AUTOS

Mitsubishi Motors to Cut Jobs: Japan’s third-largest auto maker will cut about 1,400 administrative and engineering jobs, or about 4.8% of its Japanese work force, over five years in a bid to lower costs. The reductions are an about-face for Mitsubishi, which had been adding workers to accommodate increased production and sales. Over the last five years, Mitsubishi’s ranks have swelled by about 4,000 people, spokesman Junzo Ishino said. Mitsubishi has about 29,000 full-time employees in Japan. The reductions will be made by clamping down on hiring and by not replacing some workers who retire, Ishino said. Mitsubishi may also start hiring some people on a contract basis instead of offering all workers lifetime employment.