Mazda, Mitsubishi Bet on Mexican Production
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Mazda, Mitsubishi Bet on Mexican Production

Photo by:   Unsplash, Beze Vision
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Alfonso Núñez By Alfonso Núñez | Journalist & Industry Analyst - Wed, 02/23/2022 - 16:39

Japanese automakers Mitsubishi Motors and Mazda Motors are increasing their reliance on Mexican manufacturing and raising their production goals and the number of models manufactured in the country following their growth in sales during 2021.

 

“While the last couple of years have been complicated for the automotive industry in general, at Mitsubishi Motors Mexico we have learned to adapt and evolve to grow continuously and overcome challenges,” said Jorge Vallejo, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors Mexico.

 

Despite challenges in the market, Mitsubishi reached its largest market share in its history in Mexico with 3.01 percent. After having sold 17,870 units in 2021, a massive increase of 71 percent in comparison to 2020, the company announced a new goal of selling over 20,000 vehicles during 2022. Globally, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation had an annual growth in sales of 21 percent compared to 2020 and a growth of 55 percent in North American sales during that year.

 

Mitsubishi will look to further strengthen the regional presence of its Outlander PHEV, Mirage G4, L200, Xpander and Xpander Cross, the last of which was launched in Mexico last year. To do so, the company will consolidate strategies in fleet supply, implement programs for used vehicles and train its distributors. It will also implement a new image in 60 percent of its dealerships throughout 2022.

 

“In just our third year of operation we have consolidated ourselves as the Top 13 in global sales. The high rentability and great performance of our network of distributors, topped with the launch of two new units in the country, will continue consolidating our presence and strength,” said Vallejo.

 

Meanwhile, the Japanese auto brand Mazda announced it will transfer the manufacture of its CX-3 from Hiroshima, Japan, to Salamanca, Guanajuato. The CX-3 arrived in Mexico in 2015 and units had to be imported from Japan. Now, the CX-3 will join the brand’s CX-30, Mazda 2 and Mazda 3 as the models produced in Salamanca.

 

“I am proud that the Mexican labor force is a point of reference and that Mazda continues betting in Mexico, one of the most important regions for the company,” said Miguel Barbeyto, President, Mazda Mexico.

 

The Salamanca plant employs over 5,000 people locally but had to pause production last week due to the ongoing semiconductor shortage. This was the plant’s first halt in manufacturing during 2022. However, despite these ongoing challenges, Mazda and Mitsubishi continue betting on Mexico for the production of their vehicles.

Photo by:   Unsplash, Beze Vision

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