Mazda to stop production at two Japan plants due to parts issue

Updated Mar 28, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

A surge in COVID-19 cases in China was identified as one of the reasons.

Japanese automaker Mazda announced that it will be suspending operations at its two facilities in Japan for two days in April, on account of parts shortages. 

Mazda Hiroshima plant

Mazda's production operations in Japan will come to a halt on April 4 and 5 

According to a Reuters report, the company will be stopping production operations at its Hiroshima and Yamaguchi factories on April 4 and 5, 2022. The company was quoted as saying that a surge in COVID-19 cases in mainland China is one of the factors behind an expected shortfall in components. 

The announcement comes in the aftermath of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan off the coast of the Fukushima region last March 16, killing at least four people and injuring dozens. Thousands of Japanese citizens were left without power, including those in the capital of Tokyo.

Mazda’s Hiroshima plant manufactures the CX-30 subcompact and CX-9 midsize crossovers as well as the MX-5 roadster, all of which are exported to the Philippines. It also manufactures the Fiat 124 Spider for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles under Stellantis. 

Mazda Hofu plant

A number of models stands to be affected, including those for the Philippine market  

Meanwhile, the Hofu factory in Yamaguchi Prefecture is responsible for assembling the Mazda 3 compact sedan and hatchback along with the Mazda 6 midsize sedan and CX-3 subcompact crossover. No details were given as to how many units will be affected by the work stoppage.   

Mazda previously reported that its Japanese production output decreased by 2 percent in January 2022 compared to the same month in 2021. There were only 9,867 Mazda3 units and 5,997 CX-30 units produced in the first month of the year, representing a drop of 13.3 percent and 20.6 percent, respectively. Only the CX-5 ended up with 33,636 units for the period, an increase of 22.8 percent.    

The automaker has assured its dealers and customers that the suspension will have no effect on the automaker’s other facilities, notably the Mazda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (MMSB) plant in Kulim and the AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) in Rayong. This means that the Philippine market will still receive stocks of the Mazda 2 small hatchback, as well as the CX-5 compact and CX-8 midsize crossovers. 

Our updates on industry developments don’t stop at Philkotse.com. 

Know more about Mazda CX-30 2024

Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is a 5-seater subcompact crossover that is seated in between the CX-3 and CX-5 in the local lineup. It is available in the Philippines in only one variant with a price of Php 1,995,000. Under the hood of the CX-30 Sport variants is a 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G (gasoline) engine capable of generating 152 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the CX-30 M Hybrid uses the same engine but is paired with the brand's Mild Hybrid (M Hybrid) technology. Power is sent to either the front wheels or all wheels (AWD) via a 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive (automatic transmission).

In terms of dimensions, the CX-30 spans 4,395 mm in length, 1,795 mm in width, and 1,540 mm in height, with a wheelbase and ground clearance rated at 2,655 mm and 180 mm, respectively. Locally, this Japanese subcompact crossover is competing against the likes of the Peugeot 2008, Subaru XV, and Kia Seltos.

 

Mazda CX-30 Launch

Mazda Philippines first introduced the CX-30 in November 2019 together with the CX-8 crossover. At launch, it came in four variants in two different layouts. Introductory prices started from P1,490,000 for the base 2WD Pro variant and went up to P1,990,000 for the top-spec AWD Signature variant.

For the newest version, Mazda offers the CX-30 in one variant. It's the 2.0L AT HEV.

Mazda CX-30 Exterior

The design philosophy of the Mazda CX-30 is called "charge and release” which is a concept drawn up by Japanese artist, Ryo Yanagisawa. Following the brand’s latest evolution of the Kodo design language, the vehicle is decorated with minimal lines and smooth curves. It creates the perfect balance of an athletic yet refined stance.
 
All three trims are equipped with 18"Alloy Wheels, LED Adaptive Front-Lighting System and LED Running Lamps, rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding side mirrors.

Mazda CX-30 exterior

Mazda CX-30 side end

Mazda CX-30 rear end

Mazda CX-30 headlight

Mazda CX-30 logo

Mazda CX-30 Interior

For this model, the CX-30's driver’s seat is equipped with a 10-way Power Adjust while the front passenger gets a 6-way Manual Adjust system. All trims also come standard with black leather seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic air-conditioning, a push-to-start button, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel column, among others.

Mazda CX-30 interior

Mazda CX-30 seats

Technology & Safety Features

The Mazda CX-30 is equipped with Mazda Connect which can be accessed through an 8.8" LCD Monitor. Phone connectivity can be coursed through USB ports, Bluetooth, & Smartphone Mirroring. A 12-speaker BOSE Sound System is standard for all trims.
 
In terms of safety, Mazda came up with an extensive list of features for the CX-30. All variants now have i-Activsense. This includes blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and radar cruise control, among others.

Platform & Chassis

The 5-door SUV’s suspension comes with in the form of McPherson Strut in front and Torsion Beam at the rear. Its stopping power comes from Front Ventilated Discs and Rear Solid Discs through an Electric Parking Brake with Auto Brake Hold.

Engine & Drivetrain

Powering the Mazda CX-30 Philippines is an automatic hybrid 2.0L engine. The engine produces 162 hp at 6,000 rpm.

Available colors for the Mazda CX-30 are Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Polymetal Gray, Deep Crystal Blue, and Platinum Quartz.

The Mazda CX-30 has a diverse drivetrain option, a feature that is unmatched by its rivals such as the Subaru XV and Peugeot 2008.

Mazda CX-30 Pros & Cons

 Pros Cons
 
  • Available with AWD

  • A contemporary design with rugged touches

  • Impressive handling

  • Relatively expensive

Mazda CX-30 FAQs

1. What are the competitors of the Mazda CX-30?

The Mazda CX-30 is against Peugeot 2008, Subaru XV, Kia Seltos, etc.

2. How much is the Mazda CX-30?

The Mazda CX-30 is priced at ₱1,995,000.

3. Is the Mazda CX-30 2024 an SUV?

Technically, the Mazda CX-3 is a compact crossover.

4. Does the CX-30 come with all-wheel drive?

Yes, two top-spec CX-30 variants are both available with all-wheel drive.

5. How is the Mazda CX-30 different from the CX-3?

The Mazda CX-30 is slotted between the CX-3 and the CX-5. As a compact crossover, the CX-30 is bigger than its sibling CX-3 which is marketed as a subcompact crossover.

 

 

₱ 1,790,000 - ₱ 1,990,000

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

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