Following the example already set by several brands worldwide, Mazda also decided to adjust production in response to the threat of the coronavirus.
The Japanese brand justifies this decision based on the difficulties in purchasing parts, the drop in sales in foreign markets and the uncertainty in terms of future sales.
As such, Mazda's production adjustment in response to the coronavirus threat will result in a reduction in production volumes globally in March and April, partially shifting this production into the second quarter of the next Fiscal Year.
Mazda Measures
With regard to the plants in Hiroshima and Hofu, Japan, in the period between March 28 and April 30, Mazda will suspend production for 13 days and operate for eight days only in day shifts.
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Part of this production will be transferred to the second quarter of the Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2021 (or even later).
As for factories outside Japan, Mazda will stop production in Mexico for about 10 days, starting on March 25th, and in Thailand for an identical period, but only starting on March 30th.
Finally, in terms of sales, Mazda will maintain its operations in some countries such as China or Japan. In regions such as Europe, the brand will take appropriate measures to implement policies to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and to minimize “the impact on sales and service operations with its customers”.