As part of ongoing efforts to increase global manufacturing efficiencies, Mazda Motor Corporation announced that its next-generation midsize car for the North American market – currently sold as the Mazda6 – will leave the United States and move to Hofu, Japan.
''The decision was made to improve production and investment efficiencies and optimize our business," said Takashi Yamanouchi, Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation.
He added that Mazda will strive to maintain and grow its business in America, renew its commitment to working with Ford and identify potential future opportunities for the AutoAlliance International (AAI) plant in Flat Rock, MI.
AAI was established in 1985 and became a joint venture between Mazda and Ford. Once home to the Mazda MX-6 and 626, it now produces the Mazda6 and Ford Mustang.
The announcement makes it clear that ties between the two automakers are not severed, contrary to a report by Nikkei Financial Daily last Friday.
Right now, Mazda is conducting various studies with Ford on the future of AAI and will announce details ''at the appropriate time''.
In all likelihood, the move will happen in mid-2012 when the Mazda6 is expected to receive a significant update that includes SKYACTIV technologies and styling cues inspired from the Shinari concept.
The latter embodies Mazda's new design language called ''KODO – Soul of Motion''.
Mazda6 production began at AAI in 2002 and so far the facility has built over 500,000 units. However, it appears that lacklustre sales in recent years have forced the automaker to revise its strategy.
''The decision was made to improve production and investment efficiencies and optimize our business," said Takashi Yamanouchi, Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation.
He added that Mazda will strive to maintain and grow its business in America, renew its commitment to working with Ford and identify potential future opportunities for the AutoAlliance International (AAI) plant in Flat Rock, MI.
AAI was established in 1985 and became a joint venture between Mazda and Ford. Once home to the Mazda MX-6 and 626, it now produces the Mazda6 and Ford Mustang.
The announcement makes it clear that ties between the two automakers are not severed, contrary to a report by Nikkei Financial Daily last Friday.
Right now, Mazda is conducting various studies with Ford on the future of AAI and will announce details ''at the appropriate time''.
In all likelihood, the move will happen in mid-2012 when the Mazda6 is expected to receive a significant update that includes SKYACTIV technologies and styling cues inspired from the Shinari concept.
The latter embodies Mazda's new design language called ''KODO – Soul of Motion''.
Mazda6 production began at AAI in 2002 and so far the facility has built over 500,000 units. However, it appears that lacklustre sales in recent years have forced the automaker to revise its strategy.