Press in Romania says that the company’s representatives already have preliminary discussions with the Romanian government. The prime minister was asked by the media about the ongoing discussions with the car maker, but he refused to comment.

The short list for the investment includes Hungary and Slovakia, say sources in the market.

If the company chooses Romania, the factory could be opened in Timis or Prahva counties, both being situated in the proximity of the highways.

Last year, the Japanese company was bought by the group Renault-Nissan. The experience the French had with Dacia in Romania could be decisive, also negotiations including facilities, benefits, tax exempts and financial aids.

Last year, Romania lost the competition for the investment of a new Daimler factory, company which has chosen Poland over Romania.

Mitsubishi has prospected the Romanian market in 2008, too, sources saying the company having planned a car factory.

At present, Romania hosts the production lines of two car makers – French Dacia and American Ford. The country has been trying to attract a new manufacturer of vehicles for years, but investors hesitated because of the state of the transport infrastructure, which is still under development. Meanwhile, dozens of car parts makers opened plants in Romania, including German Bosch and American Johnson Controls (source: hotnews.ro)