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 amazing Mazda6 achieves the three million mark, in just 12 years.

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that total global production of the Mazda6 (known as Mazda Atenza in Japan) reached three million units*1 at the end of November 2014. The milestone figure was reached in approximately 12 years and nine months after production of the first-generation Mazda6 began in February 2002 at Hofu Plant No. 2 in Yamaguchi, Japan. 

It is the second fastest time for a Mazda model to reach three million units of production, following the Mazda3 (Mazda Axela in Japan).

Since the first generation, the Mazda6 has stayed true to its original aim of offering driving pleasure, and along with Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom brand message has been leading the company’s product lineup since its introduction. The model is currently produced at Hofu Plant in Japan and FAW Car Co. Ltd. in China. Additionally, it is assembled locally at MAZDA SOLLERS Manufacturing Rus in Russia and Vina Mazda Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in Vietnam.

The current, third generation Mazda6 was fully redesigned in 2012. Adopting the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and the KODO—Soul of Motion design theme, it became the second model to join Mazda’s new generation line-up. The redesigned model has received high praise in markets all over the world. Including being named 2014 RJC Car of the Year in Japan and nominated as a finalist for 2013 World Car Design of the Year, it has claimed over 40 different awards globally.*2

An updated Mazda6 will be rolled out to global markets from January 2015, with launches starting from Japan and USA. Adopting Mazda’s latest ideas and technologies, the updated model offers new levels of depth and maturity. It features a more refined design expression, enhanced dynamic performance for a more comfortable, higher-quality ride, the Mazda Connect new-generation car connectivity system*3 and i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety technologies.*4

Moving forward, Mazda will continue to develop products which offer all customers driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance, with an aim of enriching people’s lives and becoming a brand that builds a special bond with its customers.

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*1 1st generation: 1,945,850 units; 2nd generation: 718,882 units; 3rd generation: 335,773 units.

Total: 3,000,505 units

*2 As of end of October 2014. Based on Mazda data.

*3 The name Mazda Connect is used in Japan, US, Canada and Mexico. The system is referred to as MZD Connect in other markets.

*4: Available features vary by country or region.