Mazda has built the first car at at its new plant in Mexico. Initial output is for the US but cars will eventually be shipped to Latin America and Europe.
The plant, named Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation (MMVO), is in Salamanca, in the state of Guanajuato. Job One was a 3 sedan for the US.
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Mazda’s managing executive officer in charge of the new emerging market operation (Latin America) and also president and CEO of Mazda Motor Manufacturing de Mexico, Keishi Egawa said: “We have sent over 150 engineers and supervisors to Mazda’s plants in Hiroshima and Hofu, and made every effort to ensure that we are manufacturing products of the highest quality here at MMVO.
“With the start of mass production, we now have a system capable of offering vehicles of the same high quality as those made in Japan, on a global scale, and that is extremely gratifying. We are committed to continue our efforts to contribute to the growth of Mexico’s economy through the production of vehicles and the development of the excellent human resources who support and lead the automobile industry here.”
Mazda has sold around 180,000 vehicles in Mexico since it entered the market in 2005. The brand sold a record 33,000 units in 2013.
MMVO will also produce the 3 for other countries in the Americas, and for Europe.
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By GlobalDataA Mazda UK spokesman told just-auto production for Europe was not imminent and would most likely be left hand drive cars only. Mazda cars sold here come from Japan; pickup trucks from Thailand.
MMVOll start production of the next generation 2 later and is also scheduled to build a derivative of that model – badged Demio in Japan – on an OEM basis for Toyota to sell in North America.
Engine machining will begin next October and car production capacity at MMVO should reach 230,000 units annually in fiscal 2015/2016.
