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Mazda Commences Production of Mazda 2 at New Passenger Car Plant in Thailand

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that it has commenced production of the Mazda 2.(known as Mazda Demio in Japan) at the new passenger car plant at AutoAlliance Thailand Co., Ltd..(AAT),.. joint venture manufacturing facility with Ford Motor Company. Mazda 2 units produced at AAT will be sold mainly in the ASEAN markets.

To celebrate the start of production, AAT today held . ceremony at the new passenger car plant in Rayong’. Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate. The ceremony was attended by executive officers from Mazda ’. head office in Japan, including Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer Masazumi Wakayama and Managing Executive Officer Yuji Nakamine.

The Thai-produced Mazda 2 will be one of Mazda ’. core products in the ASEAN region, with ASEAN sales targeted at approximately 20,000 units per year.

“The Thai-produced Mazda 2 will be a key element in Mazda ’s future growth in the ASEAN region, which is continuing to see growing demand for small cars. We consider that the Mazda 2 model will also play a pivotal role in Mazda ’s global strategy,” said Mazda ’s Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer, Masazumi Wakayama, before the ceremony.

“Since its launch, the Mazda 2 has received more than 50 awards globally, including Car of the Year in over 20 countries. In 2008, Mazda 2 was named World Car of the Year, acclaimed for its beautiful design, sporty driving performance, and outstanding eco-friendly features,” added Wakayama. “I firmly believe that the Mazda 2 being built at our state-of-the-art facility in Thailand will make an immense contribution toward establishing the Mazda brand in ASEAN markets and will be our main driving force in the region as we go forward.”