workers, and the city of Adelaide as a whole. MMAL was a large employer, at one stage working over two plants, and exporting a number of cars to the USA. I've posted on the other Ford Forum, and made my thoughts known there, which I won't repeat here.

It isn't their fault the car failed - a 380/Magna would have always been my second choice could I have not been able to buy a Falcon, and I try to rent 380's when I am away domestically. My worry is that people are going to walk away in droves, feeling that MMAL are closing for good, not just importing all their cars.

RIP Tonsley Park.

[drcook]

hopefully this will send a message to the polititians that the idea of further dropping tarriffs on imported cars has to be scrapped.

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by MethodX

The 380 looks better than the VE?


You have to feel for the workers.

Nup, dead set IMO, it feels more balanced, and i love the model that has the lip spioler intergrated with the rear lights... but not as good as the..um..TJ Magna/ (not up to scratch on the prefixes)

[Richmalbill]

Originally Posted by Powdered Toast Man

Aurion sales are falling in a heap too.

Errr No they're not..Aurion outsold Falcon last month (January) and doing so recorded a 12.4% increase in sales. The only vehicle in the large segment to increase its sales actually...

[XR6_190]

I have to agree, I too prefer the styling of the 380 over the VE Commodore. It is a very well put together design and if it weren't for the fact that I love the BA/ BF design so much, a 380 VRX would have been my next option. As others have said, the 380 was just released about 2 or 3 years too late. It should have been released with BA and VY to keep Mitsu' fresh and up to date.

[AWD Chaser]

Originally Posted by Richmalbill

Errr No they're not..Aurion outsold Falcon last month (January) and doing so recorded a 12.4% increase in sales. The only vehicle in the large segment to increase its sales actually...

Wasn't that because the Falcon sales FELL... just because one product total falls, doesn't mean the other ones actually gain.

Bah - I think most people were expecting a the Mitsu plant closure...

Do Mitsu have any OZ building plans?

[lostdude]

Originally Posted by Kia Chaser

Wasn't that because the Falcon sales FELL... just because one product total falls, doesn't mean the other ones actually gain.

Bah - I think most people were expecting a the Mitsu plant closure...

Do Mitsu have any OZ building plans?

probably not , most likely moving to india or china.