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 three variants with a price that ranges from Php 1,790,000 to Php 1,990,000. 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.

₱ 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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