Mazda building North American car in Japan

Mazda is building its next midsize car for the North American market at
 its Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan.


“Currently, production of the Mazda6 (known as Atenza in Japan) exists in three locations: at our Hofu Plant in Japan, AutoAlliance International 
(AAI) in Michigan, USA, and at FAW Car Co., Ltd. in Changchun, Jilin
province, China,” said Takashi Yamanouchi, head of Mazda Motor Corporation.  

“Our intention is to transfer production of our next CD-car for North America from AAI and consolidate it at Hofu in order to improve production and investment efficiencies and optimize our business.”


Mazda said the decision was made after assessing all risks and opportunities, including global needs, changing demand in North America and exchange rate exposure.

Going forward, Mazda also said it would “strive to maintain and grow our business in America.”



The decision to relocate to Hofu and consolidate the production of the CD-car fuels speculation that earlier reports that Mazda is considering ending its joint venture with Ford could be true.

(Both automakers have a 50/50 stake in operating the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Michigan).

Yamanouchi said Mazda is committed to working with Ford, noting that the current North American Mazda6 will continue to be built at AAI until 
the end of its current cycle plan.

“Mazda is conducting various studies with Ford on the future of AAI and will announce details at the appropriate time.”