AutoAlliance International, Inc., the joint manufacturing venture owned by Mazda Motor Corporation and Ford Motor Company, celebrated today (June 2, EST) the 2 millionth vehicle production which was achieved in 11 years and 9 months since the plant opened in September 1987.

AAI, located in Flat Rock, Michigan, held a commemorative ceremony from 11:40 (EST) (June 3, 0:40, JST). The 2 millionth vehicle, a Mazda 626, was driven off the assembly line with the presence of AAI employees and celebrities including Mayer of Flat Rock and the UAW officials. Yoichiro Furuse of Mazda (Board Chairman of AAI and Senior Managing Director of Mazda Motor Corporation), and Henry D. G. Wallace of Ford Motor Company (Group Vice President in charge of Asia Pacific Operations) also joined Bruce Bowman (President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of AAI) to celebrate the landmark achievement.

The plant started producing vehicles originally as a Mazda-owned facility called Mazda Motor Manufacturing (USA) Corp. It became a 50-50 joint venture between Ford and Mazda in June 1992. Bruce Bowman stated, "Locally, we've made a significant impact on the economy and the quality of life here. And for this industry, we've been able to use the best ideas and practices for both Ford and Mazda. This facility really is a model for the future-for new and better ways of manufacturing vehicles globally."

The plant currently produces Mazda 626 and Mercury Cougar. Out of 2 million vehicles, Mazda brand vehicles accounted for 1,030,000 units and Ford brand vehicles 970,000 units.

AAI plans to produce 171,000 units for the calendar year 1999, which will exceed the production volume in 1998.