Mazda Produces Over One Million Units in Japan in Fiscal Year 2007

- Production volume reaches highest level in 15 years -

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that domestic production in Japan during fiscal year 2007 has exceeded one million units. This marks Mazda’s highest domestic production volume in 15 years since 1992.

Masaharu Yamaki, senior managing executive officer in charge of production and business logistics, said, “We want to thank all of our valued customers across the globe who have supported Mazda and helped us break the previous 15 year-old production record. Producing over one million vehicles in Japan during the first year of our new mid-term plan, the Mazda Advancement Plan, is extremely significant. This achievement shows we are on track to reach the targets set out in the plan. We will strive to maintain this momentum and drive Mazda’s growth forward.”

Announced in March 2007, the Mazda Advancement Plan (MAP) includes business targets to be achieved in fiscal year 2010, namely: 1.6 million global retail sales, an operating profit over 200 billion yen, a return on sales (ROS) ratio of six percent, and a stable payout of dividends. In order to achieve these targets, Mazda will leverage its annual straight time production capacity in Japan, which is currently 996,000 units per year.

Mazda2 

CX-9 

Some of the highest selling models include the new Mazda2 (or Mazda Demio in Japan) and CX-9. Congratulations yet again goes out to Mazda Motor Corp. and all the Mazda Enthusiasts worldwide!

The Mazda Protégé came from the Mazda Familia, FG3G and Allegro body types constructed in Japan and South America. Also known as the “BG” and “BH” model, it was originally available both in front and all-wheel drives. Even though the vehicle was slightly more expensive than some of its mid-size competitors because of its manufacturing in Japan (the most notable competition came in the form of Toyota’s Corolla), the Mazda Protégé was a huge success. This was due mostly to its size and excellent steering responsiveness.

In 1999 a redesigned “BJ” series was introduced and became well-known in the form of a 5-door hatchback Protégé5 in 2002. In 2001, the entire Protégé line-up was advanced yet again with improved audio systems, advanced suspension and a sleeker visual design. The Protégé targeted younger, hipper drivers who wanted performance but did not want to dump $50 into the gas tank each fill up.

October 2003 saw the end of the Mazda Protégé as the company evolved 4-door compacts to the Mazda3. Again, Mazda3 targeted a younger car buyer who demanded performance and efficiency. But the Protégé is not dead everywhere. For its 13 production years it was one of the highest selling compacts in Canada. You can’t walk two blocks in Montreal without seeing several different year models in front of houses and apartments. The Protégé body-type still remains in Taiwan as the Mazda Isamu Genki and in some South American countries, still named Allegro.

One fact is certain – the Mazda Protégé will always remain a classic to all who appreciate Mazda design and reliability.