The newly redesigned 2014 Mazda6 is now in production at Mazda’s Hofu Plant No. 2 in Japan's Yamaguchi prefecture. About 500 people attended the official kick-off ceremony, in the presence of Mazda’s CEO, Takashi Yamamouchi.

The first vehicle off the assembly line was the Mazda6 wagon, built to European specifications and powered by the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine. The Hofu Plant should produce about 120,000 units annually. Furthermore, this Mazda6 will be the first model to benefit from the automaker's new i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology.

The new Mazda6 will be on European and Japanese roads before the end of 2012, and will be available in North America, beginning 2013. The Mazda6 sedan will premiere at the Moscow International Automobile Salon 2012, opening on August 29.

Photo: Mazda