In order to maintain the growing demand in Central and South American markets, as well as reduce its dependence on Japan, the Mazda has formed a new joint venture, Sumitomo Corporation, will build a new plant in central Mexico.
Installation of the joint venture is called Mazda Motor Manufacturing de Mexico SA de CV (MMMdM) and is in the Mexican city of Salamanca, in the state of Guanajuato.
Wednesday the company held a special ceremony to mark the start of construction of the plant. Guest of honor at the event were Minister of Economy, Mexico, Bruno Ferrari.
"Since Mazda has established its sales network in Mexico six years ago, we witnessed a remarkable acceptance of the people of Mexico. Last year, Mazda has sold over 25,000 vehicles and captured more than three percent market share, "said the president of Mazda Yamanouchi.
"We are delighted to be building this new plant in Mexico with our partner Sumitomo Corporation. It will be vital to strengthen our expansion into Central and South America," he said.
The new facility will have two Mexican plants and motor vehicle assembly and enter service in March 2014 with an estimated annual production capacity of 140,000 units. The plant will produce the Mazda2 (Demio in Japan) and Mazda3 (Axela in Japan), the compact models.
