Mazda said it would "adjust" production globally "in consideration of difficulties in parts procurement, the plummeting sales in overseas markets, and the uncertainty of future markets".

It will suspend production for 13 days and operate day shifts only for eight days at Hiroshima Plant and Hofu Plant from 28 March to 30 April.

It will transfer part of the production originally scheduled for this period to the second quarter of the fiscal year ending 31 March 2021 or later while monitoring how the situation develops. During this period, administrative operations will be undertaken as usual.

At overseas plants, Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation will shut down for about 10 days starting from today (25 March) while AutoAlliance (Thailand) will suspend production for about 10 days starting from 30 March.

"We will continue sales operations in certain countries including Japan and China," Mazda said.

"For other regions, we will take appropriate responses respective to each country's policies aimed at preventing the spread of the virus and give our utmost effort to minimise the impact on sales and service operations for customers.

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"In addition, we will work on minimising the impact on local business partners who have always showed their support."

The automaker also will continue to take infection prevention measures such as teleworking and sterilisation at offices and dealerships.

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