When we talk about the automobile industry, one nation that outclasses others is undoubtedly the Japanese. It seems that the Japanese are crazy about vehicles.
Mazda, a Japanese Automobile Company, has been manufacturing vehicles for its customers worldwide for over a decade. Few know where are Mazda cars made. Is it Japan or somewhere else? Well, let’s find it out.
Where are Mazda Cars Made?
Mazda cars are produced in 8 different countries. These countries include Japan, China, the United States, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, China, and Russia.
The company also manufactures fewer cars in Iran, Kenya, and South Africa. However, most of the cars are manufactured and assembled in Japan.
Previously, the brand manufactured some of its cars in the production plants of Zimbabwe, Indonesia, India, and South Korea, but the firm later closed these plants.
Globally, Mazda completely owns some plants, and others partially cooperate with other automobile manufacturers. Looking at the number of manufacturing facilities in different, I assume you can imagine the aura of Mazda.
Want to know more? Well, we will present a detailed analysis of where Mazda cars are made. But first, let’s look at the brand’s history.
Who Makes Mazda Cars and Where is Mazda From?
As of 2023, the Mazda Motor Corporation manufactures all Mazda vehicles. Its headquarters lie in Fuchu Aki, Hiroshima, Japan.
Mazda is a Japanese automobile manufacturer based in Hiroshima, Japan. The company’s history dates to 1920 when Toyo Cork Kyogo started as a cork manufacturing entity in Hiroshima. The brand continued this Cork Business up until 1931.
Saved from the dark shadow of bankruptcy, the firm decided to shift its business model from cork to vehicle business in 1931. Initially, the brand introduced the Mazda-Go auto rickshaw.
Following World War II, the company introduced many new models, such as Mazda Carol and Mazda R360. The firm officially changed its name to Mazda in 1984.
The company slowly started to pace off with the introduction of piston-powered and rotary-powered models. Mazda also entered the North American market within this period. Still today, North America is Mazda’s biggest single market.
A slight hint of touching the taste of motorsports lovers started to root in the 1970s as the company introduced R100 and RX-series. Mazda MX-5 Miata is also one good example in this context.
In 1974, the business formed a relationship with Ford Motor Company. In cooperation with Ford, the brand manufactured and sold several cars worldwide.
The two corporations exchanged value technology, information, and technical expertise for over four decades. Finally, the partnership with Ford ended in 2015.
The company also introduced different marques. Eunos and Autozam are such relevant examples in this context.
Mazda’s current logo, the V-shaped wings, was adopted by the company in 1997. This was slightly modified in 2015.
Production Operations of Mazda in 2023:
There are 8 countries where Mazda cars are manufactured. Let’s talk in detail about the worldwide manufacturing facilities of Mazda.
1. Mazda’s Manufacturing Facilities in Japan:
The land of the rising sun, Japan, was where Mazda initially kicked off its operations and became a global automobile brand.
First-ever car production of Mazda was done in Japan. The country houses some of Mazda’s oldest and most well-known manufacturing plants.
Mazda initially opened its first-ever car manufacturing plant in its hometown Hiroshima. This manufacturing complex lies in the Ujina district with Ujina 1 and Ujina 2 plants.
The brand manufactures some of its top-tier cars here, such as Mazda MX-5, CX-5, CX-3, CX-9, Abarth 124 Spider, Fiat 124 Spider, AND Mazda CX-30. This plant, for decades, remained the only car manufacturing plant for the company in Japan.
Mazda opened a new plant in Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan. H1 and H2 factories make the manufacturing complex.
Significant Mazda cars manufactured in the H1 plant are Mazda Demio, Axela, and CX-3. H2 plant, on the other hand, outputs Mazda Atenza and MX-3.
Last but not least, the Mazda Miyoshi plant manufactures engines for the company cars. This plant has a secondary role in the production as the original assembly and the rest of the manufacturing do not occur here.
Mazda Museum showcasing Mazda’s vintage, current, and future models lies in the Hiroshima plant.
2. Is Mazda Made in the USA?
Mazda’s manufacturing history in the United States dates back to 1987. Mazda Motor Manufacturing USA started manufacturing Mazda cars in Michigan’s Flat Rock Assembly plant.
The company manufactured Mazda 6, Mazda 626, and Mazda MX-6 here. Mazda stopped its production in the USA here in 2012.
In 2018, the company announced its collaboration with Toyota Motor to manufacture bilateral cars in the United States. The cooperation with Mazda Toyota Manufacturing recently started the production of the Corolla Cross here in September 2021.
3. Thailand:
A joint alliance between Ford and Mazda manufactures all company cars in Thailand. Auto-Alliance
Thailand, a 50:50 joint venture between Ford and Mazda, came into existence in 1995 to manufacture compact SUVs and pick-up trucks.
This plant lies in Rayong. The venture produces Mazda 2, Mazda 3, Mazda CX-3, and Mazda CX-30 here. Ford manufactures Ford Ranger and Ford Everest here.
Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing in Rayong works as an accessory plant for the company used as a production site for manufacturing engines for the new models.
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4. Is Mazda Made in China?
Mazda follows a trend that, in most cases, manufacturing is done in cooperation with other corporate manufacturers.
Following this sequence, the company partnered with Changan Automobile in China. The 50:50 joint venture’s key activity is manufacturing Mazda’s passenger vehicles for the Chinese market.
The venture came into existence back in 2012. The notable products manufactured here are Mazda3 Axela, Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-8, and Mazda CX-30. The venture is based in Nanjing, China.
5. Production Operations of Mazda in Mexico:
Mazda collaborated with Sumitomo in 2011 to manufacture vehicles in Mexico. Mazda owns a major portion of the venture (75%). Production started in Salamanca in 2014. Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation.
The company manufactures Mazda 2, Mazda 3, and Mazda CX-30 here. Salamanca plant also produces Toyota Yaris for Toyota company. This plant mainly serves the North American, South American, and European markets with Mazda vehicles.
This plant is particularly important as it serves the neighboring markets. Apart from Mazda, Ford, Toyota, and other automobile manufacturers also assemble their vehicles here in Mexico.
6. Russia:
One of Mazda’s recent advancements includes establishing manufacturing operations in Russia. A joint venture between Sollers and Mazda came into existence in 2011 called Mazda Sollers Manufacturing Rus (MSMR).
The 50:50 venture commenced production in the second half of 2012. The plant lies in Vladivostok.
Later on, the company also opened an Engine assembly and manufacturing plant in Vladivostok. This plant currently produces Mazda 6, Mazda CX-5, and Mazda CX-9.
7. Malaysia:
Next up, we have Malaysia. A licensed contractor called Inokom Corporation manufactures and assembles Mazda cars in Malaysia.
The manufacturing plant lies in Kulim district, a town in Kedah, Malaysia. In 2012, the company went into a joint venture with Bermaz in a 70:30 partnership. Bermaz Motor is now the official distributor of Mazda in Malaysia.
The construction of a separate plant for Mazda started within the Inokom Complex in 2014. The plant currently produces Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-8, models.
8. Vietnam:
VinaMazda, a joint venture between the Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda and Vietnamese manufacturer THACO, came into existence in 2011.
The company opened a factory in Nui Thanh District, having an annual production capacity of 10,000 vehicles. The plant was opened in 2011. Mazda 2 is the current production of this plant.
Is Mazda A Good Car?
Yes, Mazda is generally considered a good car brand for its affordability, reliability, and driving enjoyment.
I have seen many Mazda owners happy with their vehicles, and I can understand why. They offer a wide range of vehicles, from small cars to SUVs, that are well-regarded for their value and quality.
However, as with any brand, it is always advisable to research specific models and their features to determine if they meet your individual needs and preferences.
In my opinion, if you are looking for a reliable car that offers good value and driving enjoyment, Mazda is definitely worth considering.
Verdict:
Mazda also has its DNA in motorsport. The brand has competed in several international events and claimed some awards. The company also puts significant effort into reducing its environmental footprint.
The introduction of SkyActiv technology and the concept of Bio-Plastics to reduce its environmental impact by Mazda have made rounds in the international media.
With its manufacturing facilities spread in so many countries, there is no doubt that Mazda is a famous international brand!