Potential for sales growth and core commonalities were the driving force behind Mazda Motor Corp.'s recent ground-breaking in Mexico. The Japanese automaker partnered with Sumitomo Corp., a division of the Sumitomo Group, to open a new facility there last month. Based out of the city of Salamanca in the state of Guanajuato, Mazda Motor Manufacturing de Mexico will produce the MAZDA2 and MAZDA3.

Created for the Central and South American markets, these two models will be based off of the current Demio and Axela models that are available in Japan. The cranks will start turning at the facility around March of 2013 with a production capacity of 140,000 units. According to a statement from Mazda, the plant will manufacture both vehicles and engines.

While the new sector will provide significant expansion in Mexico and its surrounding market, company officials had more than just one geographical player in mind when making the decision. Sumitomo VP Kazuo Ohmori says, "By integrating our strengths with those of our strategic partner, Mazda Motor Corp., and those of Mexico and Japan, I believe our joint venture will grow to become world class, and will help us to contribute to the development of both countries."¹

In addition to mutual interest and a respect for community, a promising market also drew in the two companies. Six years ago, Mazda opened up sales in Mexico. Since then, it has sold over 25,000 vehicles and gained over three percent of the market share. The automaker's President and CEO, Takashi Yamanouchi also noted that they have "experienced a remarkable acceptance from the people of Mexico."²

The MAZDA2 and MAZDA3 are not available in the U.S., however Tulley Mazda has plenty of new Mazda models that are. If you're interested in taking a test drive, either contact us online to set up a time or just stop by our convenient location at 147 Daniel Webster Highway in Nashua, NH.

Source: ^1,2http://www.torquenews.com/1063/mazda-building-factory-mexico-make-mazda2-mazda3-2014