Mazda plans to achieve a 250,000 annual production figure at its MMVO (Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation) manufacturing plant by the end of fiscal year 2016.
The site currently manufactures the 3 but as of last week the smaller 2/Demio supermini/subcompact (pictured) also went into production, destined for showrooms across the world at the start of next year.
The plant president, Mr. Keishi Egawa had this to say at the production start ceremony: “With the start of production of the all-new Mazda2, operations underway at the engine machining plant, and an increase in our annual production capacity, we now have an even stronger production framework capable of supplying global markets with SKYACTIV products of the same high quality level as those made in Japan. At the same time, we are pleased to be able to make a contribution to Mexico’s further economic growth.”
The Mazda2 is not only manufactured in Mexico, though, as factories in Japan and Thailand also build it for various local markets.
We don’t yet know a great deal about what the car will be like, though if the larger 3 is any indication, the 2 could be quite a treat in its class, if its larger brother’s fun-to-drive character is retained. Interior solidity and quality are also highlights of the larger hatchback, and we’ll have to see how much they’ve been watered down for the 2.
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