March 27, 2008 1:36 PM by Grant Edwardson Filed Under: MitsubishiIndustry
Following the announcement of the closure of Mitsubishi’s Tonsley Park manufacturing plant in Australia, Mitsubishi’s final 380 saloon has rolled of the production line into the history books. This marks the end of a 44 year manufacturing history for the Tonsley park plant in South Australia. Mitsubishi took over the plant in 1980 from Chrysler and has since produced over 1.1million vehicles mainly for the Australian market. Rising fuel costs has forced many Australian motorists to choose smaller engined vehicles recently and this has been the main cause of closure. The Mitsubishi large 380 saloon can only be equipped with a 3.8L V6 while its Toyota Camry adversary can be optioned with either a V6 or 4 cylinder engines.
The final car will go into Mitsubishi’s dealer auction network so its destiny is as yet unknown but Mitsubishi expect some serious bidding on the vehicle as all proceeds will go to charity once it is sold off. Mitsubishi is also donating three other vehicles which including the final vehicle, represent the last four 380’s Australia will produce. These vehicles will be given to two charities, The Royal Flying Doctor Service and Vision Australia, and the third vehicle will be donated to the National Motor Museum.
By announcing these charitable donations, Mitsubishi managed to keep the closure of the factory from being too sombre an event.
Robert McEniry, Mitsubishi’s President and Chief Executive Officer confirmed Mitsubishi’s commitment to Australia saying; “We believe these bequests, together with our five-year sponsorship of the Australian Olympic Committee, genuinely reflect the Mitsubishi family’s true sense of community and citizenship both nationally and in South Australia, and are closely aligned with our long-term commitment to the Australian market,”
Mitsubishi will continue to supply vehicles in Australia through 100% imported vehicle network.
Final 380 Sedan Produced at Mitsubishi’s Tonsley Park Plant
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has announced the production of the final 380 sedan at its Tonsley Park, South Australia plant, following the company’s decision in February to cease local manufacture of the large passenger vehicle and pursue a full-line importing strategy in the Australian market.
At a media presentation at the Tonsley Park site today, the last consignment of production vehicles received comprehensive quality evaluations and final certification.
Robert McEniry, Mitsubishi’s President and Chief Executive Officer, acknowledged the company’s heritage of manufacturing excellence and paid tribute to loyal employees.
“There is no doubt that today is a very solemn day, but it is also a celebration of the long and proud history of an exceptional manufacturing facility, and an exceptional group of people.
“Since my arrival at Mitsubishi, I have been deeply impressed and heartened by the tenacity, resilience and sheer determination of all our employees. My thanks, and the thanks of the entire Mitsubishi management team go to this wonderful group for their continued commitment.” Mr McEniry said.
In his speech, Mr McEniry also acknowledged the support of the 200-strong Mitsubishi dealer network and the response from the business community and government bodies.
“The Mitsubishi dealer network is a strong and committed body and they are steadfast in their efforts to consolidate and grow the Mitsubishi brand in the Australian market, and I thank them for their support, particularly during the last few weeks.
“In addition, we have received unprecedented support from both the Australian and South Australian business communities, and local, state and federal bodies to assist our employees through this transition process. An amazing number of companies have come forward with offers of over 700 full-time, long term positions for our highly trained personnel.“ Mr McEniry said.
The Tonsley Park Plant was originally opened by Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies on 2nd October, 1964 by Chrysler Australia. Following a change of ownership, the first Mitsubishi rolled off the production line in 1980 and since then the Tonsley Park plant has manufactured more than 1.1 million vehicles, including the Sigma, Colt, Magna and 380 Sedan.
Decommissioning of the Tonsley Park site has commenced and Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited, in conjunction with its parent company Mitsubishi Motors Corporation of Tokyo, is currently considering appropriate applications and expressions of interest for the future disposal of the site.
Mitsubishi’s Final 380 Sedans Find Good Homes
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has announced final destinations for four vehicles from the last consignment of locally produced 380 sedans, and two prominent South Australian and National charities and one museum - including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Vision Australia and the National Motor Museum at Birdwood - will benefit from the company’s decision.
Following Mitsubishi’s decision to cease local production of the large passenger vehicle and pursue a full-line importing strategy in the Australian market, interest from media, the 200-strong Mitsubishi dealer network and the general public has been running high regarding the final destinations of the last few vehicles.
In a decision designed to echo the strong sense of citizenship and support the South Australian company has nurtured in the Australian market, Mitsubishi has announced the final four vehicles will be donated to not-for-profit organisations with profiles in both the South Australian and national Australian communities.
The company announced the bequests at a media presentation to mark the production of the final consignment of 380 sedans at the Tonsley Park site today.
Speaking at the presentation, Mitsubishi’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert McEniry, said the organisations had made real contributions to the lives of normal Australians.
“The Royal Flying Doctor Service is an iconic Australian institution, based in South Australia, and is responsible for saving thousands of lives throughout the country every year.
“Vision Australia is another iconic Australian organisation which brings assistance, education and care to visually impaired people and their families right across Australia.
“The National Motor Museum at Birdwood maintains an extensive array of historical vehicles for posterity, and we feel these final 380 vehicles, as representatives of the strong manufacturing heritage at Tonsley Park, have earned their place in history.
“The final Mitsubishi 380 sedan has been very keenly sought, with enquiries from all over Australia, so it was decided the only fair and equitable way to dispose of the vehicle was through our dealer auctions, to allow interested parties an opportunity to secure the vehicle. All proceeds from the auction will also be donated to charity.
“We believe these bequests, together with our five-year sponsorship of the Australian Olympic Committee, genuinely reflect the Mitsubishi family’s true sense of community and citizenship both nationally and in South Australia, and are closely aligned with our long-term commitment to the Australian market,” Mr McEniry said.
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