HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today began production of the all-new Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) at its Thai manufacturing facility, AutoAlliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (AAT). The plant makes the all-new Mazda3 for the Thai market, where it will go on sale on March 18.

A ceremony held today at AAT to commemorate the start of production was attended by approximately 300 people, including AAT President Kenneth Minielly, the local sales company and other related parties. Mazda's Representative Director, President and CEO, Masamichi Kogai, Managing Executive Officers Kiyotaka Shobuda and Takahisa Sori, and Executive Officer, Hiroshi Inoue also took part in the ceremony.

All-new Mazda3

In his speech at the ceremony, Mazda President Masamichi Kogai said, "AAT is one Mazda's most important production facilities in terms of the future growth of our business. Thailand is the center of our business in the ASEAN region and the start of production of the SKYACTIV-equipped all-new Mazad3 indicates that our business has begun a new stage in this country. We want Mazda cars to enrich people's lives. We want our customers to feel connected to Mazda by a special bond, and to become an irreplaceable presence in their life. Moving forward, together with our business partners, dealers, and suppliers, we will continue to grow our business while making a contribution to the Thai automotive industry at the same time."

AAT began producing the Mazda3 in January 2011 and has produced 12,661 units to date^*1. Globally, in addition to AAT, the all-new Mazda3 is produced at Mazda's Hofu Plant in Japan, and MMVO^*2 in Mexico. Production of the first generation Mazda3 began in June, 2003 and total production reached 4 million units in January, 2014, making it the fastest Mazda model to reach the landmark figure.

• *1 As of January, 2014
• *2 Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation