Mazda expands production of the CX-3 to a third plant, to meet global demand of the model.

• Move enhances automaker’s ability to meet growing demand for SUVs globally

Mazda Motor Corporation announced yesterday that the company began production of the Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover SUV yesterday at Hofu Plant No.1 in Yamaguchi, Japan. The move strengthens the automaker’s supply system for SUV vehicles, demand for which continues to grow globally.

Hofu Plant becomes the third production facility to manufacture the CX-3, following Ujina Plant No.1 (in Hiroshima), where production began in December 2014, and AutoAlliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd., where production began in October last year.

Domestic production of the CX-3 has until now been confined to Ujina Plant No.1, which also produces the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-9. 

Moving a portion of CX-3 production to Hofu enhances the company’s ability to supply these models and respond quickly and flexibly to growing demand for SUVs globally. 

Bringing CX-3 production online at Hofu went smoothly thanks to Mazda’s Bundled Product Planning¹ and Common Architecture Concept,² key components of the company’s Monotsukuri Innovation initiatives in product planning and production.

Mazda is aiming to create a flexible production system capable of producing up to 50 percent crossover vehicles as the company works to meet its global sales goal of 1.65 million units, as laid out in its Structural Reform Stage 2 medium-term business plan (covering the period from fiscal year ending (FYE) March 2017 through FYE March 2019).

“We’re aiming for a production system that gives us more flexibility in terms of plants and models, so we can get our cars to customers around the world as quickly as possible,” said Masatoshi Maruyama, Managing Executive Officer in charge of global production. “Achieving this will help create a stronger foundation for our business.”

Mazda will continue its efforts to enrich people’s lives through a variety of touchpoints, including high-quality vehicle production, and become a brand with which customers feel a strong emotional connection.

1    A planning method that looks at trends five to ten years ahead, identifies what products and technologies will be needed, and creates a comprehensive plan for all products to be sold during the period. Bundled Product Planning identifies what elements can be common to all vehicles and what elements need to be unique to each carline. The aim is to maximize the individual appeal of each model at the same time as creating common vehicle structures and manufacturing processes that enable the efficient manufacture of various future products.

2    Under the Common Architecture concept, the core characteristics of each component are common across all car lines regardless of segment or engine displacement. Parts for different models differ in size, but share the same design characteristics, making it possible to develop and produce a variety of products using the same processes.

The ever popular Mazda3 has hit the five million mark after just Twelve years and ten months.

• Twelve years and ten months since production of the model started in June 2003

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the total production volume of the Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) reached five million units at the end of April 2016. It is the second Mazda to reach five million units of production, following the Mazda Familia. 

The Mazda3 sets a new record for Mazda by achieving the milestone figure in only twelve years and ten months since production of the model commenced in June 2003.

The Mazda3 is a core model for Mazda, accounting for approximately one third of the company’s annual sales volume. 

It is manufactured at the Hofu Plant in Japan, Changan Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., in China, AutoAlliance (Thailand) and Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation in Mexico. It is also assembled in Malaysia and Vietnam.

Since the first generation, Mazda has consistently worked to exceed expectations with the Mazda3, refining its dynamic design and responsive and enjoyable driving performance. 

Currently in its third generation, the Mazda3 was fully redesigned in 2013, adopting SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO—Soul of Motion design to join Mazda’s new-generation lineup. Critically acclaimed around the globe, the model won Canadian Car of the Year’s Best New Small Car in 2013 and the international Red Dot Design Award in 2014. 

It was named a Top 3 Finalist for World Car of the Year and World Design Car of the Year in 2014.

Moving forward, Mazda will continue to develop products which offer all customers driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance. The company aims to enrich people’s lives and become a brand connected to its customers by a special bond.