Mazda to Consolidate North American Midsize Car Production in Japan

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it will build its next midsize car for the North American market at its Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan, as part of efforts to increase global manufacturing efficiencies. The company will transfer production from its current location in Michigan, USA, to Japan, citing improved production and investment efficiencies and optimized business as the reasons for the decision. Mazda's Chairman, President and CEO Takashi Yamanouchi stated that the decision was made after carefully assessing all risks and opportunities, including global needs, changing demand in North America, and exchange rate exposure. The company has committed to working with Ford, its joint venture partner, to identify potential future opportunities for the Michigan plant.

Key Takeaways:

• Mazda will consolidate production of its next midsize car for North America at its Hofu Plant in Japan, transferring production from its current location in Michigan, USA.
• The decision was made to improve production and investment efficiencies and optimize the company's business.
• Mazda will continue to work with Ford, its joint venture partner, to identify potential future opportunities for the Michigan plant.
• The current North American Mazda6 will continue to be built at the Michigan plant until the end of its current cycle plan.
• Mazda is conducting studies with Ford on the future of the Michigan plant and will announce details at the appropriate time.
• The facility has produced over 1.7 million Mazda vehicles, including the Mazda MX-6, Mazda 626, and Mazda6, since production commenced in 1987.
• The Mazda6 production began at the Michigan plant in 2002, and to date, the facility has built over 500,000 units.

Statistics:

• Mazda will transfer production of its next midsize car for North America from three locations to one.
• The company will build its next midsize car for North American market at its Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan.
• Over 1.7 million Mazda vehicles have been produced at the Michigan plant since production commenced in 1987.
• The facility has built over 500,000 units of the Mazda6.
• The Mazda6 went on sale in 2002 as the first of Mazda's new generation products to personify the Zoom-Zoom brand message.

Sources:

• Mazda North American Operations
• Contify.com