Electric vehicle company puts Indiana factory plans on hold

  • Comments
  • Print
Listen to this story

Subscriber Benefit

As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
0:00
0:00
Loading audio file, please wait.
  • 0.25
  • 0.50
  • 0.75
  • 1.00
  • 1.25
  • 1.50
  • 1.75
  • 2.00

An electric vehicle startup has halted plans to start production at a northern Indiana factory and hire more than 450 workers.

The subsidiary of Chinese automaker Sokon had announced its plans last year for spending $160 million to buy and retool the former AM General commercial assembly plant in Mishawaka. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb attended the announcement event, saying he was “thrilled” by the company’s decision.

But the South Bend Tribune reported that Seres Automotive CEO James Taylor wrote a letter to employees saying development of its new electric SUV for the U.S. market “is on hold.” Taylor said the company’s focus is changing amid ongoing trade conflict and tariffs on Chinese-made products.

It wasn’t immediately clear what the decision means for the 85 workers now at the Mishawaka plant.

Please enable JavaScript to view this content.

Story Continues Below

Editor's note: You can comment on IBJ stories by signing in to your IBJ account. If you have not registered, please sign up for a free account now. Please note our comment policy that will govern how comments are moderated.

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In