Mitsubishi-tuner Ralliart has announced that as of April 1st it will close its doors, effectively ceasing operations. In a statement released on the Ralliart website, company President Masao Taguchi blamed the recent economic downturn.
"Because of the sudden change of economy situation since the year before last, the business circumstance surrounding our company radically became worse and so, this time we have reached the conclusion that we Ralliart Inc., would scale down our business activities as of the end of March 2010. Along with the scale down of our business activities this time, we would cease the following business and operation which we have done so far. We would like to express our sincere apology to all of customers though we would make you much inconveniences."
Ralliart's shut down will mean that the tuner, so closely associated with Mitsubishi, and which currently works with Mitsubishi to produce several Ralliart models, will cases supporting its motorsports customers, stop development of new products and terminate communications of new products and news via its website. It is not clear if Mitsubishi will no longer offer Ralliart models or if the Japanese automaker intends to continue Ralliart products as part of a new internal part of the company.
Say it ain't so.
More:
Mitsubishi-Tuner Ralliart Closing Its Performance Doors on AutoGuide.com
