Mitsubishi has announced that this year will be its NedCar factory’s last, as annual production has dropped under 50,000 units for the Colt supermini and Outlander SUV it builds.

The factory was originally a DAF facility, changing over to Volvo, and later, in 1991, was split between the S/V40 and the Mitsubishi Carisma. In 2001, Mitsubishi took over entirely, and Volvo stopped production there in 2004.

Attempts were being made at keeping the European factory’s doors open with another model, however Mitsubishi has said between keeping its working paid, dealing with exchange rates, and the anticipated European new car market shrinkage, it no longer seemed feasible.

There are rumors that another automaker may take over Mitsubishi’s plant as a means of salvaging its 1,500 employees.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar