Mazda: Sales, Marketing, and Financial News
11-24-2003, 08:05 AM
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Mazda: Sales, Marketing, and Financial News
'We Went Into It With Our Eyes Open,' Says Marketing Chief
November 24, 2003
By Jean Halliday
DETROIT (AdAge.com) -- Mazda North America Operations has taken a product placement in a music video in which Britney Spears and Madonna reprise their MTV Music Awards homoerotic tease.
Lesbian overtones
The new three-minute music video, "Me Against the Music," begins with a 14-second cameo of a Mazda RX-8 sports car and then cuts to a performance by Ms. Spears and Madonna that ends with lesbian overtones.
"We went into it with our eyes open," said Eric Johnston, marketing director at Mazda North American Operations. The video is for a song from Ms. Spears' fourth album, In the Zone, which went on sale Nov. 18.
He said his team saw the video's script before production, and although it wasn't that detailed, Mazda had a "good idea of what the video would be. We didn't think we were taking a big risk."
Breaks no rules
Mazda does have rules for product placements; none were broken because the video contains no car crashes or alcohol promotions.
Mr. Johnson said the proposal from Jive Records landed on his desk two weeks before the shoot -- the result of Jive insider knowledge about the carmaker's placement on the TV reality show Fear Factor.
Unnamed competitors' cars were also under consideration. But what gave Mazda the edge was Ms. Spears' "enthusiasm" for the RX-8, Mr. Johnson said. He declined to reveal spending, saying only that the proposal "came to us with a higher number and we got it for significantly less."
Aspirations of youth
Mazda expects the video to attract fans of both pop stars from 16 to 35 years old. The marketer hopes the cameo will help sell some RX-8s and leave younger consumers aspiring to own a Mazda. The average age of a Mazda buyer is 37, but Mr. Johnson said, "We have efforts in place to reach younger buyers to get them interested in our cars."
The automaker agreed to donate the silver RX-8 in the video to the nonprofit Britney Spears Foundation. The car, autographed on the hood and steering wheel by the singer, will be auctioned on E-Bay for until Nov. 30. The car's base suggested retail price is $26,680.
"Britney followers would lust after that car, but Madonna has an incredible volume of fans that can afford it," said Todd Turner, president of marketing consultant CarConcepts. "Mazda has to do anything it can to get attention for its brand."
Two other music videos
Mr. Johnson said the RX-8 has been in music videos for two other artists this year, Ludacris, for which it paid to be in, and Nelly, which it did not.
Through October, Mazda said it sold 8,166 RX-8s, which started trickling into showrooms in June. Mazda's total vehicle sales in the period were 216,489, a 4% decline from a year ago.
See the commerical yourself:
http://www.adage.com/news.cms?newsId=39179
November 24, 2003
By Jean Halliday
DETROIT (AdAge.com) -- Mazda North America Operations has taken a product placement in a music video in which Britney Spears and Madonna reprise their MTV Music Awards homoerotic tease.
Lesbian overtones
The new three-minute music video, "Me Against the Music," begins with a 14-second cameo of a Mazda RX-8 sports car and then cuts to a performance by Ms. Spears and Madonna that ends with lesbian overtones.
"We went into it with our eyes open," said Eric Johnston, marketing director at Mazda North American Operations. The video is for a song from Ms. Spears' fourth album, In the Zone, which went on sale Nov. 18.
He said his team saw the video's script before production, and although it wasn't that detailed, Mazda had a "good idea of what the video would be. We didn't think we were taking a big risk."
Breaks no rules
Mazda does have rules for product placements; none were broken because the video contains no car crashes or alcohol promotions.
Mr. Johnson said the proposal from Jive Records landed on his desk two weeks before the shoot -- the result of Jive insider knowledge about the carmaker's placement on the TV reality show Fear Factor.
Unnamed competitors' cars were also under consideration. But what gave Mazda the edge was Ms. Spears' "enthusiasm" for the RX-8, Mr. Johnson said. He declined to reveal spending, saying only that the proposal "came to us with a higher number and we got it for significantly less."
Aspirations of youth
Mazda expects the video to attract fans of both pop stars from 16 to 35 years old. The marketer hopes the cameo will help sell some RX-8s and leave younger consumers aspiring to own a Mazda. The average age of a Mazda buyer is 37, but Mr. Johnson said, "We have efforts in place to reach younger buyers to get them interested in our cars."
The automaker agreed to donate the silver RX-8 in the video to the nonprofit Britney Spears Foundation. The car, autographed on the hood and steering wheel by the singer, will be auctioned on E-Bay for until Nov. 30. The car's base suggested retail price is $26,680.
"Britney followers would lust after that car, but Madonna has an incredible volume of fans that can afford it," said Todd Turner, president of marketing consultant CarConcepts. "Mazda has to do anything it can to get attention for its brand."
Two other music videos
Mr. Johnson said the RX-8 has been in music videos for two other artists this year, Ludacris, for which it paid to be in, and Nelly, which it did not.
Through October, Mazda said it sold 8,166 RX-8s, which started trickling into showrooms in June. Mazda's total vehicle sales in the period were 216,489, a 4% decline from a year ago.
See the commerical yourself:
http://www.adage.com/news.cms?newsId=39179
11-24-2003, 12:36 PM
#7
is Pretty Much a Moron
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Originally posted by Red Nj-s
Madonna is gross. I do not want to see her making out with anybody. I'd much rather watch Britney touching herself.
Madonna is gross. I do not want to see her making out with anybody. I'd much rather watch Britney touching herself.
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02-10-2012, 10:26 AM
#9
The sizzle in the Steak
Mazda: Sales, Marketing, and Financial news
Facing what will likely be its fourth straight year of financial losses, Mazda is seeking partners to share development and manufacturing costs as the company tries to return to profitability.
Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi says the company is “actively” seeking partners and is “considering every option” in an attempt to raise more capital to stave off a possible downgrade to its credit rating, Automotive News reports. Mazda has forecast a net loss of $1.29 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, which would represent the automaker’s worst financial showing in 11 years.
Mazda’s struggles are partially attributable to the continued strength of the yen – Mazda exports a greater percentage of its vehicles from Japan than any other automaker, meaning more of its sales result in slim profit margins because of the unfriendly home currency. Another issue lies with several weak-selling products – in America, Madza’s entrants in the all-import midsize sedan and small crossover segments, the Mazda6 and Tribute/CX-7, have largely been sales disappointments.
Still, there is plenty of potential for the Zoom-Zoom automaker to return to financial health. The company is building a plant in Mexico to counter the strength of the yen, and its sales fortunes could soon improve with the launch of the new CX-5 crossover and as its fuel-efficient SkyActiv technology continues to spread throughout the model range.
A partner to help defray costs would also be an asset – Mazda has been going it alone since former partner Ford sold its shares in the Japanese automaker over the past few years.
Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi says the company is “actively” seeking partners and is “considering every option” in an attempt to raise more capital to stave off a possible downgrade to its credit rating, Automotive News reports. Mazda has forecast a net loss of $1.29 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, which would represent the automaker’s worst financial showing in 11 years.
Mazda’s struggles are partially attributable to the continued strength of the yen – Mazda exports a greater percentage of its vehicles from Japan than any other automaker, meaning more of its sales result in slim profit margins because of the unfriendly home currency. Another issue lies with several weak-selling products – in America, Madza’s entrants in the all-import midsize sedan and small crossover segments, the Mazda6 and Tribute/CX-7, have largely been sales disappointments.
Still, there is plenty of potential for the Zoom-Zoom automaker to return to financial health. The company is building a plant in Mexico to counter the strength of the yen, and its sales fortunes could soon improve with the launch of the new CX-5 crossover and as its fuel-efficient SkyActiv technology continues to spread throughout the model range.
A partner to help defray costs would also be an asset – Mazda has been going it alone since former partner Ford sold its shares in the Japanese automaker over the past few years.
Mazda is in pretty serious trouble....they may need more than a partner, they may need to be purchased out-right.
Welcome to the new world for Japanese car makers: Weak dollar and strong Yen will deep six you if you cannot get the vast majority of your vehicles built in the U.S.
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JS + XES (02-10-2012)
02-10-2012, 11:44 AM
#11
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
That sucks. 
Hopefully, the vehicles and the plant in Mexico will turn it around a little. The exchange rate has been a bitch for all Japanese car makers.
Hopefully, the vehicles and the plant in Mexico will turn it around a little. The exchange rate has been a bitch for all Japanese car makers.
02-10-2012, 06:55 PM
#12
Instructor
Maybe come out with a car that can compete in it's class, or something that sticks out. Mazdas suck now, They are so boring!! Until they come out with another turbo powered rotary engine, I would pass on Mazda!
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VTEC Racer (02-10-2012)
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Mdumanski01 (02-12-2012)
02-12-2012, 07:30 PM
#15
2G TLX-S
Zoom-Zoom doesn't zoom any more !
02-13-2012, 11:54 AM
#16
Some dude
They're phasing out the smile now. The CX-5 is the first production model to do so. As far as a new RX, the RX-8 never really sold great so that one probably won't happen any time soon. Especially if they're in this kind of financial trouble.
02-13-2012, 12:16 PM
#17
The sizzle in the Steak
Thankfully they are getting rid of the goofy smile.However, the goofy smile didn't really effect the 3 sales.
The bad design of the 6 sure did kill sales. Compared to its competition, the 6 is the ugliest of the bunch.
02-13-2012, 01:44 PM
#18
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
what? 
02-21-2012, 11:49 AM
#19
The sizzle in the Steak
Ailing Mazda looks to raise $2B through loans, stock offering
Hoping to rebound from what will likely be its worst annual performance in 11 years, Mazda will seek to raise $2.1 billion in order to strengthen its finances and build a new plant in Mexico.
The automaker, which has predicted a loss of $1.29 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, will try to raise $1.21 billion through loans and the remainder from a public share offering, according to a Reuters report.
Mazda plans to use the funds to build a new manufacturing plant in Mexico and renovate its Thai factory. Those moves will allow the struggling company to move production out of Japan and thus sidestep the profit-robbing strength of the yen. Mazda currently builds 70 percent of its vehicles in Japan, a greater percentage than any other automaker.
Earlier this month, Mazda announced that it was searching for a partner company to share development and manufacturing costs. Mazda has been independent since former partner Ford sold its shares in the Japanese automaker over the past few years.
The automaker, which has predicted a loss of $1.29 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, will try to raise $1.21 billion through loans and the remainder from a public share offering, according to a Reuters report.
Mazda plans to use the funds to build a new manufacturing plant in Mexico and renovate its Thai factory. Those moves will allow the struggling company to move production out of Japan and thus sidestep the profit-robbing strength of the yen. Mazda currently builds 70 percent of its vehicles in Japan, a greater percentage than any other automaker.
Earlier this month, Mazda announced that it was searching for a partner company to share development and manufacturing costs. Mazda has been independent since former partner Ford sold its shares in the Japanese automaker over the past few years.
02-21-2012, 12:23 PM
#21
The sizzle in the Steak
^^ They can stay at current volume. The point is to move current production to North America, because of the weak dollar.
03-09-2012, 04:53 PM
#22
The sizzle in the Steak
Mazda to trim U.S. workforce amid mounting losses
Facing steep losses, Mazda has a announced a new plant to trim its United States workforce. Mazda will offer employees voluntary buyouts, but says it may be forced to hand out pink slips in an effort to cut costs.
In a memo obtained by Automotive News, Mazda CEO Jim O’Sullivan informed employees of the impending staff reductions. In the memo, dated March 7, O’Sullivan said Mazda is “in the midst of an extremely challenging business environment” and “it has become necessary for us to reexamine our business to accelerate further cost improvements.”
Although Mazda’s North American sales have actually increased 48 percent this year, the Japanese automaker has struggled in all other global markets. Mazda has also been hit hard by the rising value of the yen as most of its vehicles are produced in Japan. For the fiscal year ending March 31, Mazda is expected to post a $1.2 billion loss.
As part of the plan Mazda will offer a “voluntary” package to employees that includes separation pay, a lump-sum payment based on years of service and help with finding a new job. If that process fails to yield enough job cuts, Mazda will move to “involuntary” separations. Those workers terminated via the involuntary method will not receive the “enhanced benefits” of those that apply for the voluntary package.
Mazda has 701 U.S. employees.
In a memo obtained by Automotive News, Mazda CEO Jim O’Sullivan informed employees of the impending staff reductions. In the memo, dated March 7, O’Sullivan said Mazda is “in the midst of an extremely challenging business environment” and “it has become necessary for us to reexamine our business to accelerate further cost improvements.”
Although Mazda’s North American sales have actually increased 48 percent this year, the Japanese automaker has struggled in all other global markets. Mazda has also been hit hard by the rising value of the yen as most of its vehicles are produced in Japan. For the fiscal year ending March 31, Mazda is expected to post a $1.2 billion loss.
As part of the plan Mazda will offer a “voluntary” package to employees that includes separation pay, a lump-sum payment based on years of service and help with finding a new job. If that process fails to yield enough job cuts, Mazda will move to “involuntary” separations. Those workers terminated via the involuntary method will not receive the “enhanced benefits” of those that apply for the voluntary package.
Mazda has 701 U.S. employees.
07-10-2012, 10:19 AM
#23
The sizzle in the Steak
Mazda has confirmed that Don Romano – the company’s North American marketing boss and president of Mazda Canada Inc. – has resigned. The news comes just weeks after Mazda thinned its ranks in North America and Europe.
Romano, 51, officially left the company on July 3. Romano had been with Mazda for the last 12 years, including his most recent stint as chief marketing officer for Mazda North American Operations. Romano was also president of Mazda Canada Inc.
Mazda has yet to announce a successor for Romano’s chief marketing post, but Shusuke “Kory” Koreeda will take over Mazda’s Canadian operations. Koreeda was executive vice president of Mazda Canada under Romano.
Mazda is keeping tight-lipped about Romano’s departure, but the automaker told Automotive News that there was “no connection” between his resignation and recent buyout offers to employees. Mazda offered voluntary buyouts to all of its 701 U.S. employees in June, with 107 opting to leave the company.
Mazda has struggled financially in recent months, but the automaker’s U.S. sales were up 18 percent to 143,797 vehicles in the first half of 2012.
Romano, 51, officially left the company on July 3. Romano had been with Mazda for the last 12 years, including his most recent stint as chief marketing officer for Mazda North American Operations. Romano was also president of Mazda Canada Inc.
Mazda has yet to announce a successor for Romano’s chief marketing post, but Shusuke “Kory” Koreeda will take over Mazda’s Canadian operations. Koreeda was executive vice president of Mazda Canada under Romano.
Mazda is keeping tight-lipped about Romano’s departure, but the automaker told Automotive News that there was “no connection” between his resignation and recent buyout offers to employees. Mazda offered voluntary buyouts to all of its 701 U.S. employees in June, with 107 opting to leave the company.
Mazda has struggled financially in recent months, but the automaker’s U.S. sales were up 18 percent to 143,797 vehicles in the first half of 2012.
01-29-2013, 12:11 PM
#24
Some dude
Mazda set to make a profit for the first time in five years in Europe
From Autocar:
Mazda is expected to make a profit for the first time in five years in 2013, according to its chief operating officer in Europe, Phil Waring.
Key to the turnaround is the success of the Mazda CX-5, currently selling at around four times the predicted rate in Japan and now subject to an extensive waiting list in Europe, and the all-new Mazda 6, launched this month.
Both cars feature Mazda’s SkyActiv technology, which as well as bringing efficiency, emissions and weight-saving benefits also means the cars are cheaper to produce. As a result, they are also more profitable than the cars they replace.
“At our lowest point, we have been looking at losses close to €1bn a year,” said Waring, “but the good news is that we expect to turn that around to close to a €250m profit this year.
"That’s a credit to the decision we made to invest in SkyActiv; it has meant a few lean years, but now we feel we have taken a large leap forwards in terms of what we can offer, and we are set to reap the benefits as we launch more and more new cars with market-leading qualities.”
Mazda is expected to undertake an aggressive roll out of launches in the near future. As well as the new 6 saloon and estate, a new Mazda 3 is expected to be revealed later this year. A new concept for the next-generation Mazda MX-5 will also be shown at the Tokyo motor show in November.
That's good news, hopefully the 6 will catch on. As much struggles as Mazda has had I'm always surprised Mitsubishi is still around (in the states at least) considering their offerings.
Mazda is expected to make a profit for the first time in five years in 2013, according to its chief operating officer in Europe, Phil Waring.
Key to the turnaround is the success of the Mazda CX-5, currently selling at around four times the predicted rate in Japan and now subject to an extensive waiting list in Europe, and the all-new Mazda 6, launched this month.
Both cars feature Mazda’s SkyActiv technology, which as well as bringing efficiency, emissions and weight-saving benefits also means the cars are cheaper to produce. As a result, they are also more profitable than the cars they replace.
“At our lowest point, we have been looking at losses close to €1bn a year,” said Waring, “but the good news is that we expect to turn that around to close to a €250m profit this year.
"That’s a credit to the decision we made to invest in SkyActiv; it has meant a few lean years, but now we feel we have taken a large leap forwards in terms of what we can offer, and we are set to reap the benefits as we launch more and more new cars with market-leading qualities.”
Mazda is expected to undertake an aggressive roll out of launches in the near future. As well as the new 6 saloon and estate, a new Mazda 3 is expected to be revealed later this year. A new concept for the next-generation Mazda MX-5 will also be shown at the Tokyo motor show in November.
01-29-2013, 02:38 PM
#25
I've taken a liking to Mazda vehicles. Their focus on being fun to drive no matter the size is nice.
08-04-2017, 08:48 AM
#26
Race Director
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-t...-idUSKBN1AK0RF
TOKYO (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) and Mazda Motor Corp (7261.T) plan to build a $1.6 billion U.S. assembly plant, the two said on Friday, as part of an alliance that will also see the Japanese automakers jointly develop electric vehicle technologies.
The two will take small stakes in each other as part of the tie-up: Toyota, the world's second-largest automaker by vehicle sales last year, will take a 5 percent share of Mazda, extending its dominance in Japan's auto sector. Mazda will take a 0.25 percent share of its larger rival.
The plant, something of a surprise at a time of overcapacity in the U.S. market, will be a boost to U.S. President Donald Trump, who campaigned on promises to increase manufacturing and expand employment for American autoworkers.
The plant will be capable of producing 300,000 vehicles a year, with production divided between the two automakers, and employ about 4,000 people. It will start operating in 2021.
The electric vehicles cooperation, meanwhile, comes as the tightening of global emissions regulations prompts more automakers to develop battery powered cars, as the industry struggles with hefty research costs and intense competition from technology companies over technology like self-driving cars.
As part of the agreement, Toyota and Mazda will also work together to develop in-car information technologies and automated driving functions.
A stake in Mazda may also prevent future incursions by tech companies, one analyst said.
"For a technology company which lacks the expertise in making cars, Mazda could look like a very interesting acquisition. They're very good, they're not too expensive. Maybe Toyota realizes this," CLSA managing director Chris Richter said.
Kim Kyung-Hoon "By buying a 5 percent stake, Toyota takes Mazda off the table rather than having it sit out there like a free agent which could someday be used against them."
With an R&D budget of around 140 billion yen ($1.27 billion) this year, a fraction of Toyota's 1 trillion yen, Mazda has said that it lacks the funds to develop electric cars on its own, a view shared by Subaru and Suzuki.
"Mazda needs electrification technology. In the past they've pooh-poohed EVs, they've felt that they can make internal combustion engines more efficient, but the bottom line is that globally you need to have this technology," said Janet Lewis, head of Asia transportation research at Macquarie Securities.
Mazda, whose annual global vehicle sales are one-eighth that of Toyota, caters to a specific audience largely in North America with its design-conscious sedans and SUVs, and has been focusing on developing more fuel-efficient gasoline engines.
The automakers plan to produce Toyota Corollas and a new Mazda SUV crossover at the new plant.
TOKYO (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) and Mazda Motor Corp (7261.T) plan to build a $1.6 billion U.S. assembly plant, the two said on Friday, as part of an alliance that will also see the Japanese automakers jointly develop electric vehicle technologies.
The two will take small stakes in each other as part of the tie-up: Toyota, the world's second-largest automaker by vehicle sales last year, will take a 5 percent share of Mazda, extending its dominance in Japan's auto sector. Mazda will take a 0.25 percent share of its larger rival.
The plant, something of a surprise at a time of overcapacity in the U.S. market, will be a boost to U.S. President Donald Trump, who campaigned on promises to increase manufacturing and expand employment for American autoworkers.
The plant will be capable of producing 300,000 vehicles a year, with production divided between the two automakers, and employ about 4,000 people. It will start operating in 2021.
The electric vehicles cooperation, meanwhile, comes as the tightening of global emissions regulations prompts more automakers to develop battery powered cars, as the industry struggles with hefty research costs and intense competition from technology companies over technology like self-driving cars.
As part of the agreement, Toyota and Mazda will also work together to develop in-car information technologies and automated driving functions.
Toyota, Japan's biggest auto company, has been forging alliances with smaller Japanese rivals for several years, effectively engineering a loose consolidation of the Japanese auto sector. It already owns a 16.5 percent stake in Subaru Corp (7270.T), Japan's No. 6 automaker, with which it also has a development partnership.
Toyota is also courting compact car maker Suzuki Motor Corp (7269.T) to cooperate on R&D and parts supply as Toyota seeks to tap its smaller rival's expertise in emerging Asian markets.A stake in Mazda may also prevent future incursions by tech companies, one analyst said.
"For a technology company which lacks the expertise in making cars, Mazda could look like a very interesting acquisition. They're very good, they're not too expensive. Maybe Toyota realizes this," CLSA managing director Chris Richter said.
Kim Kyung-Hoon "By buying a 5 percent stake, Toyota takes Mazda off the table rather than having it sit out there like a free agent which could someday be used against them."
COROLLA PRODUCTION SHIFT
Mazda stands to gain from a deal that gives the small automaker a production foothold in the United States. At the moment, Mazda ships all vehicles sold in the country, its biggest market, from its plants in Japan and Mexico.With an R&D budget of around 140 billion yen ($1.27 billion) this year, a fraction of Toyota's 1 trillion yen, Mazda has said that it lacks the funds to develop electric cars on its own, a view shared by Subaru and Suzuki.
"Mazda needs electrification technology. In the past they've pooh-poohed EVs, they've felt that they can make internal combustion engines more efficient, but the bottom line is that globally you need to have this technology," said Janet Lewis, head of Asia transportation research at Macquarie Securities.
Mazda, whose annual global vehicle sales are one-eighth that of Toyota, caters to a specific audience largely in North America with its design-conscious sedans and SUVs, and has been focusing on developing more fuel-efficient gasoline engines.
The automakers plan to produce Toyota Corollas and a new Mazda SUV crossover at the new plant.
01-10-2018, 06:38 AM
#27
Race Director
http://www.autonews.com/article/2018...nt-report-says
Alabama will be the site of a new $1.6 billion Toyota Motor Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp. auto plant, a victory for President Donald Trump who has prodded manufacturers to build new U.S. factories and threatened tariffs on foreign production, sources said on Tuesday.
The plant, which will employ up to 4,000 people and produce about 300,000 vehicles a year, will be located in the Huntsville, Ala., region and is a boon for the state, where Toyota has a large engine plant and an existing network of automotive suppliers.
A formal announcement by company and state officials is expected on Wednesday in Montgomery, sources briefed on the matter said.
The new plant -- in a state Trump won by 28 points in 2016 -- could be a political boost to the Republican president, who has urged automakers to build plants in the United States and add jobs.
Trump tweeted in March he wanted "new plants to be built here for cars sold here."
The announcement also comes at a time of declining U.S. auto industry sales, so it could exacerbate overcapacity and add pressure to cut prices. U.S. new vehicle sales fell 2 percent in 2017, after hitting an all-time record high in 2016, and are expected to fall further in 2018.
Details of an anticipated tax and incentive package for the investment were not yet known. It has been reported the companies sought at least $1 billion in incentives.
Few factors have changed the auto industry as much as globalization has. Here are three areas where immediate change will be most noticeable.
A Toyota spokesman declined to comment, except to say an announcement was expected soon. A Mazda spokeswoman also declined to comment.
In recent months, the companies had narrowed their choices down to sites in Alabama and North Carolina.
Local media last month said the leading site under consideration was in northern Alabama's Limestone County, near Toyota's large engine plant in Huntsville. In September Toyota announced a $106 million technology upgrade for the Huntsville plant.
A Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville website for the "Huntsville Mega Site" touts the fact it has been "certified as development-ready." The commerce chamber, local and state officials declined to comment on Tuesday on plans for the plant.
The new factory will be located in Limestone County north of Birmingham, Bloomberg also reported, citing a source. The Birmingham Business Journalreported the selection earlier Tuesday.
North America accounted for about a quarter of Toyota’s total vehicle sales in 2017, and about 36 percent of revenue.
Mazda, which gets a third of its revenue from North America, currently imports all of the models it sells in the U.S. It plans to produce crossovers alongside Toyota Corolla compact cars at the joint plant.
A year ago, President-elect Trump criticized Toyota and threatened hefty tariffs against the Japanese automaker if it built its Corolla sedan for the U.S. market in Mexico.
"Toyota Motor said will build a new plant in Baja, Mexico, to build Corolla cars for U.S. NO WAY! Build plant in U.S. or pay big border tax," Trump posted on Twitter in early 2017.
Toyota and Mazda announced plans for a new plant in August. Toyota said it would shift production of Corollas from Canada to the new venture rather than in Guanajuato, and would build Tacoma pickups in Mexico instead. Mazda plans to build new crossover SUVs at the plant.
Trump praised the joint venture announcement, saying in August on Twitter: "Toyota & Mazda to build a new $1.6B plant here in the U.S.A. and create 4K new American jobs. A great investment in American manufacturing!"
In October, Toyota said it would scale back investment in a planned plant in Mexico by 30 percent to $700 million and cut planned annual capacity in half to 100,000 vehicles as it shuffles its production plans to meet market demands.
Toyota has 10 U.S. plants in eight states in an arc running from West Virginia through Kentucky, Indiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas.
Toyota and Mazda announced a capital alliance in August and are exploring joint development of technologies for the basic structure of competitive electric vehicles.
Over the last 30 years Toyota, along with German and Asian automakers, has built a second auto industry in the United States, rivaling the operations of the Detroit 3 automakers in size and employment, but with newer, and fewer unionized, plants.
States covet auto assembly plants because they typically pay above-average wages and spin off jobs at suppliers and service companies. Southern U.S. states have the advantage of good transportation infrastructure, business-friendly regulators and generally anti-union politicians.
The Alabama Department of Commerce shows 150 of the large automotive suppliers operate in the state, providing the logistical strength that Kristin Dziczek, a researcher at the Center for Automotive Research in Michigan, said helped land the plant.
Dziczek said that Alabama in 2017 was tied for fifth among U.S. states in auto production, at 9 percent with Tennessee. It was behind Michigan at 19 percent; Indiana at 12 percent, Kentucky at 11 percent; and Ohio at 10 percent.
"The impact of an auto assembly plant extends beyond its immediate economic impact, and that's why states offer robust incentives," said Dennis Cuneo, a site-selection consultant and former Toyota executive. "It creates a halo effect that in turn helps attract other projects."
Alabama spent an estimated $250 million to woo Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz to put an auto plant in Tuscaloosa two decades ago.
Alabama will be the site of a new $1.6 billion Toyota Motor Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp. auto plant, a victory for President Donald Trump who has prodded manufacturers to build new U.S. factories and threatened tariffs on foreign production, sources said on Tuesday.
The plant, which will employ up to 4,000 people and produce about 300,000 vehicles a year, will be located in the Huntsville, Ala., region and is a boon for the state, where Toyota has a large engine plant and an existing network of automotive suppliers.
A formal announcement by company and state officials is expected on Wednesday in Montgomery, sources briefed on the matter said.
The new plant -- in a state Trump won by 28 points in 2016 -- could be a political boost to the Republican president, who has urged automakers to build plants in the United States and add jobs.
Trump tweeted in March he wanted "new plants to be built here for cars sold here."
The announcement also comes at a time of declining U.S. auto industry sales, so it could exacerbate overcapacity and add pressure to cut prices. U.S. new vehicle sales fell 2 percent in 2017, after hitting an all-time record high in 2016, and are expected to fall further in 2018.
Details of an anticipated tax and incentive package for the investment were not yet known. It has been reported the companies sought at least $1 billion in incentives.
Few factors have changed the auto industry as much as globalization has. Here are three areas where immediate change will be most noticeable.
A Toyota spokesman declined to comment, except to say an announcement was expected soon. A Mazda spokeswoman also declined to comment.
In recent months, the companies had narrowed their choices down to sites in Alabama and North Carolina.
Local media last month said the leading site under consideration was in northern Alabama's Limestone County, near Toyota's large engine plant in Huntsville. In September Toyota announced a $106 million technology upgrade for the Huntsville plant.
A Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville website for the "Huntsville Mega Site" touts the fact it has been "certified as development-ready." The commerce chamber, local and state officials declined to comment on Tuesday on plans for the plant.
The new factory will be located in Limestone County north of Birmingham, Bloomberg also reported, citing a source. The Birmingham Business Journalreported the selection earlier Tuesday.
North America accounted for about a quarter of Toyota’s total vehicle sales in 2017, and about 36 percent of revenue.
Mazda, which gets a third of its revenue from North America, currently imports all of the models it sells in the U.S. It plans to produce crossovers alongside Toyota Corolla compact cars at the joint plant.
A year ago, President-elect Trump criticized Toyota and threatened hefty tariffs against the Japanese automaker if it built its Corolla sedan for the U.S. market in Mexico.
"Toyota Motor said will build a new plant in Baja, Mexico, to build Corolla cars for U.S. NO WAY! Build plant in U.S. or pay big border tax," Trump posted on Twitter in early 2017.
Toyota and Mazda announced plans for a new plant in August. Toyota said it would shift production of Corollas from Canada to the new venture rather than in Guanajuato, and would build Tacoma pickups in Mexico instead. Mazda plans to build new crossover SUVs at the plant.
Trump praised the joint venture announcement, saying in August on Twitter: "Toyota & Mazda to build a new $1.6B plant here in the U.S.A. and create 4K new American jobs. A great investment in American manufacturing!"
In October, Toyota said it would scale back investment in a planned plant in Mexico by 30 percent to $700 million and cut planned annual capacity in half to 100,000 vehicles as it shuffles its production plans to meet market demands.
Toyota has 10 U.S. plants in eight states in an arc running from West Virginia through Kentucky, Indiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas.
Toyota and Mazda announced a capital alliance in August and are exploring joint development of technologies for the basic structure of competitive electric vehicles.
Over the last 30 years Toyota, along with German and Asian automakers, has built a second auto industry in the United States, rivaling the operations of the Detroit 3 automakers in size and employment, but with newer, and fewer unionized, plants.
States covet auto assembly plants because they typically pay above-average wages and spin off jobs at suppliers and service companies. Southern U.S. states have the advantage of good transportation infrastructure, business-friendly regulators and generally anti-union politicians.
The Alabama Department of Commerce shows 150 of the large automotive suppliers operate in the state, providing the logistical strength that Kristin Dziczek, a researcher at the Center for Automotive Research in Michigan, said helped land the plant.
Dziczek said that Alabama in 2017 was tied for fifth among U.S. states in auto production, at 9 percent with Tennessee. It was behind Michigan at 19 percent; Indiana at 12 percent, Kentucky at 11 percent; and Ohio at 10 percent.
"The impact of an auto assembly plant extends beyond its immediate economic impact, and that's why states offer robust incentives," said Dennis Cuneo, a site-selection consultant and former Toyota executive. "It creates a halo effect that in turn helps attract other projects."
Alabama spent an estimated $250 million to woo Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz to put an auto plant in Tuscaloosa two decades ago.
11-17-2018, 07:33 AM
#28
Race Director
HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Huntsville plant on Friday.
Speakers included Governor Kay Ivey, Senator Doug Jones, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and a number of representatives from Toyota and Mazda.
“This ceremony really celebrates the new partnership of Mazda and Toyota, and also the joint partnership with the state of Alabama, city of Huntsville, Limestone County and Madison County,” said Mark Brazeal, VP of Administration at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing.
“Mazda Toyota Manufacturing represents what we’re all about here in Alabama, providing opportunities for our people, being innovative and finding success when we work together,” added Governor Kay Ivey.
An industrial robot armed with a shovel did the honors, showing the technology that’s coming to the plant.
The massive facility is being built on a TVA Megasite in Limestone County and will create 4,000 jobs.
It will be located just north of the Greenbrier Restaurant and will span across 3,000 acres.
The jointly owned-and-operated automotive production plant will have the capacity to build 300,000 vehicles a year, beginning in 2021. It’s a $1.6 billion investment by the two companies.
The plant will build Toyota’s Corolla, whose all-new 2020 model was unveiled in California, and Mazda’s yet-to-be revealed crossover model.
“We’ve helped Alabama become America’s top five auto producing states and an industry leader in producing the next generation of cars that will power our nation into the future,” said Jim Lentz, CEO, Toyota Motor North America.
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle thanked everyone who helped bring the project to North Alabama. He says the Rocket City is also a “mobility city."
“Make no mistake. We will not just be building cars and SUVs here, we will be building opportunity,” the mayor added.
Speakers included Governor Kay Ivey, Senator Doug Jones, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and a number of representatives from Toyota and Mazda.
“This ceremony really celebrates the new partnership of Mazda and Toyota, and also the joint partnership with the state of Alabama, city of Huntsville, Limestone County and Madison County,” said Mark Brazeal, VP of Administration at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing.
“Mazda Toyota Manufacturing represents what we’re all about here in Alabama, providing opportunities for our people, being innovative and finding success when we work together,” added Governor Kay Ivey.
An industrial robot armed with a shovel did the honors, showing the technology that’s coming to the plant.
It will be located just north of the Greenbrier Restaurant and will span across 3,000 acres.
The jointly owned-and-operated automotive production plant will have the capacity to build 300,000 vehicles a year, beginning in 2021. It’s a $1.6 billion investment by the two companies.
The plant will build Toyota’s Corolla, whose all-new 2020 model was unveiled in California, and Mazda’s yet-to-be revealed crossover model.
“We’ve helped Alabama become America’s top five auto producing states and an industry leader in producing the next generation of cars that will power our nation into the future,” said Jim Lentz, CEO, Toyota Motor North America.
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle thanked everyone who helped bring the project to North Alabama. He says the Rocket City is also a “mobility city."
“Make no mistake. We will not just be building cars and SUVs here, we will be building opportunity,” the mayor added.
11-19-2019, 04:08 PM
#30
Moderator
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/m...vice-features/
Subscription services have largely been relegated to smartphones, streaming platforms and other services, yet the idea has started to trickle into the big, bad car-buying world. A handful of (mostly luxury) automakers have tossed their hats into the ring, but now perhaps Mazda is thinking about such a move.
It would appear so, according to comments from the company's managing director in the UK. Autocar quoted Jeremy Thomson in a Tuesday report saying there's been some "early thinking" surrounding a subscription service, and Mazda thinks there's a place for it in the future. This is, of course, with reference to the UK -- a far smaller auto market than the US by a large measure.
In any case, the triumph or failure of a subscription service in the UK could perhaps provide insight into whether a similar service might work for the US. Mazda didn't immediately respond when asked about any early thoughts for a US program.
Thomson cited younger car buyers as a reason for the early thinking around a subscription program. He said these buyers often enjoy a "simpler" way to navigate car ownership, including how to swap into a new one. Numerous pilot subscription services usually give subscribers a way to switch cars within a certain time frame at least once.
In the case of Care by Volvo, perhaps the most bold service in the US currently, the program provides a car, insurance, maintenance and the ability to change vehicles after the annual period is up. If you do want to swap into a different Volvo ahead of time, that's allowed, but the clock resets on your year-long subscription.
It's not clear how a brand like Mazda, which, even as it plays in a more premium space these days, is not a luxury brand, would handle such a program. It could follow Care by Volvo's pattern, or perhaps divvy cars into tiers for people to subscribe to. In any case, it sounds like such a service, if it happens, is still a ways out.
It would appear so, according to comments from the company's managing director in the UK. Autocar quoted Jeremy Thomson in a Tuesday report saying there's been some "early thinking" surrounding a subscription service, and Mazda thinks there's a place for it in the future. This is, of course, with reference to the UK -- a far smaller auto market than the US by a large measure.
In any case, the triumph or failure of a subscription service in the UK could perhaps provide insight into whether a similar service might work for the US. Mazda didn't immediately respond when asked about any early thoughts for a US program.
Thomson cited younger car buyers as a reason for the early thinking around a subscription program. He said these buyers often enjoy a "simpler" way to navigate car ownership, including how to swap into a new one. Numerous pilot subscription services usually give subscribers a way to switch cars within a certain time frame at least once.
In the case of Care by Volvo, perhaps the most bold service in the US currently, the program provides a car, insurance, maintenance and the ability to change vehicles after the annual period is up. If you do want to swap into a different Volvo ahead of time, that's allowed, but the clock resets on your year-long subscription.
It's not clear how a brand like Mazda, which, even as it plays in a more premium space these days, is not a luxury brand, would handle such a program. It could follow Care by Volvo's pattern, or perhaps divvy cars into tiers for people to subscribe to. In any case, it sounds like such a service, if it happens, is still a ways out.
04-13-2020, 07:23 PM
#31
Race Director
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused the under-construction Mazda-Toyota plant in Huntsville to delay its planned start of production in 2021, according to Monday reports.
Hiring began on a rolling basis in January, with the original plan being to begin manufacturing vehicles at the facility near the beginning of 2021, with full production to begin in 2022.
However, Toni Eberhart, a spokeswoman for Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, told Automotive News that the timeline has now officially changed.
“On April 9, we informed state and local government officials in Alabama, along with our key suppliers, how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting our ability to maintain critical equipment delivery schedules, creating labor shortages and slowing construction,” Eberhart said in a statement.
“As a result, we will delay the start of production of the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant to a time period later in 2021,” Eberhart continued. “We are eager to keep the project moving forward and appreciate the ongoing support of all key stakeholders.”
The timeline change was also reported as breaking national news on CNBC on Monday.
Governor Kay Ivey confirmed the timeline change in a statement to Yellowhammer News.
“I understand the challenges posed by COVID-19 to the construction and operation of a major manufacturing facility like Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA,” the governor commented. “I am confident that the automakers will move forward on their adjusted timeline to begin production at the Alabama facility, where they will turn out world-class vehicles. We’ll work with company leaders to assist them to bring this project to completion.”
A document obtained by Automotive News reportedly said the start of production will be delayed by a “minimum of 5.5 months,” but Eberhart declined to comment to the outlet on when production would start.
As of April 10, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing said it confirmed two cases of COVID-19 at the construction site.
A statement from the company at the time outlined, “With the safety and welfare of team members and construction workers as our top priority, MTM suspended normal construction activity at its site on April 4 in response to Gov. Ivey’s Stay at Home Order. We used this downtime to review enhanced guidelines, evaluate site conditions and further increase safety and social-distancing efforts. As a result, any job at the site that cannot meet social distancing recommendations is temporarily suspended. With these measures in place, along with enhanced sanitization efforts, construction resumed on April 7 for work areas in which ADPH guidelines can be met.”
Hiring began on a rolling basis in January, with the original plan being to begin manufacturing vehicles at the facility near the beginning of 2021, with full production to begin in 2022.
However, Toni Eberhart, a spokeswoman for Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, told Automotive News that the timeline has now officially changed.
“On April 9, we informed state and local government officials in Alabama, along with our key suppliers, how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting our ability to maintain critical equipment delivery schedules, creating labor shortages and slowing construction,” Eberhart said in a statement.
“As a result, we will delay the start of production of the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant to a time period later in 2021,” Eberhart continued. “We are eager to keep the project moving forward and appreciate the ongoing support of all key stakeholders.”
The timeline change was also reported as breaking national news on CNBC on Monday.
Governor Kay Ivey confirmed the timeline change in a statement to Yellowhammer News.
“I understand the challenges posed by COVID-19 to the construction and operation of a major manufacturing facility like Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA,” the governor commented. “I am confident that the automakers will move forward on their adjusted timeline to begin production at the Alabama facility, where they will turn out world-class vehicles. We’ll work with company leaders to assist them to bring this project to completion.”
A document obtained by Automotive News reportedly said the start of production will be delayed by a “minimum of 5.5 months,” but Eberhart declined to comment to the outlet on when production would start.
As of April 10, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing said it confirmed two cases of COVID-19 at the construction site.
A statement from the company at the time outlined, “With the safety and welfare of team members and construction workers as our top priority, MTM suspended normal construction activity at its site on April 4 in response to Gov. Ivey’s Stay at Home Order. We used this downtime to review enhanced guidelines, evaluate site conditions and further increase safety and social-distancing efforts. As a result, any job at the site that cannot meet social distancing recommendations is temporarily suspended. With these measures in place, along with enhanced sanitization efforts, construction resumed on April 7 for work areas in which ADPH guidelines can be met.”
07-24-2020, 07:14 AM
#32
Moderator
https://carbuzz.com/news/the-miata-j...bal-production
Mazda has faced something of an uphill battle ever since Ford terminated its longstanding partnership with the small Japanese auto manufacturer, and sold its sizable stake in the company.
But Mazda's post-Ford turnaround has yielded some impressive results, the company revamping its entire North American product lineup around its advanced, fuel-efficient SkyActiv powertrain and chassis technology. Customers in the US, it seems, have taken notice, because even as much of the auto industry has been left reeling from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Mazda's sales actually trended upward in June, with one model seeing massive growth against all market trends. That model was none other than the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
On Wednesday, Mazda revealed in a press release that sales for its North American Operations had jumped 11 percent year-over-year for the month of June, buoyed largely by two models in particular. The three-row Mazda CX-9, which just received some major updates for 2020, is up by a staggering 50 percent in North America, Mazda says, and the two-seater MX-5 Miata roadster is up by 25 percent.
That's surprisingly strong showroom performance for such a niche product, in a segment that seems resolved to slip into obscurity, but then, there's little else like it on the market.
All of that strong demand seen by Mazda North America has prompted the small, scrappy Japanese automaker to hash out plans to return to full factory operation worldwide this August, reversing all the "production adjustments" it's made to limit output in response to slow sales during the pandemic's peak. Mazda's been making those adjustments to its factories in Japan, Taiwan, and Mexico since the end of March.
We never thought we'd see the day when a two-seater roadster would help prompt an automaker to bump its global production back up, but here we are.
But Mazda's post-Ford turnaround has yielded some impressive results, the company revamping its entire North American product lineup around its advanced, fuel-efficient SkyActiv powertrain and chassis technology. Customers in the US, it seems, have taken notice, because even as much of the auto industry has been left reeling from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Mazda's sales actually trended upward in June, with one model seeing massive growth against all market trends. That model was none other than the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
On Wednesday, Mazda revealed in a press release that sales for its North American Operations had jumped 11 percent year-over-year for the month of June, buoyed largely by two models in particular. The three-row Mazda CX-9, which just received some major updates for 2020, is up by a staggering 50 percent in North America, Mazda says, and the two-seater MX-5 Miata roadster is up by 25 percent.
That's surprisingly strong showroom performance for such a niche product, in a segment that seems resolved to slip into obscurity, but then, there's little else like it on the market.
All of that strong demand seen by Mazda North America has prompted the small, scrappy Japanese automaker to hash out plans to return to full factory operation worldwide this August, reversing all the "production adjustments" it's made to limit output in response to slow sales during the pandemic's peak. Mazda's been making those adjustments to its factories in Japan, Taiwan, and Mexico since the end of March.
We never thought we'd see the day when a two-seater roadster would help prompt an automaker to bump its global production back up, but here we are.
08-14-2020, 07:12 AM
#33
Moderator
https://www.autoblog.com/2020/08/13/...azda6-cx5-cx9/
Automakers have rolled out a parade of blacked-out special editions lately, from Nightshade Toyotas to Midnight Edition Chevrolets to Black Edition Ram pickups. Mazda is taking a different — but not too different — path with its just-announced Carbon Edition models. These special versions of the 2021 Mazda6, Mazda CX-5, and Mazda CX-9 feature an exclusive Polymetal Gray exterior hue with blacked-out trim and a black metallic finish for the wheels (hey, you knew it had to be somewhere). Inside, the gray exterior is contrasted with a red leather interior — which actually sounds kinda cool. There are more black accents in the cabin, continuing the theme.
Mazda has not yet released details of the 2021 lineups for these three models, so we don't exactly know where the Carbon Edition stands within the trim hierarchy. Mazda did say that all Carbon Editions will have Bose premium audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Nor do we have pricing, which should be announced with the rest of the 2021-model-year info for these vehicles.
If Polymetal Gray just isn't dark enough for these admittedly dark times, rest assured that all three of these Mazdas also are available in Jet Black Mica, for those who can't resist the urge to paint it black.
Mazda has not yet released details of the 2021 lineups for these three models, so we don't exactly know where the Carbon Edition stands within the trim hierarchy. Mazda did say that all Carbon Editions will have Bose premium audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Nor do we have pricing, which should be announced with the rest of the 2021-model-year info for these vehicles.
If Polymetal Gray just isn't dark enough for these admittedly dark times, rest assured that all three of these Mazdas also are available in Jet Black Mica, for those who can't resist the urge to paint it black.
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West6MT (08-14-2020)
08-14-2020, 09:21 PM
#34
Race Director
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing announced Thursday an additional $830 million investment to incorporate more cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to its production lines and provide enhanced training to its workforce of up to 4,000 employees.
Construction continues on the massive $2.311 billion Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant. (Photo/MTM)
“This newest investment by our partners at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing shows the company’s continued confidence in the ability of our community to provide a strong, skilled workforce to meet the demands for quality and reliability,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “We look forward to the day when the first vehicles roll off the line.”
Total funding contributed to the development of the state-of-the-art facility is now $2.311 billion, up from the $1.6 billion originally announced in 2018.
“We are excited to learn of this additional investment being made by Mazda Toyota Manufacturing,” said Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly. “We continue to be grateful to MTM for their belief in our county and look forward to our partnership with them for many years to come.”
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing made an additional $830 million investment to incorporate more cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to its production lines and provide enhanced training to its workforce. (Photo/MTM)
The investment accommodates production line enhancements made to improve manufacturing processes supporting the Mazda vehicle and design changes to the yet-to-be announced Toyota SUV that will both be produced at the plant.
The new facility will have the capacity to produce up to 150,000 Mazda crossover vehicles and up to 150,000 of the new Toyota SUV each year.
MTM continues to target up to 4,000 new jobs and has hired approximately 600 employees to date, with plans to resume accepting applications for production positions later this year. Construction of the plant continues, with 75-100 percent of the roofing, siding, floor slabs, ductwork, fire protection and electrical completed.
“Mazda Toyota Manufacturing is proud to call Alabama home,” said Mark Brazeal, MTM vice president of administration said. “Through strong support from our state and local partners, we have been able to further incorporate cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, provide world-class training for team members and develop the highest quality production processes.
“As we prepare for the start of production next year, we look forward to developing our future workforce and serving as a hometown company for many years to come.”
Construction continues on the massive $2.311 billion Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant. (Photo/MTM)“This newest investment by our partners at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing shows the company’s continued confidence in the ability of our community to provide a strong, skilled workforce to meet the demands for quality and reliability,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “We look forward to the day when the first vehicles roll off the line.”
Total funding contributed to the development of the state-of-the-art facility is now $2.311 billion, up from the $1.6 billion originally announced in 2018.
“We are excited to learn of this additional investment being made by Mazda Toyota Manufacturing,” said Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly. “We continue to be grateful to MTM for their belief in our county and look forward to our partnership with them for many years to come.”
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing made an additional $830 million investment to incorporate more cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to its production lines and provide enhanced training to its workforce. (Photo/MTM)The investment accommodates production line enhancements made to improve manufacturing processes supporting the Mazda vehicle and design changes to the yet-to-be announced Toyota SUV that will both be produced at the plant.
The new facility will have the capacity to produce up to 150,000 Mazda crossover vehicles and up to 150,000 of the new Toyota SUV each year.
MTM continues to target up to 4,000 new jobs and has hired approximately 600 employees to date, with plans to resume accepting applications for production positions later this year. Construction of the plant continues, with 75-100 percent of the roofing, siding, floor slabs, ductwork, fire protection and electrical completed.
“Mazda Toyota Manufacturing is proud to call Alabama home,” said Mark Brazeal, MTM vice president of administration said. “Through strong support from our state and local partners, we have been able to further incorporate cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, provide world-class training for team members and develop the highest quality production processes.
“As we prepare for the start of production next year, we look forward to developing our future workforce and serving as a hometown company for many years to come.”
08-15-2020, 08:10 AM
#35
Who else thinks that they are gonna regret this wasteful spending soon?
01-15-2021, 05:54 AM
#36
Race Director
The Skyactiv-D diesel engine is officially dead in the United States, Mazda confirmed. Originally slated for introduction in the Mazda6 and only eventually offered in the CX-5 crossover, Mazda's oil-burner was a long time coming, and sure didn't stick around long.
"After evaluating consumer demand, Mazda will no longer offer the Skyactiv-D diesel engine in the US market," a Mazda spokesperson told Roadshow on Thursday.
The CX-5 diesel has been AWOL for more than a year now, prompting inquiries as to Mazda's intentions to continue offering it in the United States. Back in April, Mazda told CarsDirect only say that "with the current state of the world, many things are tentative." Production for 2020 CX-5s wrapped in May, with no diesel allocations to be found, which prompted us (among others) to speculate that the diesel would skip the 2020 model year, if it was even to return at all. Mazda went radio silent on the subject until today.
Diesels face an exceptionally tough uphill battle here in the States, where they haven't really gained any traction in recent years outside of full-size pickups. All of America's half-tons are now available with six-cylinder diesel engines, though Ford's own F-150 PowerBoost hybrid could cannibalize its sales among those who aren't exclusively looking for a highway tow vehicle.
The CX-5's Skyactiv-D option was introduced for the 2019 model year, officially making it a one-year-only option. The Mazda6 was originally intended to pioneer the engine's launch in the U.S., back before Dieselgate torpedoed the diesel market and exposed widespread cheating among European manufacturers.
In January of last year, leftover 2019 CX-5 diesels were accumulating five-figure discounts on dealer lots. Now, a year later, a handful of them (and their accompanying piles of cash) can still be found in a nationwide new vehicle listing search.
"After evaluating consumer demand, Mazda will no longer offer the Skyactiv-D diesel engine in the US market," a Mazda spokesperson told Roadshow on Thursday.
The CX-5 diesel has been AWOL for more than a year now, prompting inquiries as to Mazda's intentions to continue offering it in the United States. Back in April, Mazda told CarsDirect only say that "with the current state of the world, many things are tentative." Production for 2020 CX-5s wrapped in May, with no diesel allocations to be found, which prompted us (among others) to speculate that the diesel would skip the 2020 model year, if it was even to return at all. Mazda went radio silent on the subject until today.
Diesels face an exceptionally tough uphill battle here in the States, where they haven't really gained any traction in recent years outside of full-size pickups. All of America's half-tons are now available with six-cylinder diesel engines, though Ford's own F-150 PowerBoost hybrid could cannibalize its sales among those who aren't exclusively looking for a highway tow vehicle.
The CX-5's Skyactiv-D option was introduced for the 2019 model year, officially making it a one-year-only option. The Mazda6 was originally intended to pioneer the engine's launch in the U.S., back before Dieselgate torpedoed the diesel market and exposed widespread cheating among European manufacturers.
In January of last year, leftover 2019 CX-5 diesels were accumulating five-figure discounts on dealer lots. Now, a year later, a handful of them (and their accompanying piles of cash) can still be found in a nationwide new vehicle listing search.
Last edited by 00TL-P3.2; 01-15-2021 at 09:01 AM.
01-15-2021, 10:29 AM
#37
A-TSX Oldie
Yeah, that decision to bring in the diesel was a strange one at the very least. It might had made sense 10 years ago, and 20k cheaper; but it was easy to see it would be DoA when it was announced.
01-15-2021, 11:31 AM
#38
Moderator
Hard to imagine any mfg offering a diesel compact in the US going forward. Light duty trucks/SUVs being the exception(s).
01-15-2021, 11:43 AM
#39
But the only problem is Mazda seems to be doubling down on it’s gasoline offerings, which would not be a smart move in the current changing circumstances.
05-21-2021, 10:06 PM
#40
Race Director
It’s time to bid a sweet goodbye to the Mazda6 and Mazda CX-3. In a statement today, Mazda officially announced that both models would be discontinued after their 2021 model year run comes to an end.
“As consumer interests continue to evolve, Mazda will discontinue CX-3 and Mazda6 for the 2022 model year. Although these two vehicles will be leaving our lineup, we are proud of the performance, design, quality, and safety they contributed to our brand.”
The CX-3’s death comes as no surprise. It hardly had a reason for being after the CX-30 launched. Plus, Mazda culled its model range to just a single trim recently, which was nearly as effective at saying it’s dead as the official press release was.
It’s the Mazda6’s discontinuation that will leave us wondering and scratching our heads a bit. Ask just about any automotive reviewer what their favorite sedan is in this class, and the majority of responses will be either Mazda6 or Honda Accord. That said, there’s no hiding from sales figures. The Mazda6’s decade-high year was back in 2015 at 57,898 cars sold, and it’s been on a downward slope ever since. Mazda only moved 21,524 in 2019, and pandemic-stricken 2020 saw just 16,204 units sold. No matter how many experts trumpet the car’s superb driving dynamics and luxurious interior, the market doesn’t seem to care.
There’s a modicum of hope on the horizon, though. Reports and rumors point to Mazda coming out with a new midsize sedan that is rear-wheel drive and powered by an inline-six engine. We can only hope those rumors are true, and that the U.S. gets to bask in the glory of what will certainly be a flagship product for Mazda.
We’ve asked Mazda about its sedan strategy in the future, and received the standard "we cannot share details of future products at this time" response from a spokesperson. If this RWD I6 sedan ever does surface, there’s always the chance that Mazda gives it a new name, retiring “Mazda6” for good.
In the meantime, the 2021 Mazda6 lineup is loaded up with tons of trims and an optional 2.5-turbo engine. The Carbon Edition is new this year with blacked-out trim and an exclusive red leather interior, too. Buy it while it lasts, folks.
“As consumer interests continue to evolve, Mazda will discontinue CX-3 and Mazda6 for the 2022 model year. Although these two vehicles will be leaving our lineup, we are proud of the performance, design, quality, and safety they contributed to our brand.”
The CX-3’s death comes as no surprise. It hardly had a reason for being after the CX-30 launched. Plus, Mazda culled its model range to just a single trim recently, which was nearly as effective at saying it’s dead as the official press release was.
It’s the Mazda6’s discontinuation that will leave us wondering and scratching our heads a bit. Ask just about any automotive reviewer what their favorite sedan is in this class, and the majority of responses will be either Mazda6 or Honda Accord. That said, there’s no hiding from sales figures. The Mazda6’s decade-high year was back in 2015 at 57,898 cars sold, and it’s been on a downward slope ever since. Mazda only moved 21,524 in 2019, and pandemic-stricken 2020 saw just 16,204 units sold. No matter how many experts trumpet the car’s superb driving dynamics and luxurious interior, the market doesn’t seem to care.
There’s a modicum of hope on the horizon, though. Reports and rumors point to Mazda coming out with a new midsize sedan that is rear-wheel drive and powered by an inline-six engine. We can only hope those rumors are true, and that the U.S. gets to bask in the glory of what will certainly be a flagship product for Mazda.
We’ve asked Mazda about its sedan strategy in the future, and received the standard "we cannot share details of future products at this time" response from a spokesperson. If this RWD I6 sedan ever does surface, there’s always the chance that Mazda gives it a new name, retiring “Mazda6” for good.
In the meantime, the 2021 Mazda6 lineup is loaded up with tons of trims and an optional 2.5-turbo engine. The Carbon Edition is new this year with blacked-out trim and an exclusive red leather interior, too. Buy it while it lasts, folks.