Mitsubishi won’t confirm reports of Downstate plant sale

NORMAL — Officials with Mitsubishi Motors aren’t confirming Japanese media reports saying the automaker will stop making vehicles at its central Illinois factory and try to sell the plant.

Mitsubishi spokesman Dan Irvin based in Normal wouldn’t comment beyond saying the company continually reviews its supply chain to make sure it remains competitive.

Japan’s leading business newspaper, the Nikkei, reported the news. Kyodo News also reported the plant will close. Both cited unnamed sources.

Annual production at the factory has fallen to 64,000 vehicles from more than 200,000 in 2002.

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