Mitsubishi Motors to Move Its U.S. Headquarters From California to Tennessee

Mitsubishi Motors is relocating its North America headquarters from California to Tennessee, the company announced Tuesday. It’s a move that will bring the Japanese automaker closer to its sister company Nissan and strengthen Tennessee’s growing reputation as an epicenter of the automotive sector. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe made the announcement with Mitsubishi Motors North America on Tuesday. The headquarters move from Cypress, California, to Franklin, Tennessee, will result in an $18.25 million investment in the region and approximately 200 jobs, the company said. "As we drive toward the future, this is the perfect time for us to move to a new home. While we say farewell to the Golden State with a heavy heart, we’re excited to say hello to Music City," Fred Diaz, Mitsubishi Motors North America’s president and CEO, said in a statement. Mitsubishi Motors’ North America headquarters has been located in California since 1988. The company expects the relocations will be completed by the end of the year. "Over the years, Tennessee has become the epicenter of the Southeast’s thriving automotive sector, and I’m proud Mitsubishi Motors will call Franklin its U.S. home and bring 200 high-quality jobs to Middle Tennessee," Lee, who took over the office this year, said in a statement. Nissan has a production plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, and owns a 34 precent stake in Mitsubishi Motors.