HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it will commence local assembly of the Mazda2 in Vietnam in October 2011. The Mazda2^*1 will be produced at a newly-constructed assembly plant owned by Vina Mazda Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd^*2 in the Nui Thanh district of Quang Nam province. Sales of the locally assembled Mazda2 in Vietnam will also begin in October 2011. Mazda expects the Mazda2 to become one of its mainstay products in the Vietnamese market and plans to produce approximately 2,000 units per year.

Vina Mazda is Mazda's exclusive local distributor in Vietnam. It began selling completely built-up Mazda models (Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-9 from Japan; BT-50 from Thailand) in March 2011. Mazda decided to begin local assembly of the Mazda2 in Vietnam as part of its plan to accelerate business growth in emerging markets under its Framework for Medium- and Long-Term Initiatives.

Mazda2
(detailed specifications of the model shown may differ from the locally-assembled model)

Yuji Nakamine, Mazda's Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer responsible for Oversight of Global Marketing, Sales and Customer Service, said, "Mazda is commencing local assembly of the Mazda2 as the first step in an aggressive business strategy for Vietnam. With a large proportion of its approximately 90 million people in their 30s or under, Vietnam is one of the most youthful and promising emerging markets. Going forward, we are confident that the Mazda2 will further elevate our brand recognition and become a driving force for our future business growth in Vietnam."

Since its launch, the Mazda2 has been acclaimed around the world for its stylish design, sporty driving performance and outstanding eco-friendly features. It has received more than 50 awards globally, including Car of the Year in over 20 countries and 2008 World Car of the Year.

*1 Five-door hatchback model with 1.5-liter gasoline engine

*2 100-percent locally-owned automobile assembly and sales company with no capital ties to Mazda