Mazda stops building the North American Mazda6 in the USA

[ahmed_7erzon]

The rumors which announced Mazda's plans to stop building the Mazda6 at the AutoAlliance International plant in Michigan, have recently been confirmed by Mazda representatives. Mazda established the AAI plant in 1985, but it became a 50-50 joint venture between the Japanese carmaker and Ford Motor Company in 1992, when the name was changed to AutoAlliance International, Inc. The plant runs jointly with Ford, after the mid-size sedan's current cycle ends. However, Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan, is going to take over Mazda6's replacement for the North American market. It appears that the decision was based on the firm's priorities to increase global manufacturing efficiencies. Takashi Yamanouchi, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Co, stated that their intention was to transfer production of their next CD-car for North America from AAI and consolidate it at Hofu in order to obtain improvement of the production and investment efficiencies, together with an optimization of their business. He added that they were committed to working with Ford, their joint venture partner in AAI to identify potential future opportunities for the plant. More than 1.7 million Mazda vehicles have been churned out over the years, among which the MX-6, 626 were included. Ford Mustang is also produced by the factory. Mazda and Ford have developed a close relationship for over 30 years, collaborating on projects where they were mutual benefits and both companies remained committed to continuing this strategic partnership. Ford has not released any comments related to Mazda's decision to interrupt the activity at the factory in Michigan.