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Mazda to Introduce Mazda6 to China
- Production to start in 2003 in Changchun, Jilin Province -
| Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the planned launch of the third model
onto the Chinese market - the well-received midsize Mazda6 known as Mazda
Atenza in Japan. Production of Mazda's all-new benchmark product will
start at the FAW Car Co. (FCC) Ltd. production facility located in Changchun,
Jilin. The Chinese government has authorized FCC to start production in
March 2003, using knocked down assembly sets supplied by Mazda from December
of this year.
Mazda already produces Mazda Premacy and Mazda 323 at FAW Hainan Motor Co., Ltd (FHC) in Hainan Province, south China. FCC is producing approximately 20,000 to 30,000 units of luxury passenger cars of its own brand annually. Lewis Booth, President of Mazda said, "We are delighted to have this opportunity to introduce the excellent Mazda6 to China. As the Chinese market expands, our strong relationship with FCC, with their expertise in car manufacturing in China, is critical to our ability to produce products of true Mazda quality that will really satisfy our customers. In addition to FHC in south China, having a production site at FCC in north China will also help us reinforce our business in China." The Mazda6 was introduced in Japan in May. Available in three body styles (sedan, sport, and sport wagon), it has generated an enthusiastic response from customers thanks to its styling, dynamic performance, exceptional packaging, functionality, and craftsmanship. The sales for the model reached around 10,000 units as of the end of July after it was introduced onto the domestic market, and the order bank has reached some 36,000 units in Europe by the middle of July. Mazda aims to break fresh ground in the fast-growing and competitive midsize car market segment in China by successfully launching the sporty Mazda6 sedan, as the lead hitter. The Mazda6 will go on sale in Mazda's exclusive dealerships, which will rise to 70 in number throughout China by next spring. The sales volume of the vehicle is expected to reach 15,000 units in 2003. The Mazda6 will be the third Mazda model to be produced in China with the Mazda Premacy launched in June 2001 and Mazda 323 launched last month. The Mazda6 is expected to strengthen Mazda's brand presence further, which will support sales and market share growth. Mazda has been steadily implementing its Millennium Plan (mid-term
business plan) announced in November 2000, and achieved significant
financial turnaround in fiscal year 2001. The current fiscal year has
been positioned as the first year of product-led growth under the plan.
During this significant year, we plan to launch a series of new-generation
products in a number of markets around the world. Mazda is determined
to achieve successful business growth through full implementation of
the Millennium Plan. |
