On Tuesday, Yomiuri reported that Mitsubishi Motors Corp (7211.T) will extend its China manufacturing suspension beyond May.
Mitsubishi Motors is considering starting production with its local partner in China, but a spokesperson couldn’t say when.
Last month, the Japanese company announced it would stop Outlander SUV production in China for three months until end-May and face a $78 million loss for sluggish sales at its joint venture with state-owned GAC Group.
After price cuts and new models from Chinese and foreign manufacturers damaged gasoline-powered car sales, SUVs dominate China’s electric vehicle business.
According to Yomiuri’s unidentified sources, Mitsubishi Motors’ 2012 China unit had not decided when to restart manufacturing.
China’s rapid adoption of electric cars has affected the business and other Japanese automakers. For example, Mitsubishi released the Outlander in China last December.
