Euro Auto Trends

Japan’s Mazda Motor Corp. said on Friday it would stop making the Mazda2 subcompact at Ford Motor Co.’s factory in Spain when it launches a new B-segment car next year, and instead consolidate production in Japan.

Mazda, held one-third by Ford, built 36,000 units of the Mazda2/Demio car at the Valencia plant in 2005, accounting for 9 percent of the 400,000-unit-a-year factory.

Ford of Europe spokesman Todd Nissen said the auto maker would ramp up production of existing models to make up the difference, adding that Mazda’s output had fallen to about 7 percent of the total this year.

Mazda said the relocation to its Ujina plant in Hiroshima was aimed at maximising efficiencies through economies of scale by lumping together production of its B-segment subcompact cars.

The yen’s current weakness against the euro would also help boost profits, although analysts say Mazda, which exports most of its cars it sells overseas from Japan, needs to eventually reduce its currency exposure by building more vehicles abroad.

The Ujina plant is now working at 87 percent of its capacity of 504,000 units a year, leaving room for roughly 65,000 units. Last year, the factory built 72,000 Mazda2 cars.

Production of the Mazda2 at the Valencia site, which also makes the Ford Focus, Fiesta and Ka models, began in 2003.

With global sales volume growing rapidly, Mazda is looking for ways to boost output capacity from the current 1.45 million units a year. Mazda has said it would outline such steps as part of a new mid-term business plan to be announced next spring.

By Reuters

Mazda UK is about to hit new highs in this year with record sales. This success comes on the back of the new Mazda MX-5, the new Mazda5, Mazda6 and continued buyers’ enthusiasm for the Mazda RX-8.

Mazda has built a reputation for manufacturing cars that stand out from the crowd with outstanding driving dynamics, and it is these attributes that are attracting ever more customers to the Mazda brand. Three models stand out for Mazda, all sports and performance cars and with Mazda taking 40% of the non-premium S-segment (sports cars) the Japanese marque really is Britain’s best loved sports car manufacturer.

The Mazda6 was the car that started the Mazda revolution, and last year it received a number of enhancements to the standard model. In January this year the high performance Mazda6 MPS was introduced, a subtle mixture of turbocharged 260ps MZR engine, four-wheel drive and Mazda design language that makes a welcome change to the overt styling of other Japanese performance cars.

The Ceed is a crucial new model for the fast-growing Korean automaker. Designed specifically for Europe, it is built in a brand-new factory in Slovakia and will only be sold across Europe, at least initially. The lengthy seven-year/150,000-kilometre guarantee will give the car a a^?~unique selling pointa^?? when it takes on the dominant VW Golf, Opel Astra and Ford Focus in the hard-fought European C-segment where five-door hatchback body styles dominate.

The Kia warranty covers the entire car (a^?~bumper to bumpera^?? is the US term) and there is an additional two yearsa^?? cover for the powertrain. The warranty will be free and transferable to subsequent owners, provided the vehicle is regularly maintained in accordance with the servicing schedule, though not necessarily at Kia dealers.

By just-auto.com

Mitsubishia^??s independent UK importer, the Colt Car Company, has decided to go ahead with imports of the tiny I A-class car currently on sale only in Japan. The latest Smart fortwo is based on the “i”.

With its stylish image and strong specification Mitsubishi Motors plan to position the “i” at the higher end of the A-segment with a provisional competitive price of A^?8,999. Created mainly for city based customers looking for a small, economical, yet hip car the “i” comes with a high level of standard equipment including 15″ alloy wheels, climate control, leather steering wheel and gear lever, radio/CD stereo and ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution).

The “i” features Mitsubishi’s new 660cc 3-cylinder 12-valve DOHC MIVEC intercooled turbocharged engine tuned to develop 64bhp @ 6,000 rpm and 93 Nm@3,000rpm. Exclusively mated to an INVECS-II 4-speed automatic gearbox, the “i” will achieve a 0-50mph time of 11.2 seconds with an estimated top speed of 90 mph.

Using a newly developed platform with rear-midship layout, mounting the engine under the floor just in front of the rear axle, the new “i” has exceptional interior space with a wheelbase of 2,550mm. With no engine at the front and the wheels at each corner of the bodyshell the cabin has moved forward giving an airy and roomy feel. The spacious interior is accentuated by the low-line dashboard and bowed windshield which gives panoramic views.

By Colt Car Company